The Old Edwardians Now Club in the diaspora on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, donated money to 44 former players of the club, as well as to the best player of 2025. The ceremony took place at the school grounds in Kingtom, Freetown.
Mr. Patrick Dixon, Vice President of the organization, assured current players that if they excel in the National League this year, their incentives would be increased, urging them to give their best performance. He explained that the donation aims to motivate former players and stressed that the club would not abandon them. He also recalled that last year the team finished in sixth place in the league and encouraged them to aim for the trophy this year.
Mr. Dixon revealed that the funds donated came from the monthly contributions of 22 members, each contributing 20 dollars, and appealed to other ex-players in the diaspora to join their initiative. He noted that the organization, formed in 1980, has been making annual donations to former players since 2016.
Reflecting on his passion for the club, Mr. Dixon recalled a moment of heartbreak when Ports Authority defeated the team 6-0, attributing the loss to financial challenges at the time. He also shared plans to establish the Nahim Khadi Foundation, which will offer scholarships to pupils of the school who excel academically and in sports.
The beneficiaries of the donation were selected from the ex-players’ executive in Freetown. Mr. Dixon encouraged ex-players to initiate income-generating projects to become self-reliant, assuring them of support as long as accountability is maintained. He further urged them to meet monthly to reminisce and maintain the bonds of brotherhood, emphasizing the club’s commitment to helping less fortunate members.
Some of the former players interviewed commended the gesture and promised to utilize the funds judiciously. The highlight of the ceremony was the distribution of the donations.
