Leeds-based industrial lubricant manufacturer, ROCOL, has donated 300 footballs to local schools through the BBC Kit Out the Nation initiative.
Following figures released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, which showed 100,000 fewer children meet the recommended level of activity in 2020 than in 2019, the BBC set up the Kit Out the Nation drive. The aim was to stop sports equipment in good condition going to landfill and send it to schools and clubs instead to help young people get active.
Using the local donation centre at Rothwell Leisure Centre, ROCOL recently delivered the footballs which schools and clubs can collect and use in activities.
ROCOL Marketing Communications Manager, Shaun Heys, said, “We like to support our local community in any way we can, and we had a number of footballs from a recent promotion that we wanted to put to good use. One of the biggest hurdles to children leading active and healthy lifestyles is not having the equipment to do so. When we heard about Kit Out the Nation, we knew exactly what to do with the footballs.”
Nicky Winterburn from Rothwell Leisure Centre said, “We would like to extend our thanks to the team at ROCOL for the generous donation of 300 footballs, which will now be distributed to local primary schools. They will benefit young children in the area and help get them involved in physical activity.”
Shaun added, “There are many issues around the affordability of kit which means that many kids who want to participate in sport simply don’t have access to the kit. Who knows, the next Kalvin Phillips could be out there practising with a ROCOL football!”
