We’ve donated footballs to support play across our communities

Around 40 community organisations across 17 regions are receiving 1,800 footballs to help more children, young people and families get active, build confidence and enjoy the benefits of play close to home.

Andy Hulme, Hyde’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The power of play should never be underestimated. A football is much more than a piece of sports equipment. It gives young people something to share and enjoy together, wherever there’s space to play.”

Play is an important part of growing up. It helps young people stay active, develop confidence, build friendships and supports their physical and mental wellbeing. But not every child has the same access to sports equipment, activities or safe, welcoming places to play nearby.

Andy added:

“This is a simple way to give children more chances to enjoy sport, be active and have fun close to home. It also means we can give groups the opportunity to do more with the spaces, local knowledge and community links they already have.”

These football donations are part of our wider work to support outdoor activity and create more opportunities for children across our communities. Last year, we gave over 2,000 basketballs to our community partners, helping young people stay active and supporting their physical and mental wellbeing.

Pinnacle Group, who joined the Hyde Group in 2024, have been helping transport and distribute the footballs. They’re also running a community prize programme, giving organisations receiving the footballs the chance to win two Gold prizes for community family festivals, four Silver prizes to support local sport and play activities, and six Bronze prizes offering extra footballs and simple activity resources. The project shows how Hyde and Pinnacle Group can bring together our shared strengths, services and resources to offer more support to customers and communities.

Andy said:

“By working together across Hyde and with local organisations, we can give more support to the people who know their communities best, helping them make an even bigger difference.

“This is part of our wider commitment to creating thriving communities and making sure young people have the opportunities they need to live healthy, happy and active lives.”

The donations are already being welcomed by local organisations working with young people in our communities.

Abdi, who runs ‘B Young Stars’, a youth-focused organisation that runs sport activities in Woolwich, said:

"The support we've received from Hyde over the years has made a real difference to our young people and the wider community. Donations like these help us continue delivering opportunities at a time when the rising cost of living is making it harder for many families to access sport.

“The young people are always thrilled to receive new footballs and equipment. These resources have a lasting impact on their participation, confidence and enjoyment of the activities we run. We're incredibly grateful for Hyde's continued support and hope this partnership will continue for many years to come."

These donations are just one part of the work we’re doing across Hyde to support people and communities with practical help, funding and opportunities that can make a real difference. Find out more about our social purpose here.