Wellington Phoenix are asking for fans to donate their pre-loved footy boots to help families in need, and to encourage kids to join local sports clubs.
In partnership with Budget Car Rentals, the Phoenix have launched the Budget Boot Drive ahead of this weekend’s Easter double-header.
For hundreds of families across Wellington, the high cost of uniforms, gear, and equipment is often a barrier to children starting or taking part in sport.
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To help combat this, the Phoenix will be collecting pre-loved boots at this weekend’s games at Porirua Park and Sky Stadium as part of its Budget Boot Drive.
In the Liberty A-League, the Phoenix host Western Sydney Wanderers at Porirua Park on Saturday while Wellington welcome Brisbane Roar to Sky Stadium on Sunday.
The boots will then be distributed to whānau and tamariki in need through the club’s Football For All programme.
Phoenix players and staff have already kick-started donations by filling two bins with their old boots.
“It’s simple and easy to donate,” Phoenix general manager David Dome said. “Dig out the boots collecting dust at the back of your closet, or the boots that your kids have long outgrown and bring them to one of our games this weekend.
“We want to fill the Budget van at Porirua Park on Saturday and at Sky Stadium on Easter Sunday.
“By donating you will help hundreds of kids play sport that otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford to.”
Budget Car Rentals is a proud partner of the Wellington Phoenix and approached the club with the idea of a boot drive.
“We are really proud to support this grassroots initiative to not only offer a little bit of practical help but hopefully create a positive impact for families who have children keen to join a club or play in a school team,” Bryn McGoldrick, Budget General Manager ABG said.
“It also acts as an important reminder about the power of reusing items that still have a lot of life left in them. You never know, some of the boots we collect may end up on the feet of future stars.”
The Budget van will be located beside the food trucks at Porirua Park and outside the main gate at Sky Stadium.
