KEEPY-UP the pressure on G8 countries to honour their aid commitments to poorer nations – so says Oxfam.

The Oxford-based charity has joined forces with Oxford United’s youth team players to launch a new video initiative called Don’t Drop the Ball on Aid!

Keepy-up is the name given to the skill of continually keeping a football moving using the feet, knees or other parts of the body without letting the ball hit the ground.

Now the charity, which has its head office in Cowley, is encouraging people across the globe to film their football tricks and post them online to raise awareness of the importance of aid.

John Whetton, 21, the UK freestyle football champion, who competed at the world championships in Brazil, launched the campaign alongside members of Oxford United’s Academy squad at their training base off Horspath Road, in Cowley.

He also performed a keepy-up display for onlookers in Cornmarket in the city centre.

He said: “I have been doing these skills for about five or six years and I really enjoy it.

“Oxfam has come up with a good idea and I’m glad to be able to help them with their campaign.”

The campaign coincides with the World Cup, which is being hosted by South Africa this summer. Oxfam hopes it will promote its work to improve healthcare and education in Africa. Ian Sullivan, Oxfam’s digital director, said: “We’re not asking people for donations – we are asking people to film their skills with their phones or camcorders and upload it on to our website.

“If we can get people from around the world to put footage on the website, it will send a message to the G8 countries that we want them to maintain their aid commitments.

“With the World Cup coming up, it’s a good time to use football to send a message to major governments that they shouldn’t drop the ball on aid.”

Academy player Adam Bayliss, 18, from Kennington, said: “I can do a few tricks – round-the-world is my favourite – and I think as many people as possible should practise keepy-ups, because it really helps to improve your first touch on the pitch.”

Also at the launch was Harry Hardy, 83, who still referees games in the Long Eaton Sunday League in Derbyshire.

Oxfam spokesman Sarah Dransfield added: “John’s skills are amazing.”

For campaign details, see oxfam.org.uk