Former England captain Millie Bright has partnered with an anti-discrimination charity to provide new uniforms to grassroots football teams in Leeds.
The initiative aims to address the rising costs of youth sports that often force young girls to drop out of the game prematurely.
Thirty teams located in communities facing significant social or economic challenges were selected for the donation by Kick it Out, according to the Yahoo Sports report.
Bright, who began her professional career at Doncaster Belles, emphasized the importance of ensuring every young player feels valued regardless of their financial situation.
“Every young girl deserves a kit, no matter what level they play at,” Bright stated, as reported by the BBC.
The project is a collaborative effort between Kick it Out and the Morrisons Foundation to help keep girls involved in athletics into adulthood.
Gemma Clark of Kick it Out noted that equipment costs remain a primary obstacle for many families struggling with the current cost of living crisis.
“One of the barriers is kit,” Clark explained in a statement provided to the charity organization.
Craig Gilmore, who founded the Champions CIC program in Beeston, highlighted that many families must prioritize basic necessities over extracurricular sports fees.
“With the cost of living, football’s expensive and bills come first,” Gilmore said, according to the local coverage.
He added that the donation provides the young players with a much-needed sense of belonging and team pride.
Bright concluded that the simple act of providing proper gear serves as a powerful message to young athletes that the professional community cares about their future.
She expressed her desire to see more inclusivity in the sport, ensuring that no girl feels forced to quit because of a lack of resources or feeling undervalued.
The initiative continues to monitor participation rates in hopes of fostering long-term engagement for young women across the region.