Footballers donate food and boots to charity

Dozens of food hampers and six bin loads of football boots will be donated to families in need this Christmas thanks to a new scheme.

Leaders at Victoria Park stadium, Guernsey FA, Guernsey FC and Aztech Soccer have joined forces to collect essential items through the Victoria Park Food and Kit Bank.

In total, 86 food hampers and six bin loads of boots and football kit were collected "thanks to the generosity" of islanders, said campaign manager Hayley Vance.

The group is now working with the States of Guernsey family support services to provide food to local families, while the football boots are being distributed to island schools and clubs.

Sports kits are also being donated to the Friends of Romania charity, which distributes humanitarian aid in the country where access to equipment can be limited.

Ms Vance added: "We're thrilled with how well the initiative has gone, especially as it's been our first year of doing it collectively."

The scheme's success "shows the true spirit of our island community, and we've been truly overwhelmed with the support we've received", Ms Vance said.

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