A new initiative to ensure children facing financial pressures have the boots and kit they need to keep playing football is set for kick off.

We have a collection point in the clubhouse for anyone that would like to donate any kit.

Northumberland FA is partnering with Grassboots, a project founded by Life Vineyard Church during the pandemic, which collects good quality, pre loved football boots and kit – which has often been grown out of but is still in great condition – and re distributes it to children and families who need it most.

As well as promoting sustainability, the project aims to address the current cost of living crisis, helping to keep children playing football by removing financial barriers.

Grassboots founder Geoff Dawson added: “The project has a big focus on dignity, and we want to make families feel like they are picking up a typical parcel or online order. Although the items are free or low cost, they are still in great condition and we want to ensure that children who receive them feel the same excitement they would get from any other purchase.”

The project runs alongside Northumberland FA’s SCARF Fund, which provides grants to children whose families are in financial difficulties, to help keep them in football by paying expenses such as club fees, kit costs and even bus fares.