BOOTS and ALL

Kids shying away from playing sports because of financial difficulty is a past and present issue. I remember our Auckland Eastern Suburbs rugby coach, Frank Allen (younger brother of Fred Allen, a past All Black coach) generously giving a pair of boots to one of our team mates so he could play. His kindness must have impacted me as this was over 60 years ago. Frank saw a need and did something about it. 
When I was teaching at Hamilton Boys’ High School, senior students would organise second hand boot sales every year for students whose families could not afford new boots to play either rugby, football or hockey. The boots were still in good condition from the previous season and were sold for a few dollars. A wonderful school based initiative that gave an opportunity for all students to play a sport of their choosing. 
I am aware of two men preparing to run 100kms by doing laps of Piha and Papamoa beach. Harry (former teacher) and Albie (Navy) have organised their runs to raise money for kids sports fees. Good luck guys! 
In the context of this story, generosity within our communities abounds as we know that team sports are beneficial on many levels. Let’s be a part of the solution to bridge financial gaps, so that all kids have an opportunity to have fun, reach their sporting potential and benefit their physical and mental health too. 

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