Action For Sport targets 5,000 boots with backing of successful businessman

After receiving tremendous backing from ambassador and successful businessman, Andrew Kendall-Jones, Action For Sport has set itself a target of 5,000 donations of football boots.

The not-for-profit organisation, which was founded in 2018 but only became an official registered charity last year, is dedicated to the removal of poverty as a barrier to disadvantaged children and young people participating in sport.

Now, thanks to the support of Southerns Broadstock’s CEO, the two founders, Andy Kenure and Clive Michallat, have been able to go full time and really help drive this fantastic cause forward and help to better the lives of so many.

There are 14 million people who are classed as living in poverty in the UK, which makes up a staggering 22% of the population, one in five of which are reported to be children. Statistically, children who live in poverty are far more likely to experience poor physical and mental health, bullying and underachievement. However, these negative effects can be significantly reduced through regular involvement in sport. Action For Sport’s efforts have already resulted in a total of 1,200 football boots being given to children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford them.

Andy Kenure, Co-Founder, said: “We are determined not to allow poverty to provide a barrier in allowing children to participate in sport and Andy at Southerns Broadstock has been integral in allowing us to do that. Not only has his support allowed us to leave our jobs and put all our time and effort into Action For Sport, he’s also in the process of supplying us a van which will allow us to send football boots all over the country, much more freely than we have previously been able to do so.

“We are totally aware that 5,000 boots is a big number but we think it is well within our grasp. We’re sure that families all over the country have some old boots knocking around in their shed or garage, and we would be more than happy to take them off their hands. They would make another child very happy!”

Andy Kendall-Jones added: “It’s my absolute pleasure to support such an amazing charity like Action For Sport. Football was such a big part of my upbringing and every child across the UK should have access to it, it brings people of all backgrounds together, regardless of status and wealth.

“With everyone’s help I genuinely believe Action For Sport can achieve great things and who knows, they may even unearth England’s future number nine!”

Action For Sport has also just recently launched its Pound Against Poverty campaign, where just £1 a month allows a disadvantaged child to participate in sport.

Other Ambassadors at Action For Sport include Alex Bell, Jess Mayho and James Peacock MBE. It has also received support from England and Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood. For more information visit www.actionforsport.com