A TEAM of 11 young footballers swapped their boots for bags as they tidied their local area in an attempt to raise money for new school equipment.
Year 1 and 2 students at Alder Grove school went out of their way to help their community in Shinfield look prim and proper, while remaining environmentally conscious.
All funds raised through their just giving page will go towards funding a new design and technology room and equipment for pupils to use and enjoy.
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Amy Wilson, whose son Stephen took part, said: “Being a new school, we’re constantly fundraising for new equipment. We did the same last year, my son and his friend Theo raised more than £500 last year, which helped get an adventure playground installed.
“This year, we had a bigger group from the Mini Kickers team who wanted to help fundraise.
“We thought litter picking would be a good idea. It’s an outdoorsy activity out in the community which benefits the environment and keeps the place tidy, just making the community nicer.
“It’s about instilling values in our young people, not to drop litter, the effect it can have on animals.”
She added that members of the community had helped Alder Grove feel welcome despite being relatively new.
“It’s a community-focused area,” she explained. “There are lots of families, it’s got a nice feel to it. People get involved whenever there are events like Christmas, Eid and Hallowe’en.
“There are lots of new houses being built in the area, so the school is very much in people’s best interests.”
This time around, the youngsters have raised just under £400.
To donate, search: Alder Grove Footballers Litter Pick May 2023 on www.gofundme.com
