Former England goalkeeper David James has thrown his support behind two charities that aim to make football kit more affordable, emphasizing that the cost of the sport should not be a barrier to participation.
"Football is a very expensive game now and times are tough for a lot of people," said James, who played for Liverpool, Portsmouth, and Watford, among others. He visited Peterborough to promote Football Rebooted, which he co-founded to rehome second-hand donated boots, and Goal2Grow, where donated kits are sold for just £10 each. James serves as an ambassador for Goal2Grow.
"There are people who want to play football for fun, social, mental and physical benefits who can't access football because of the prohibitive cost," James explained. Reflecting on his own journey, he added, "To represent my country in the World Cup was an honour for me, and fortunately, because I did that, it helps me promote football boots as well."
Goal2Grow was launched by Peterborough-based community interest company Up The Garden Bath in May last year. James, who grew up in Welwyn Garden City and also played for Manchester City and West Ham, became a project ambassador this March. The initiative recently helped organize a FIFA World Cup 2026 celebration in Peterborough city centre, supported by the city council and Utilita Energy.
Kez Hayes Palmer from Up The Garden Bath said, "This is about more than football. This is about community, creativity, sustainability, and showing what is possible when people come together with heart and purpose."
James, who lives near Peterborough and works as a football pundit, launched Football Rebooted in 2021. The project aims to support families facing financial difficulties by providing access to pre-worn boots. He noted that many boots end up in landfill, which the project seeks to avoid. "These boots are reusable," James said. "I think there's 800 boxes or donation spots we have now in the country."
James has personally donated numerous pairs of boots, and his friends and family have followed suit, helping to ensure that more children and adults can play the beautiful game without financial strain.