A FOOTBALL kit and boot exchange service has officially kicked off in Kilwinning.

Kilwinning Sports Club and the Buffs have launched the community-based initiative, to support youth football in Kilwinning and across North Ayrshire area and combat poverty and inequality.

KSC, which hosts more than 250 young players in 17 teams, are offering this equipment exchange, football boots and football kits will be stored and available to individuals and teams that need them.

KSC Child Wellbeing and Protection Officer Alan McAlpine said: “Everyone involved in Youth Football will know, the cost of football kit, particularly football boots is extremely expensive and with the rate of growth of young people, new boots are sometimes purchased and replaced a few times a season.

“By offering this equipment exchange, football boots and football kit will be stored and available to individuals and teams that need them thus keeping overall costs down.

“The provision of an organised storage area, well stocked and maintained will essentially provide individuals and groups/ teams in our community who are perhaps less fortunate than others with the means to provide football and sports kit for their children.”

Anyone interested in providing any kit can contact KSC on 01294 556444.