All 12 Utilita Energy Hubs came together to host Football Rebooted Day 2026 – a nationwide community event designed to collect pre-loved football boots, raise awareness of the award-winning campaign and make football more accessible for families and young people.
Members of the public were encouraged to bring along football boots in good, reusable condition and help kick-start a new journey for boots that might otherwise remain unused at home. All donated boots were re-distributed to football club foundations.
Club mascots were on hand to welcome fans and pose for selfies while former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, also made special appearances at the Hartlepool Hub.
A spokesperson said: “Visitors to the Hartlepool Energy Hub in York Road were welcomed by members of the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation and invited to donate football boots via a dedicated Football Rebooted collection point. In return, donors had the opportunity to enter prize draws featuring a range of rewards, including Middlesbrough FC football tickets, a signed football, an energy-efficient Air Fryer, Utilita Arena Newcastle tickets, and other spot prizes.”
The day also featured a range of interactive football-themed activities and competitions, including games such as “Guess the Footballer” and the “Lace Race”, giving participants of all ages even more opportunities to win prizes while supporting a worthwhile cause.
Kristine Gorman, Hartlepool’s Utilita Energy Hub Supervisor, said: “Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the benefits of sport, no matter their background or financial situation. Football Rebooted Day is a fantastic opportunity for people across the UK to support their communities through a simple act of generosity. By donating a pair of football boots, supporters can help keep young players active in the game they love, while giving quality equipment a second life instead of sending it to landfill.”
Since its launch, Football Rebooted has helped thousands of pairs of football boots find a new home, reducing waste and helping remove one of the financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from participating in sport.
