From the outset, SCF (UK) proposed a wide ranging partnership to address the issue in a holistic manner. It warned against hurried solutions that might save children from one unsatisfactory predicament only to push them into more hazardous forms of work. A similar attempt to eliminate child workers in the garment industry in Bangladesh had, SCF knew, resulted in greater hazard and exploitation for many children.

SCF designed and conducted a measured programme of research enquiry to gain a detailed picture of the lives of the children involved in the football trade and to ensure that their voices could be heard above the international clamour for swift answers. The priority was to establish some of the realities of children's lives rather than immediately investing money in hasty solutions. This analysis formed a basis for SCF's contribution to the development partnership. Much of the proposed action was based on myth and ideology rather than hard fact. Moreover, international brand name retailers find it hard to get authoritative information about the role of children in the production process of their suppliers, particularly as production is mostly based in homes rather than in factories. The SCF research revealed that:

• Football stitching is not notably hazardous or exploitative for children. It is not bonded work and most children work to help their families and meet basic needs.
• Children are deterred from attending school by the poor quality of education provision, but work does not prevent children from attending school.
• Working enables children to attend school and football stitching is flexible work that can be fitted around other activities, including schooling.