KitAid ready for Rovers to return!

Great Wakering Rovers are considering holding regular collections for KitAid after becoming the first Ryman League club to donate unwanted kit to the footballing charity this season.

Since its foundation in 1998, KitAid has sent more than 220,000 donated shirts to disadvantaged young footballers in more than 30 countries around the world and is now supported every season by Non-League clubs up and down the country.

Seven black bags full of kit were handed over by proud Rovers officials after chairman Tony Butcher decided it was time for a clear out of their store room at Burroughs Park following their return to the Isthmian as Essex Senior League champions in August.

Former England manager Graham Taylor OBE is patron of the charity and after he sent the club a signed certificate this week thanking them for their donation which is bound for South Sudan, Butcher said the Ryman North club’s staff were now looking at following in the footsteps of other clubs who've successfully held a ‘KitAid Amnesty Day’ for any fans or sponsors who fancy having a clear-out.

The Rovers chairman, who is looking forward to seeing pictures of their old kit being put to good use again, said: "After a total clear out of the club’s store, it soon became clear just how much old kit we had from the first team through to the seconds and youth. We collected, sorted and delivered six or seven large black bags to the charity and are now considering how we can do more for such a good cause in the future."

KitAid founder Derrick Williams MBE said: "We are very grateful to Great Wakering Rovers for becoming one of our supporters and to all the clubs who continue to help throughout the year.

"It is very easy to make a real difference with any kit or equipment people think is going to waste and could help less fortunate young footballers in the world. All clubs need to do is contact the charity and our regional volunteers will do the rest, including collecting any donations where necessary."

For more information on KitAid, who also hold a nationwide ‘Easter Amnesty’ every season, visit: www.kitaid.net.

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