WE'VE teamed up with local insurance broker Howden Altrincham to launch a local junior boot exchange, to help recycle and reuse football boots and keep children playing the sport they love.

The exchange is being rolled out from this week at the J.Davidson Stadium and the Howden Altrincham branch in the town centre, joining similar schemes launched recently involving Howden and our Vanarama National League rivals Bromley and Maidenhead United.

Interim CEO Sam Mackenzie said: "We're delighted to have teamed up with Howden for what is a really important initiative for the town. We have a burgeoning junior section at Altrincham FC and a scheme that helps cut costs for our youngsters and their families, as well as reducing the amount of boots that would otherwise be thrown away, can only be a good thing.

"We hope everyone will make use of the exchange and that it will grow into initiative used by players across the local area."

Howden Altrincham Branch Manager Lewis Houghton said: “It can be a struggle to keep up with kids’ ever-growing feet, and having to buy new boots each time they need new ones. Combine this with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and many parents and carers may find these expenses very difficult to manage.

“That’s why we’ve launched our Boot Exchange, and we’re thrilled to be working with Altrincham Football Club, who run an incredible range of football, wellbeing, and educational programmes for our community. Together, we will help out local families with a fun and sustainable scheme that makes sure everyone who wants to play football can get out on the pitch!”

Pop into the J.Davidson Stadium (Monday to Friday and Saturday home match days) or Howden Altrincham branch in the town centre (Monday to Saturday) to drop off, pick up or exchange boots for a different size.