Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka has made a significant contribution by donating over 100 pairs of football boots to the Street Soccer Academy, set to be used during Football For Good Day this Sunday.
The boots, part of Saka’s new New Balance collection, will be worn by players in the Football For Good Day Trophy at London Stadium. Saka, celebrated for his dedication to philanthropy and enhancing opportunities for youth in football, made this donation to support young individuals in need.
The donation came after Saka learned about the Street Soccer Academy’s work in combating youth homelessness and assisting young adults with job and training opportunities through their core program.
Recently, these boots have been handed out to players from ten different academies participating in the five-a-side Football For Good Day Trophy. The participating teams represent various football community organizations that have hosted academy programs for 18 to 30-year-olds who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Keith Mabbutt, Founder and CEO of the Street Soccer Foundation, shared his enthusiasm:
“The young participants are overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. They’re incredibly grateful that Saka has shown his support in such a meaningful way. Not only will they wear the boots during the tournament, but they also get to keep them, which they’re thrilled about. Having the backing of the country’s top young player is truly remarkable for an organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable and homeless youth.”
Football For Good is a new initiative created by Keith Mabbutt and the Street Soccer Foundation, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme and the 2023 Year of Youth.
The tournament will feature players from ten Street Soccer Academies, partnering with organizations such as the West Ham United Foundation, Chelsea FC Foundation, Sheffield United Community Foundation, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust, Hull City’s Tigers Trust, Everton in the Community, Sunderland FC’s Foundation of Light, Leicester City in the Community, Liverpool’s LFC Foundation, and Salford City’s Foundation 92.
Tune in to the Football For Good Day live stream on Sunday, 19 November HERE.
To support the cause, you can donate by texting FFG followed by the amount to 70470. For example, to donate £10, text FFG 10 to 70470.