Cif is on a mission to inspire
on-pitch confidence in young people through the restoration and recirculation of pre-loved football boots and create new opportunities for the next generation of players.
The ‘Re-Kicks’ initiative is fronted by one of England football’s brightest stars: Cole Palmer. Growing up in one of Manchester’s most deprived areas, Palmer wants to
help alleviate the various challenges faced by budding players and inspire them to fall in love with the beautiful game.
Cif is playing the through ball for football fans across the country, helping more young players take to the pitch during these difficult times. Ten charity organisations
linked to SPFL, EFL and Premier League football clubs are opening their doors and providing collection points, where supporters are encouraged to drop-off their old boots or order a pre-paid postage bag from the Cif
website.
Following a deep and effective cleaning from Cif Cream, the revamped boots will be ready for their new owners just in time for the 2024/25 footy season.
New research from Cif and
Sported,
a UK-based charity championing the importance of community sports, revealed that 84% of Sported’s grassroot groups find young players are less likely to participate in sports because they don’t have the right kit1.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England footballer, says: “Growing
up I saw how the cost to play football was a big problem for families and in some cases, not a reality. That’s why the Re-Kicks initiative is so important to me. By helping to keep young people involved in the sport, I hope to inspire them to keep chasing
their dreams on and off the pitch.”
Wearing the right gear impacts young players’ confidence as they feel the need to ‘fit in’ with their teammates. Alice Frankel from The Dalgarno Trust, one of Sported’s
group leaders revealed “Without the right kit, children feel intimidated to join in, embarrassed in front of peers and less likely to play as they will not be able to perform as they wish to”.1
The increasingly large price tag attached to sportswear can create an obstacle for hopeful players, particularly as children are constantly out-growing clothes and shoes.
A staggering 98% of groups revealed that the cost of specialised footwear, such as football boots, is a cost-of-living challenge for families1.
