FA visit to Malawi

Tuesday, 30th August 2005

Discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and the International Development Secretary Hilary Benn, late in 2004, resulted in a proposal that the Football Association could work in partnership with HM Government on an HIV/AIDS mission in Africa. Malawi was proposed as the venue for such a visit with England players, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and David James taking part



Timing was crucial. A small window of opportunity between the FA cup final and the start of an England Tour in late May 2005 exisited. This demanded the use of a private plane. A Gulfstream 550 was chartered to complete the hectic 3 day mission. Day 1 involved a 10 hour direct flight from London Luton to Lilongwe, day 2 from Lilongwe to Blantyre and finally on day 3 a grueling 18 º hour flight from Blantyre to Chicago. This final leg involved just 1 technical stop en route and allowed the England players to visit Africa whilst still joining their team mates in the USA for training.