Hibernian have sent shirts and training gear to children at a school in Africa as part of a new scheme aimed at helping to inspire young people with additional needs.

The Scottish Premiership side has joined forces with Marlene Shiels, chief executive of club partners Capital Credit Union, to support children in Kakamega County in western Kenya by using the power of football to inspire young people to aim high and achieve their goals. 

A number of Hibs jerseys were sent to St Don Bosco School in Likuyani, which provides an education for children with additional needs such as physical impairments or cerebral palsy. The football shirts are used by the school as an incentive to reward pupils who excel in any discipline, including sporting or academic success. 

Five children were recently awarded Hibs shirts after performing well at the Disabled Athletics Championships, and the Easter Road side plans to continue supporting Capital Credit Union, and the pupils. 

Welcoming a new facet of Capital Credit Union's partnership with Hibs, CEO Marlene Shiels said: "Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the smiles on the faces of children who are given the opportunity to dream bigger and achieve more.

"Thanks to the incredible partnership with Hibs, we are able to bring a little bit of joy and inspiration to the young people at St Don Bosco School in Kenya.

"I am immensely proud to be part of this initiative and I look forward to seeing these children continue to thrive with the support they deserve.”

Hibs commercial director Murray Milligen added: "We’re delighted we've been able to support Capital Credit Union and Marlene to help the youngsters at St Don Bosco School in Kenya.

“As a club, we’re always looking at ways we can support not only our community and partners, but people worldwide.”