Afghan youngsters are to take to the football pitch wearing strips donated by British clubs including Manchester United, Leeds and Newcastle United.

The clubs are among 22 UK teams who have given kits to the Afghan Football Association to help it get the game back on its feet after long years of civil war and repressive rule under the Taliban.

Kabul´s Ghazi National Stadium was used by the Taliban for executions and only returned to its proper use in February with the FA-backed Game of Unity between peacekeepers and local players.

Former Southampton manager Lawrie McMenemy, who led the sides out for that match, joined representatives of the teams donating kits and Afghan youngsters at a reception hosted by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to promote educational and sporting links with Afghanistan.

Mr Straw said: "Football in Afghanistan was banned by the Taliban - we all remember the terrible images of the National Stadium being used for public executions.

"Well, Afghanistan is back playing again, kicking off earlier this year with a match against British and other soldiers from the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul.

"And I am delighted that so many of our leading football clubs have donated complete sets of strips for new Afghan teams that are sprouting up. I would like to thank all the clubs who contributed.

"Let is hope that football helps to further unite - friendly local derbies aside - and inspire the people of Afghanistan as they go about rebuilding their nation."