Kick-start for BJFF Predators' Re-Boot scheme helping hospice and players in need

BJFF Predators players with Dave Butcher (centre, manager/coach), Lisa Wainwright (centre left), Nicola Mitchell (centre right, Fortitude Fitness co-owner), Craig Ward (back left, club ambassador) and Andy McKenzie (back right, club committee chair)

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That’s the idea behind the ‘Predators Re-boot’ scheme at the Bispham Junior Football Federation, which has kicked-off with great success.

The Under-9s Predators team BJFF are behind this football boot recycling scheme, inviting footballers across the Fylde coast to donate boots they no longer have use for.

The Predators will clean them up to either sell for a small fee or give to children who need them. Profits will be shared between Brian House Children’s Hospice and the Predators’ Team.

Boots will be provided free and in total confidence to children identified by a welfare officer or team coach as being in need.

Team fundraiser and Brian House ambassador Lisa Wainwright, whose son Matthew plays for the Predators, told The Gazette: “It seemed a good idea in the current financial climate.

“Boots can be expensive, especially as you get older, and so many people have lost job through Covid.

“We’ve got off to an amazing start and are making more collections.

“We are keen to spread the word cross the Fylde coast so we can help more children in deprised areas to play football.

“The Re-Boot scheme is for anyone to make use of – it is not limited to BJFF.

This will be a totally confidential service.

Full details of how to get involved are available on the scheme’s Facebook page: search for Predators Re-Boot.

BJFF Under-9s predators are looking forward to a return to action next month, with a new kit sponsored by Fortitude Fitness of Poulton.