Northern NSW Football have launched a boot drive to help its flood-impacted families and players in the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley areas.
NNSWF are accepting donations of used football boots at the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility from 4 April and 22 April between 4pm and 7pm.
Clubs are also accepting donations to purchase boots for players suffering hardship.
NNSWF CEO David Eland said NNSWF hoped the initiative would help families and players get back on the pitch.
“As the waters recede our flood recovery is moving into its next phase. Many families have lost everything,” Eland said.
“The wider NNSWF team have been in daily contact with Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football to ensure members of the football family are supported when it matters.
“Through this consultation we are now able to move from assessing the damage to rallying support and providing tangible assistance.”
Junior, youth and senior boots will be accepted and greatly appreciated. However, boots should be of a decent quality for players to use. As a general rule, if you would not wear them, then please do not donate them.
What: NNSWF Boot Drive
Where: Donations of used boots can be made just inside the entrance to the Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility
When: 29 March to 22 April
Time: Between 4pm and 7pm
Why: To help flood-impacted clubs in the Northern Rivers and Clarence Valley areas.
NNSWF staff have been in constant contact with key football stakeholders on the ground in the Football Far North Coast and North Coast Football regions to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues clubs face.
As well as the boot drive, NNSWF will support members of its football family affected by floods through:
Lobbying
NNSWF is working closely with Football Australia and Football NSW to lobby government at all levels for support.
A coordinated approach provides focused lobbying to government decision makers that will maximise outcomes for clubs.
Grants
There are several grants and funding packages available to impacted clubs. NNSWF team members have worked directly with government on behalf of clubs to access some packages and will engage a grant writing specialist to assist clubs with other opportunities. See the full range of grant and funding opportunities HERE.
Equipment
NNSWF’s advanced order through First Touch Football Supplies of balls, portable goals, corner flags, bibs and markers will soon be allocated based on need and delivered to impacted clubs. NNSWF’s appreciation is extended to Mitre for their generous donation of 1,400 footballs. Thank you to suppliers who have provided equipment at cost or at a discounted rate including Umbro, Alpha, Summit and Eagle Sports. In total $40,000 has been committed to essential equipment to assist clubs get back on the pitch when they are ready.
Fundraising portal
NNSWF worked with the Australian Sports Foundation to build a fundraising portal for donations direct to football clubs. The portal went live on Monday.
Under consideration
NNSWF continues to consult on a range of issues and will soon communicate outcomes related to:
- Fee relief for impacted clubs.
- Support from the NNSWF Facilities Fund.
- Assisting FFNC to schedule a return to football.
Visit the Northern NSW Football Flood Recovery Hub HERE
