Josie Gibson is advocating for grassroots football teams in need of new kits amid rising living costs for families. The campaign, launched by Iceland Foods, focuses on Birmingham and aims to support youth football.
Key statistics:
- 86% of parents say rising living costs have made it harder to support their child’s football dreams.
- 84% of children’s football teams in the UK rely on contributions from parents or fundraising efforts to afford new kits.
- 22% of teams need to fundraise every time a new strip is required.
- 67% of parents say their child has played in hand-me-down or old kits.
- 16% of parents report their children having to play in damaged kit that is not fit for purpose.
The ‘Kits for Kids’ campaign will provide hundreds of children with new kits. Winning teams will receive a full set of new home kits and a £100 Iceland voucher. Josie Gibson is helping lead the search for these grassroots football teams.
Gibson stated, “As a mum with a young son who loves football, I know how important grassroots football is, and how quickly the costs can add up.” She expressed concern about the struggles many teams face.
Quotes from officials:
Richard Walker said, “Our Kits for Kids campaign will support hundreds of young players by providing new kits.” and He added, “We’re looking forward to receiving entries, selecting the winners, and seeing teams take to the pitch in their brand-new strips.”.
Parents and coaches can apply for free kits by visiting the Iceland website. Many grassroots football teams struggle to raise funds for new kits. This initiative aims to alleviate some of those financial pressures.
