Donations are needed for a new initiative to reuse unwanted football boots and get more people playing the beautiful game.

In association with Whitchurch United F.C., Dell Russell, who manages Whitchurch United under 8s alongside Nick Crump, is calling for anyone with unneeded football boots in usable condition to donate.

Dell got the idea from Facebook community site Free for Whitchurch and Overton, where people post free items and noticed that a lot of boots were being listed.

“At first I thought it would be worthwhile taking them for my boys’ team, but then I thought there was an opportunity to benefit lots more people in the community if we made it even easier to donate," Dell told The Gazette.

“I am hoping that this will give kids more opportunities to play football and helps out those parents who can’t afford brand new football boots.”

If you have something for donation, please contact Dell on wufcbootrecycle@outlook.com, where he can arrange covid-secure pickup.

Dell said: “Time and again perfectly good boots and thrown away into landfill. We want to help everyone have access to the game we all love.”

“Our club is not just about football, it is about building kids’ confidence, social skills and instilling good values in them.”

The scheme accepts football boots, astro turf trainers, and shin pads and has been fully endorsed by club Chairman Leigh Smith, whilst all other coaches in the club have been fully supportive.

“We all work very closely with one-another, and the scheme couldn’t be done without everyone else’s help too," he added.

You can also trade in your old football boots for another pair, or you can take a pair and give a suggested value donation which goes to Whitchurch United Football Club.

All of Whitchurch’s sides are now back playing in line with government guidelines with the men’s team hosting Hythe and Dibden at Londmeadow Sports Ground at 3pm tomorrow.