FORMER Liverpool FC trialist Nathan Green is to travel to a war-torn African country to teach football skills and possibly discover the next Didier Drogba.

The 21-year-old from Hope, will travel to Rwanda in July to coach boys and girls aged between five and 18 to help families still recovering from the devastation caused by the genocide committed there in 1994.

Nathan, who is studying history at the University of Sussex, will teach hundreds of youngsters under Project Umubano, which is partnered with UK charity the Survivors Fund.

He said: “I am from a somewhat disadvantaged background and football was always a huge escape for me. I was quite successful and spent time on trial with Liverpool when I was 15.”

After suffering a serious injury while at the club, Nathan was faced with a tough decision as he also had difficulties attending training sessions.

He said: “It was a pretty big experience. I was a Liverpool fan and I always loved football. I had a lot of physiotherapy. It was then a choice between football and academia and I chose the safe route.”

Nathan, who still plays up front for his university team, is now hoping he can make a real difference to the lives of those in Rwanda.

He said: “I want to give other people the chance to follow their dream of being the next Didier Drogba. They all want to be him, he is a superstar.

“Football made me feel free and independent. It is a powerful feeling and to give somebody else that feeling is pretty amazing.”

Liverpool FC has provided a donation of replica shirts but Nathan is also looking for local firms to help out.

He said: “I would love to be able to take equipment for all of the children I will be coaching. If I am able to find a local store which will provide me with any more equipment it would be brilliant.”

You can contact Nathan on 07834473761.