Sport

Boot swap delivers hundreds of pairs to keep kids on the park

By Josh Huntly

May 12, 2025

A successful boot swap saw more than 350 pairs donated to local kids and families. Photo: Greater Shepparton City Council

Whether it’s on the oval, pitch, or everything in-between, boots are one of the essential ingredients for a fun game.

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In the current financial climate, that can be harder to come by and manage for kids and families, but an initiative from Greater Shepparton City Council’s Activities in the Park program with Shepparton Junior Soccer Association and the Kick It Forward program, aimed to change that.

A boot swap event held at Shepparton Sports City attracted hundreds of participants and had just as many boots donated to those involved in grassroots sport, with a final tally of more than 350 taking the stress out of game day for many by providing appropriately fitting footwear.

“Sport plays a huge role in our community and this event is a great example of how we can come together to ensure all kids have the chance to participate,” City of Greater Shepparton City Mayor Shane Sali.

“Families are doing it tough and something as simple as a pair of boots can make a big difference.”

Council director of community Louise Mitchell thanked the SJSA and Kick it Forward for their involvement.

“We are so fortunate to have groups like Shepparton Junior Soccer Association and Kick it Forward behind us,” Mitchell said.

“Thanks to this collaboration, families got the help they needed and perfectly good boots stayed out of landfill.

“It was a real team effort and something we are proud to lead.”

Council said the popularity of the event had laid the groundwork for future boot swaps to be held and donations could still be made to via Kick it Forward’s website at https://kickitforward.org.au/