Bootiful cause

The NI Football League have thanked supporters for the phenomenal response to the ‘Bring Your Boots’ appeal in partnership with Street Soccer NI.

The unique campaign was launched last month to encourage fans, players and coaches from within the League to donate their pre-loved boots to their Club throughout January to give local homeless and disadvantaged communities the opportunity to enjoy playing football again through Street Soccer NI.

Over one hundred pairs of boots were collected as part of the project.

Formed in 2010, Street Soccer NI is a charity focused on transforming lives through football, using sport to bring positive change through various programmes to tackle homelessness, unemployment, addiction and mental health issues and more across all of Northern Ireland.

One of the biggest challenges faced by Street Soccer NI is the lack of available resources for participants, particularly providing safe and suitable footwear for players.

Justin McMinn, Street Soccer NI co-founder said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the response from Clubs, the success of the ‘Bring Your Boots’ campaign will not only provide a lasting legacy of boots for our participants but the increased awareness of our work through NIFL and the Clubs has increased the exposure of Street Soccer NI massively.”

Sophie Glendinning, NIFL Competition and Operations Lead said: “Thank you to our Clubs and their supporters who have come together and shown once again how we can work together to collectively benefit our local communities.

“We as a League have a social responsibility in the football family to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to play the game, as Clubs are more than just playing matches at the weekend, we hope that this campaign has created stronger and positive connections between people and their Clubs.”

The donation of boots and footwear has been made to Street Soccer NI and will be immediately used through various programmes.

For more information about Street Soccer NI visit www.streetsoccerni.org.