Notts County Supporters Trust is using the national Fairtrade Fortnight campaign Change Today, Choose Fairtrade (26th February – 11th March) to raise awareness of conditions in the sporting goods/sportswear industry and to promote the use of Fairtrade footballs.

Pakistan is at the centre of the export football trade, where exploitative working conditions and child labour in football manufacturing still exist. The footballs being used during the half-time entertainment at this Saturday’s encounter between Notts County and local rivals Mansfield Town have achieved the Fairtrade mark, which certifies the highest standards of production and guarantees buyers that workers are being treated fairly.

In the case of Fairtrade footballs a ‘social premium’ is paid which supports childcare, education, and credit schemes, so that the whole community benefits. A basic health scheme is also provided, whilst all stitchers and their ages have to be registered to make sure that no underage workers are employed.

The Supporters Trust is backing the use of footballs that have not been produced by workers with poor pay and conditions.

David Hindley, the Trust’s Community Officer, said: "Fair play is of course vital to the beautiful game - but not only on the pitch. We need to do what we can to ensure those involved in all aspects of the game are treated fairly, including workers in developing countries.”

He added: “Having read about the awful conditions some football stitchers worked in, the shocking amount of money they get paid, and the huge numbers of children involved in the football trade, the Trust felt that we could do our bit to raise awareness of Fair Trade”.

“Hopefully in turn we can make a real difference to the lives of people living on the other side of the world”.

For more information on Fairtrade Fortnight visit: http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/