GLASGOW has a long tradition of providing support for communities in Malawi and many projects have helped thousands to a better life.

The football partnership is yet another example that will lead to people in the African country having more opportunities and will be a boost to health and sport.

Funding and expertise has been used in education exchange projects, with the council bringing teachers and young people to Glasgow to help them gain experience they can take back home, and in return, people here are able to learn and develop personally and professionally through the interaction.

The aim of the football exchange is not to turn people into professionals, but to help give children in Malawi the same opportunities available to others here and around the world.

Aid and development assistance comes in many forms and as well as emergency relief, the building work and community projects Glasgow is involved in is helping build a better future for many in Malawi.

And if one day we are both in the World Cup Finals and our African friends knock us out, well we'll only have ourselves to blame.