Boot room donation drive launched to promote recycling and support local children | OneFootball

The initiative is designed to encourage fans to donate unwanted or pre-loved football boots, which will be rehomed by the Ashington Boot Room to ensure they are given a second life with young aspiring footballers in the North East.

The drive for donations comes as some young people in the region are left with no alternative but to play or exercise in their school shoes, boots that are ill-fitting or falling apart, or in footwear that is shared amongst siblings.

How to support the project

Two collection dates have been arranged to coincide with the Tyne-Wear derby between Newcastle United Women and Sunderland Women (Sunday, 23rd March) and the Premier League fixture between Newcastle United and Manchester United (Sunday, 13th April).

Fans can support the project by donating boots via a temporary recycling point located within the official club store at St. James' Park, which will be available 90 minutes before kick-off on both matchdays.

Any donations will be warmly received, with children's and adults sizes of gently used grass and astroturf boots particularly welcomed.

Creating a lasting impact

Helen Hughes, Sustainability Manager at Newcastle United, commented: "Adopting even the smallest of sustainable actions can have a lasting impact on the community.

"Through the boot drive, we aim to reduce waste by expanding the lifecycle of materials while also providing local young players with equipment that will support their enjoyment of the game. We're pleased to offer this opportunity for the Newcastle United family to support both the environment and the next generation of footballers."

Steve Mack, Head of Compliance at Newcastle United Foundation, said: "We understand that for many families in our community, buying a new pair of football boots or replacing shoes their children have outgrown is not always an option.

"Every child should be able to enjoy playing football with their friends in comfortable and protective footwear and the boot room will provide that opportunity for young people in need.

"Not only does every donation of pre-loved or unwanted football boots reduce waste and helps the environment, it also makes a huge difference for every child who will have a pair of boots to call their own."