Children in need given pre-loved football boots through Foundation’s Boot Room donation drive

Donations of unwanted and forgotten football boots and Astro trainers are changing the game for young Newcastle United Foundation participants from Byker, Wallsend and Newcastle’s West End.

More than 200 pairs of boots have been given to primary school children in need this Christmas – ensuring every child has the opportunity to enjoy sport and stay active in comfort and safety.

Around 150 children from nine primary schools visited Newcastle United Foundation’s home, NUCASTLE, powered by Newcastle Building Society, to choose their own perfect pair of pre-loved boots at this year’s Carrick’s Boot Room in partnership with Michael Carrick Foundation.

The drive for donations comes as some young people in the region are left with no alternatives 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.

Sarah Burn, Premier League Kicks Coordinator and Newcastle United Foundation, said: “Children and teenagers have the right to join their friends and school mates in playing and enjoying football or other sports together with comfortable and protective clothing and footwear.

“At Newcastle United Foundation, we understand that for many families, buying a new pair of football boots or replacing shoes their children have outgrown simply isn’t an option this winter.

“Alongside Michael Carrick Foundation, we are committed to removing barriers preventing play or physical activity among children and teenagers and the generosity of others has helped us to distribute 150 pairs of boots to young people across Newcastle.

“We are incredibly grateful for every donation as they truly do make a difference for every child who now has a pair of boots to call their own.”

Every single pair of donated boots has been collected and cleaned by volunteers from both Newcastle United and Michael Carrick Foundations, Sage Foundation and Mlily.

Through support from Michael Carrick Foundation, Newcastle United Foundation deliver free community football sessions to young people in Byker and Wallsend every week.

Wallsend-born midfielder turned head coach at Middlesbrough Football Club, Michael Carrick, founded the Michael Carrick Foundation in 2017 to help provide disadvantaged youngsters with empowering opportunities where they can feel safe, valued and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Michael Carrick said: “Every year we’re amazed by the number of boots that are so generously donated to Carrick’s Boot Room and this year is no different.

“We believe it is essential that inadequate footwear is not a barrier to getting involved in our sessions and all of these donated boots really do make a huge difference to the young people who need them most.

“We’re thrilled to be working with so many people on the campaign and especially with our long-standing partner Newcastle United Foundation and Carrick’s Boot Room sponsor, Mlily.”

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