FOOTBALL-MAD pubgoers are being asked to dig out old soccer shirts for disadvantaged youngsters in South Africa.

Two Weymouth pubs have joined forces to help launch the football-themed charity campaign ahead of this year’s World Cup.

The Old Rooms Inn and the Spyglass Inn want customers to donate unwanted jerseys for children in Masiphumelele to wear.

They are also asking punters to help raise cash for football facilities for youngsters – both in Africa and the UK.

The new initiative – called Project Fair Play – has been launched by the Orchid Group, which runs the Old Rooms in Cove Row and the Spyglass at Bowleaze.

It kicks off with the shirt amnesty and Weymouth revellers are being encouraged to hand over all unwanted football tops – particularly children’s ones.

Youngsters at the Ukhanyo School, Masiphumelele will proudly don the donated jerseys as they watch the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Old Rooms general manager Paul Smith said: “What better way to raise funds for our latest charity drive than through our biggest passion?

“Knowing how much our customers love their football, we’re sure there’s going to be no shortage of old shirts coming out of the closet for the Shirt Amnesty.

“It’s a great initiative. We’ve already got about 20 shirts in, and that’s even before the official launch.”

Both pubs are also raising money by asking punters to take part in a ‘Golden Balls’ competition at £1 a go – with prizes of FA Cup tickets up for grabs.

The cash will go towards building a new sports ground at the Ukhanyo School through the Happy Africa Foundation and kitting it out with Alive and Kicking balls.

The specially-created balls are tough – made using African leather for use on African terrain – and carry important Aids and malaria message.

Project Fair Play funds will also help purchase Fairtrade footballs for sports projects for disabled and disadvantaged children in the UK, through charity KidsOut.

Teresa Gibson, who manages the Spyglass with husband Ronald, said: “Project Fair Play is set to make this year’s World Cup even more special for everyone at the pub.

“We’ll be enjoying the on-pitch excitement knowing that we’re helping to make football a fantastic experience for youngsters here and in South Africa too.

“We’ve got a few football fans on the staff and it’s just a really nice idea. We’ve got two collection boxes.”