Amazon Launches Matching Donation Drive for Sports Kit via Multibank Charity, Backed by Gareth Southgate

Sir Gareth Southgate has thrown his support behind The Multibank charity, which helps UK families access vital items including sports equipment, as Amazon launches a matching donation drive for selected sports products. The former England manager from 2016 to 2024 was approached to take part in the campaign by former prime minister Gordon Brown, who is president of The Multibank charity.

Southgate, a former Middlesbrough defender who was knighted after leading England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and the Euro 2024 final, spoke in an exclusive interview conducted for the Press Association.

Southgate said: “We’re talking about participation in PE lessons, in being able to play sport. Unfortunately, some families are really challenged on that – they can’t afford to buy kit. ” He added: “In a time when there’s a risk kids end up in front of screens a lot of the time – to be active and outside is really important.

Every child deserves the right to play sport. It’s important for them physically. ” Southgate said the charity’s work addresses a pressing reality for many families. “The fact that Multibank is allowing some families that are having to make that really difficult decision on where they are able to invest their money is a real plus from the scheme.

There are essentials that end up going to waste and so being able to repurpose them in this way benefits everybody,” he said. The Multibank distributes surplus goods donated by businesses to families in need through a nationwide network of charities and community organisations. It is supported by principal partner Amazon, @Independent reported.

Amazon is launching a new initiative where every third purchase of selected sports products will be matched with a donation to The Multibank. The initiative runs from May 7 to June 4. YouGov data revealed around one in six parents, or 15 percent, said their children have had to give up their sporting ambitions as they can’t afford the kit or equipment to take part.

The survey of a sample of 6451 adults was taken last month. Around three in four parents, or 72 percent, of children aged four to 18 believe a lack of access to sports equipment leads to fewer opportunities for those from lower-income families. Two in five parents, or 40 percent, with gross household income under £30,000 cited football as the main activity they had to give up.

The Multibank has distributed more than 16 million items and has supported over two million families in need across the UK. Some of the most commonly requested items at Multibanks include football boots, sports kit and toys. @Independent reported that Southgate made the comments while promoting the campaign, which comes at a difficult time where economically a lot of families are struggling.