Up The Garden Bath kicks off a new charity partnership with Peterborough United Football Club
A green community charity has just kicked off a new partnership with Peterborough United Football Club.
Up The Garden Bath has teamed up with the Posh and the Peterborough United Foundation to support Goal2Grow, which is an initiative giving unwanted football kit a second life while ensuring more young people can access the game they love.
It is supported by former England goalkeeper David James and Utilita.
Dave Poulton, co-founder of Up The Garden Bath, said: “Goal2Grow is tackling two growing challenges at once: reducing textile waste and helping families facing the rising cost of living by providing affordable, quality football kit.”
The latest donation from Peterborough United FC and Peterborough United Foundation arrived at UNITY, which is Up The Garden Bath’s award winning collaborative community retail project in Queensgate Shopping Centre.
Dave said: “The response from the community was extraordinary, with every item of donated kit finding a new home in less than 48 hours.
"The overwhelming demand highlights just how many families are looking for affordable sportswear and reinforces the importance of initiatives that remove financial barriers to participation in sport.”
Kez Hayes Palmer, co Founder of Up The Garden Bath, said: “Football has an incredible ability to bring people together, but for many families the cost of taking part is becoming a real barrier.
"Every football shirt donated represents far more than recycled fabric.
"It represents confidence, inclusion, opportunity and the chance for another child to feel part of a team.
"Seeing every item donated by Peterborough United FC and Peterborough United Foundation rehomed within just 48 hours shows the incredible need for this project.
"We are immensely grateful to Utilita, David James, Peterborough United FC and Peterborough United Foundation for believing in our vision.
"Together we are proving that football really can change lives.”
A spokesperson for Peterborough United Foundation said: "We are passionate about using the power of football to improve lives and strengthen our communities.
"Supporting Goal2Grow was an easy decision because it combines sustainability, community spirit and accessibility.
"Knowing that unwanted kit will help local families instead of going to waste is something we are incredibly proud to support, and we hope others across the region will join the movement.”