Kicking against the cost of kids football boots

Mick Mills (56), of Maltby Main Juniors, said managers at the club had told him parents were struggling to pay for football boots.

Mick said his astonishment at how much they cost had been a major factor in his decision to appeal online for donations of old footwear, which has already netted him dozens of pairs.

“With the cost of living so high at the moment, I wanted to understand just how much a pair of football boots were these days,” Mick said.

“The dearest I saw were £165 and the cheapest at £35. The average price was around £70, which is still a fortune for many families and kids that want to play football. It’s outrageous.

“Parents and guardians can’t afford to buy football boots these days because they are being pushed that tight with their finances. They are spending their last bit of money topping up the electric meter.

“It’s really opened my eyes to how many people are suffering at the moment.”

Mick put out the appeal on Facebook and Twitter and asked people to donate their old boots so children “don’t miss out on football”.

He said: “Within the first week of the appeal, I received 30 pairs of boots, which was incredible. I just want to help kids keep playing football and not let the tough times we face stop them.

“I decided I would clean up and relace the boots, if needed, and offer them to kids that need them.

“I’ve had more than 1,200 comments and shares on my social media, which has been crazy, along with requests for help from people in London, Clitheroe and Leicester.”

Mick said he was determined to help as many children as he can before times got even worse.

He said: “Being a chairman, I get to find out who is struggling so it gives me a feel good factor to help them.

“The kids are the reason I’m doing it because they should be able to play football without fear of costs.

“The economic hardship is only going to get worse. This is just the start of what will be a very tough period.

“Maltby Juniors is a special club to so many and I want to get as many football boots as I can so that parents and guardians can come to me and ask for a pair if they can’t afford them.

“I’m also encouraging people to swap a pair of boots they have grown out of so it can save them buying new ones.”

For more information or to offer a donation, contact Mick at [email protected].