Successful Bedford Athletic collection for Kit Out The Nation

Blues Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support after receiving over 450 items at a recent collection held at Bedford Athletic RFC and Bedford Hockey Club as part of the nationwide ‘Kit Out The Nation’ campaign.

A month ago, Blues Foundation pledged their support to the campaign which has been designed to distribute sports clothing to schools throughout the UK. The overall aim is to give as many children access to kit that they may otherwise not have been able to afford or get hold of.

Lack of sporting equipment – particularly suitable clothing – has shown that thousands of children are not getting the recommended daily amount of activity and exercise, which is 60 minutes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only gone to highlight the problem nationwide further, and Blues Foundation are determined to have an impact locally in Bedfordshire.

On Sunday, Blues Foundation held a collection morning at nearby Bedford Athletic RFC, located on Wentworth Drive, and Bedford Hockey Club, to supplement individual donations already received and 150 shirts donated by Bedford Running Festival. Read more on that donation here.

The level of support and generosity from the #BluesFamily on the day was overwhelming with over 100 supporters heading to make their contribution, ensuring families across Bedfordshire receive those necessary items which they otherwise would have gone without.

Blues Foundation will now work with schools in Bedfordshire to distribute the kit to those in need and meet the local demand. If there should be any remaining kit which is either unsuitable for physical activity or left spare, Blues Foundation will then work with local charities to support those outside of the schooling system but with the same need.

Discussing the campaign, Blues Foundation Manager, Tom Harwood said: “As a charity we are passionate about removing barriers to participate in sport or physical activity, so we’re delighted to lend our support to the Kit Out the Nation campaign and help find new homes for sports kit no longer in use.

“Exercise is so important for our physical and mental health, hopefully through this campaign we can enable more children in Bedfordshire to be active.

“We have been overwhelmed with donations so far and look forward to working with schools, educational facilities and charities in our local area to ensure those in need get the right sports kit to aid them in participating in regular exercise and physical activity.”

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For any further information, email info@bluesfoundation.org.uk.