Alfie Watts in Kuala Lumpur. Photo Credit Alfie Watts
Tourism Malaysia London is thrilled to support Alfie Watts, the recent winner of BBC’s ‘Race Across the World’ 2024 (UK), in his inspiring new charity initiative, “Football Starts With Hope,” taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this summer.
Alfie Watts, the founder of RefPro – a community-focused football organisation – is set to launch this project to help disadvantaged children access and enjoy football. The initiative will provide substantial kits, equipment, and coaching sessions to young people. RefPro has partnered with The Lost Food Project Charity (TLFP), Charity Boots, and KitAid to deliver this impactful project.
The primary beneficiaries of the kit distribution will be the Orang Asli communities in the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur. The project will start with TLFP fundraising to raise awareness for food rescue efforts, followed by the football initiative. Alfie and his team plan to engage with local communities, using football as a medium to connect and give back.
Special guest Daniel Pinto, known as DNZH.travels on social media, will join the project. With over 463k followers on TikTok and 77k on Instagram, Daniel brings further visibility to the initiative – in addition to Alfie’s 24k following on Instagram. The project kicks off in August.
The idea for “Football Starts With Hope” was born when Alfie visited The Lost Food Project in Kuala Lumpur. Volunteers at The Lost Food Project rescue surplus food from Kuala Lumpur’s Central Market and distribute it to residents in need across the city.
Inspired by the work of The Lost Food Project, combined with the city’s vibrant culture and the love for football among Malaysians, Alfie wanted to find a way to give back to the local communities using his football connections.
Alfie Watts shared his enthusiasm for the project:
“I was incredibly moved by my time in Kuala Lumpur and wanted to find a way to give back. The passion for football in Malaysia is immense, and it felt like a natural fit to use the sport to make a positive impact. I loved everything about Kuala Lumpur – from its bustling streets to its welcoming people. This project is a way for me to combine my love for football with supporting a community which I found so welcoming, and I hope it brings joy and opportunities to the children involved.”
Speaking about his travel experience in Malaysia overall, which included Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Georgetown Penang, Ipoh, and Melaka, Alfie said:
“My time in Malaysia was nothing short of extraordinary. From the iconic sights of Kuala Lumpur to the serene beauty of Langkawi, every moment was an adventure. Georgetown in Penang impressed me with its unique blend of history and modernity, while Ipoh’s culinary delights and heritage sites were unforgettable. Melaka, with its rich history, culture and incredible architecture, was captivating. The warmth and hospitality of the Malaysian people left a lasting impression on me. I felt inspired by the country’s vibrant spirit and natural beauty, which fuelled my passion to give back to the community through this project. I hope to create lasting positive impacts and meaningful connections through ‘Football Starts With Hope’.”
The accommodation partner supporting the trip is Sunway Resort Hotel, an iconic establishment located in the heart of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination that seamlessly integrates a multitude of business and leisure facilities including a theme park, a mega shopping and entertainment mall, medical centre and more.
Tourism Malaysia London is proud to support this meaningful initiative, reinforcing its commitment to fostering community development and promoting Malaysia as a destination rich in culture and opportunities.