A kind-hearted football fan is making sure that no child misses out on the excitement of The World Cup.
Chris Underwood from Whitehaven, is spearheading the Kits 4 Kids project, which aims to provide every child in west Cumbria with access to a free England shirt before the FIFA World Cup kicks off in Qatar next month.
The 28-year-old set up the campaign due to the rising costs of football shirts which can have a financial burden on families.
More than 400 England shirts have already been collected and hundreds of pounds have been raised to buy children’s shirts.
Chris said: “We wanted to do the project in order to ensure that every local child will feel included and involved in all the excitement a major tournament brings to the country.
“The ever-increasing cost of football shirts, in addition to the current cost of living, means England shirts are no longer affordable for everyone.
“You’ve seen the positive impact the Women’s Euros Tournament had on children, so we are hoping the project builds on this and inspires youngsters to take up the sport.”
Chris spoke of the positive impact football has had on his own life.
He said: “Football has been, and remains a massive part of my life. Whether it’s watching it at home or going to a live game, for me it’s about creating lasting memories with family and friends.
“We hope the project creates a sense of togetherness and inclusion and contributes to children and families making their own memories watching the 2022 World Cup.”
People and businesses are now being encouraged to get involved with the project.
Businesses are invited to make a suggested donation of £20 in exchange for advertisement on future marketing materials for the campaign.
Chris would also like to hear from anyone who can provide contacts for local groups, schools or families, who would benefit from a free England shirt.
To donate, go to: www.gofundme.com/f/kits4kids-west-cumbria. To get involved in the project, email: kits4kids.cumbria@outlook.com.
Kits 4 Kids is on Facebook and Instagram (Kits4Kids_22).
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