Bumper KitAid collection at Grantham game

FC United’s home game against Grantham Town on Saturday saw supporters bringing hundreds of football tops to the club’s temporary home at Stalybridge as part of a collection for the charity KitAid. The charity has former England manager Graham Taylor as its patron and collects no longer wanted football kit and then sends it on to less privileged children and adults across Africa, India and other developing countries. Kit Aid has an excellent relationship with FC United and the EvoStik League and holds many such collections with clubs throughout the season. The collection at FC United looks to be one of the club’s best ever as a steady stream of supporters visited the KitAid van before the game on Saturday with their kit.

Derrick Williams from KitAid said: “We collected a van load of kit and made some really good contacts. FC United’s opponents Grantham Town expressed an interest in also holding a collection and Stalybridge Celtic (whose ground FC play at) also donated a load of kit. FC United did a great job in organising everything and we are now well known by the club and the fans. Twitter went mad yesterday and I even saw one tweet from a fan in China. I also did an interview for FCUM radio and the club covered the day in its matchday programme.???

FC United manager Karl Marginson said: “We’re really pleased to be able to work with a charity like KitAid and it’s yet another example of how football can be used to improve the lives of people who need help in the world. I was really proud to see so many of our supporters handing kit over and I’m sure it will make a real difference to children and adults across Africa, India and other countries.???

*** Update: There will be a KitAid collection point (located near main reception) at the FC United v Lancaster City FA Cup game on Saturday 27th September 2014 for anyone who may still have items to donate. ***



The picture above is of FC United manager Karl Marginson being presented with a “Thank You??? certificate by Derrick Williams of KitAid. (Photo credit: Mark Lee).



The KitAid van at Bower Fold on Saturday. (Photo credit: D. Williams).



Inside the KitAid van after the collection. (Photo credit: D. Williams).