Northumberland FA (NFA) is proud to announce a new impact-driven partnership with Re:Play Football, aimed at supporting grassroots community football clubs, reducing the financial barriers for players of all levels to access budget-friendly boots, and reducing waste that ends in landfill. The collaboration launches a Second-Hand Football Boot Drive with Prudhoe, Blyth Town, Whitley Bay F.C, Newcastle East End, Red House Farm, and our NFA Headquarters St. Peters Sports Hub. The initiative will empower local clubs to donate unwanted football boots, and in return, Re:Play Football will provide a donation to the NFA Community Fund. The Community Fund supports individuals who are facing financial barriers that may prevent them from taking part in football. Clubs and organisations can submit applications on behalf of individuals who need assistance.
With the rising cost of sports participation and a recent report from Sport England highlighting inactivity and unequal access to sport and exercise costing £20bn to the UK taxpayer, many football players and families struggle to access suitable football footwear. The second-hand boot drive provides an affordable, sustainable solution, ensuring players have what they need to enjoy the game.
Through this new initiative, grassroots football clubs will be supported by Northumberland FA and Re:Play Football with boot boxes, boot collection nets and a marketing toolkit that allows the clubs to collect pre-loved boots donated by players and families. For every pair of boots donated, Re:Play Football will make a donation to the NFA’s Community Fund, which is open and accessible to all affiliated NFA clubs and players.
Kylla Sjoman of Northumberland FA, said:
“We’re really excited to be working with Re:Play Football on a partnership that gives clubs the opportunity to lead meaningful social initiatives rooted in sustainability and inclusion. By giving football boots a second life, we’re helping to reduce waste while supporting players and families across our communities. The donation by Re:Play Football to the NFA Community Fund for each pair of football boots received through this initiative will extend its reach and impact even further, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring football remains accessible to all individuals affiliated with Northumberland FA.”
Ben Fisher, Director of Re:Play Football, added:
“Our mission is to give pre-loved football boots a second life, helping to reduce waste, support grassroots community football clubs, and provide players of all levels with budget-friendly boots. Teaming up with Northumberland FA on this pilot initiative allows us to reach clubs across the North East who are already at the heart of their communities. Together, we can extend the life of thousands of pairs of boots reducing the environmental impact of boots that end up in landfill sites and provide donations into the NFA Community Fund that can support individuals in need to keep them involved in the game.”
The initiative will roll out across Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne in the coming weeks, with clubs able to sign up immediately.
