A JIMBOOMBA family have collected 42 pairs of soccer shoes to support an appeal to give financially disadvantaged youth overseas the opportunity to play the sport.
Earlier this year, Elijah Barwick, 10, and his family traveled to the United Kingdom for a Pro Soccer Global event.
They were introduced to a Boots for Ghana charity appeal which seeks to donate working soccer equipment to those who can't afford them.
Inspired by the campaign, Elijah is seeking local support to donate 150 pairs of soccer shoes to Ghana.
Elijah's mother, Chantell Barwick, urged anyone with children who have outgrown their shin pads or soccer boots to give them a second life and not throw them away.
"At the end of soccer season many families get new shoes and throw away the old ones which is such a waste," she said.
"We have a goal to donate 150 pairs of shoes by the end of October and I'm hoping as a community we can come together and make that happen.
"I'm happy to do the hard yards and wash any (donated) shoes.
"It means a lot to the people in Ghana. The looks on these kids faces is nothing short of spectacular."
To support the initiative email ebarwick09@gmail.com.
