Insurance broker teams up with Maidenhead United FC for community Boot Exchange

Craig Warburton Zayne Davis-Hussain Tanya Davis-Hussain Emilia Kulba

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Insurance broker Howden Maidenhead has teamed up with Maidenhead United Football Club to launch a boot exchange to recycle and reuse football boots and help children in the area keep playing the sport they love.

The insurance team have become a focal point for the local community to donate, exchange or pick up a pair of second-hand football boots, helping even more children play on the pitch, keep active and develop new skills.

Howden Maidenhead Branch Manager Craig Warburton explained: “It can be a struggle to keep up with kids’ ever-growing feet, and having to buy new boots each time they need new ones. Combine this with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and many parents and carers may find these expenses very difficult to manage.

“That’s why we’ve launched our Boot Exchange, and we’re thrilled to be working with Maidenhead United FC, who run an incredible range of football, wellbeing, and educational programmes for our community. Together, we will help out local families with a fun and sustainable scheme that makes sure everyone who wants to play football can get out on the pitch!”

Tanya Davis, Maidenhead United Juniors Treasurer said: “Football brings more to than just kicking a ball; the social and physical benefits have long-lasting effects. Training together builds character, builds bonds which can last a lifetime both on and off the pitch, and provides an escape from stresses in their lives.

“Everyone wears the same kit, but there can be stark differences when it comes to boots. Some will have the newest, most expensive boots, and sadly, far too many others have to wear ill-fitting boots as parents just cannot keep up with the rapid growth of a child's feet and the even faster growth of the cost of boots.

“The boot exchange works so well to tackle this, as there are many families with cupboards full of almost new boots, and many in need of a new pair to fit their growing feet! We can’t wait to see kids running out in a pair of shiny new boots, with big smiles on their faces.”

While inflation has been decreasing in recent months, day-to-day costs for households are still higher than they have been throughout the past five years. With children’s football boots costing anywhere between £20 to £150, the price of replacing them even just once or twice a year can quickly add up.

Since launching, more than 40 pairs of boots have been donated, and are ready to go to those who need them, completely free. Donors can give boots without exchanging, exchange their boots for other sizes or collect a pair of their choice.

Sian Lancaster, Partnership Manager at Maidenhead United FC said: “We are delighted to be partner with Howden and this initiative is another example of how a partnership is more than just being connected to the club. This is about working together ensuring that anyone who wants to play football is enabled to participate and be United as One.”

If you would like to collect, exchange, or donate boots, pop into your local Maidenhead branch located at 104 High Street, or ring 01628 503 300 and speak with a member of the team.