West Adelaide forward Daniel Webb to help build house for orphans in Uganda

AS TEAMMATES relax on their end-of-season breaks, West Adelaide footballer Daniel Webb will be getting his hands dirty for a cause more than 10,000km from home.

AS TEAMMATES relax on their end-of-season breaks, West Adelaide footballer Daniel Webb will be getting his hands dirty for a cause more than 10,000km from home.

The 23-year-old forward is heading to Kampala, Uganda, with family and friends on December 27 to build a house for eight orphaned children and their foster mum.

The project is one of many commissioned by the Watoto Foundation, an African vocational training centre for children.

Webb, who is studying to be a physical education teacher, says the opportunity to give back and work with children is too rewarding to turn down.

"My uncle and aunty had been planning it (the trip) and then they approached me to see if I wanted to come along too," Webb, of North Plympton, says.

"I've been brought up on the values of giving back to those who aren't fortunate and helping others.

"It should be a bit of fun labour because I haven't built a house before.

"It's a life experience and I'm looking forward to seeing Africa and their way of life."

Once the house is built Webb plans to stay in Kampala to help look after babies while his pediatrician uncle lends his expertise.

"That might be hanging out with the kids or feeding babies," says Webb, who will be living in a building on-site.

Webb, who works in West's junior development program, has some experience in community work.

He spoke at schools about healthy eating and making good decisions as part of Port Adelaide's community youth program while on the Power's rookie list from 2010-12.

Then earlier this year he was among Bloods players who helped to renovate the rundown Richmond Baptist Church and spent time painting and doing manual labour.

"I love working with kids so I can see if this goes really well I'd potentially want to do something like it again."

Webb is not due back in Adelaide until February 1, which means he will miss up to a fortnight of the Bloods' pre-season.

For that reason he had some reservations asking coach Andrew Collins for time off but he had no need for concern.

"He was almost shy in asking me but I think it's fantastic what he's doing," Collins says.

"The club fully supports him."