A FOOTBALL mum has launched a campaign to enable children to continue enjoying the sport kitted out while their feet continuously grow.

Sue Watts, of Barry, mum of 16-year-old twin boys Jay and Zac, who go to Whitmore High School, identified her need with her sons playing matches for more than 12 years.

Now, the Romilly Primary School learning support assistant has set up Bootaful Sports 4 All with the aim that all children can continue their love of football and rugby.

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Mrs Watts said: “I have been a football mum and school LSA for over twelve years.

“My husband Matthew has always coached children’s football teams of all stages, so we are a usual football family and of course go through many pairs of football boots as children's feet grow so fast.

“There have been times when we've struggled to keep up with it all - kits, subs and fuel costs - and it soon adds up.

“One of the most expensive things are the boots which we are sometimes able to hand- down out grown ones to family and friends.

“I briefly saw a gentleman talking on television about something very similar on a wider scale and thought that in these times there’s probably other families who were weighing up how they could afford the next pair of football/rugby boots as they didn't expect their children's feet to grow so quickly.

“Or the parents/guardians who are deliberating weather or not they can afford all the kit if the child is giving sports a try for the first time and decide a week later that the sports not for them…as I know happens.

“It's all played on my mind and encouraged me to try and set up 'Bootaful Sports 4 All - a page where people in Barry and surrounding areas are able to pick up a pair of football/rugby boots for their children.

“I have infant and junior sizes through to teens and men’s-sizes.

“Sometimes it acts like a swap-shop I've had the outgrown boots given to me and swapped for a larger size which is a great thing to do.

“The boots are dropped off to me or I collect them if possible, clean them up again, if needed, and give them a spray before their bagged up ready to go.”

She added: “The word is slowly spreading around about the site and the amount of donations I have received has been fantastic since I started the site on July 24.

“I received over 30 pairs in the first six days of good condition football/rugby boots ready to go out to those who need them and have now received nearly 50 pairs.

“Through Bootaful sports 4 All families can arrange to collect the size/type they need.

“I'm also there to assist if needs be, using my past training as a child’s shoe assistant with Clarks Shoes.

“I've already had many people supporting this site from Llantwit and Cowbridge to us here in Barry.

“I'm hoping and looking forward to the community's getting behind this idea so we can help as many young people possible.”

Find them at Bootaful Sports 4 All on Facebook.