We’re delighted to announce – in partnership with Freedom Leisure – the launch of a brand-new Bootbank at the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub. The initiative has now officially launched and donations from the local community are being welcomed.

The Bootbank has been established to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy and make full use of the new football pitch, helping to remove one of the barriers that can prevent participation in sport.

With many local clubs, including Tuffley Rovers and Gloucester City already using the Blackbridge facilities, the Bootbank will further widen participation across the community by ensuring that football boots are accessible to all.

Anyone can support the initiative by donating new or good-quality used football boots with plastic moulded studs of all sizes. Every pair donated will directly benefit local people and help grow grassroots football in Gloucester.

“The launch of the Bootbank at Blackbridge is a fantastic step towards making football accessible to all. By removing cost as a barrier, we can open up opportunities for more people in our community to get involved in the sport and enjoy the benefits of being active. This project reflects our commitment to improving lives through leisure,” said Nick Charlton, Area Manager at Freedom Leisure.

As part of this drive to make football open and inclusive Jim Hart, Project Manager at Blackbridge CCBS has also been working with Ken Blackburn of Tuffley Rovers to bring Walking Football to the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub every Tuesday at 10.30am.

Jim said: “Our Walking Football group is open to ages 35+ able of mixed footballing ability; we get together, have some fun, share some banter for an hour or so, then have a cuppa afterwards, maybe even a game of pool. It’s a good opportunity to get some fresh air, chat to new people and have a little bit of sporting fun.”

Bootbank donations can be made at Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub, Laburnum Road, Gloucester, GL1 5PG