The donation of the boots has been negotiated by the Sheffield & Hallamshire FA as a direct result of the ongoing relationship they have with Umbro, which will see thousands of young players in Africa receiving a pair of boots in the coming months.

Boots for Africa was set up in 2008 with the aim of collecting as many second hand boots as possible to send to under privileged children in Africa by the 2010 World Cup.  Devised by the world’s first club Sheffield FC, the appeal has already collected thousands of boots from across the country for Africa.

This donation from Umbro will almost double the total number of boots already collected by the Charity since its start in 2008 and comes at a great time at the beginning of the final push to the World Cup finals in South Africa in June this year and with Sheffield being confirmed as a Candidate Host City as part of England’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018. 

James Hope-Gill, Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Chief Executive said “It is extremely pleasing for the County FA to have been given the opportunity to facilitate this donation. This is an amazing donation of boots in this World Cup year and brings our relationship with our kit sponsorship, Umbro together for a very worthwhile appeal that has a global impact. 

Martin Prothero, Umbro Senior Vice President of Football said “The Boots for Africa Campaign is a great opportunity for Umbro to give something back to the game of football and help change the lives of many under privileged children in Africa. We are delighted to contribute over 9,300 pairs of football boots to such a rewarding charity.”

Richard Timms, Chairman of Boots for Africa said “We are delighted to receive this momentous gesture from Umbro. This will make a massive difference to thousands of children and adults in Africa who love and want to play the game of football. Umbro’s generosity is an example that we hope will be followed by the other sports manufacturers who are in a position to make a real difference in the quality of people’s lives in Africa.”

The Boots for Africa Campaign is looking to collect as many boots as possible in the next few months and it is hoped that this huge donation will encourage more players to join in and donate their unwanted boots.

Boots for Africa are collecting unwanted boots, astro-boots or football trainers.  Donations can be made either as individuals or a group donation.

To find out how you can get involved please visit the Boots for Africa website, www.bootsforafrica.org

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