Former Middlesbrough FC players David Wheater and Craig Hignett, alongside current women’s player Megan Borthwick, will make a special appearance at the Hartlepool Utilita Energy Hub on Saturday as part of National Football Rebooted Day.
The nationwide community event was designed to collect pre-loved football boots and make the beautiful game more accessible for families and young people.
A spokesperson said: “Visitors to the Hartlepool Energy Hub in York Road will be 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 will have 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 will also feature 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.
Members of the public are 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 will be redistributed to local football club foundations.
The event – which lasts from 10am to 2pm – is free.
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