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Famous Footballers Support Isle Of Wight-Based Glove Bank Initiative

EXCLUSIVE: Premier League and Championship footballers are throwing their support behind a charity initiative - which is based on the Isle of Wight.

The Glove Bank is the brainchild of former Portsmouth and current Bournemouth goalkeeper, Asmir Begovic.

The idea is relatively simple. Many goalkeepers change their gloves often, making hundreds of perfectly good gloves hardly worn or even unused.

A number of top professionals are now supporting the initiative by sending their old gloves to the Glove Bank's headquarters on the Isle of Wight. From here, they are taken by charity to be thoroughly cleaned and restored, before being sent out to goalkeepers in the UK - and abroad - who can't afford to buy sports equipment.

Based in Newport, Martin Sanders is the Glove Bank's Operations Manager.

He said:

"It’s all about giving back. At AB1GK, We are dedicated to designing and producing the best possible equipment for professional and amateur goalkeepers on all levels, but we are aware that not everyone is privileged to have the chance to buy needed goalkeeper equipment. This is why we want to make sure all unused and refurbished gloves find their way to the ones in need.

"Together, with the Asmir Begovic Foundation, we will work on distributing gloves to the clubs and individuals around the world."

And the charity has some big brand ambassadors.

 

Aston Villa goalkeeper, Tom Heaton:

Martin continued:

"Tom Heaton at Aston Villa has sent us a bundle of gloves, along with Angus Gunn at Stoke City and other individuals from all over Europe. The gloves are being sent here - to the Isle of Wight - for us to help those who are less fortunate.

"A lot of professional goalkeepers go through a lot of gloves and we want to get them to children and players who can't afford them.

"The support so far has been amazing. It's a long term project and we hope we can make a real difference to young goalkeepers."

 

Martin Sanders speaks to Isle of Wight Radio:

 

 

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