AFL Darling Downs gets behind drive for boots

AUSSIE RULES: There’s no more exciting feeling than shopping for a pair of boots for the upcoming football season.

However, some people doing it tough don’t have the luxury of scouting the stores for the latest pair of flashy kicks.

That’s why the AFL Darling Downs is getting on board with an initiative aimed at helping those who can’t afford the luxury of buying a pair of boots, whether it is for themselves or their children.

A Kick Start was started by AFL Queensland state football operations manager Barry Gibson, with organisations from around the state getting behind it.

AFL Darling Downs regional manager Jeff Neumann said the league was thrilled to get on board.

“It’s an initiative started by one of the staff members at head office who wanted to give back to the football community,” Neumann said.

“He is collecting second hand footy boots and donating them to those who might not have access to a pair, and that is happening across the state.

“There have even been donations received from across the country.”

Neumann said the initial interest shown from the public has been strong, particularly at a time when costs are rising for families.

“The burden of costs associated for parents with a child going back to school can always be massive, so if they are able to get a pair of footy boots, it just might help out.

“There have been a few that have seen the social media post (on the AFLDD Facebook page) that are keen to donate, and that can really give someone that little boost heading into the 2019 season.”

To donate a pair of old boots you can drop them in to AFL House, 149 Stephen St.

SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT

Neumann indicated that a number of key dates for the upcoming AFL Darling Downs season would be released in the coming weeks.

This includes details of the season launch and opening round of the competition.