End of season sale GIF
End of season sale GIF
The Red Thread campaign, launched in April by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, has been delivered with 2,000 kits now donated to schools
The campaign aims to support the next generation of Forest fans living in disadvantaged areas, with pupils from over 40 schools benefitting
Men’s, Women’s and Academy players visited various schools to personally deliver kits
Nottingham Forest has now donated 2,000 official club kits to children across Nottinghamshire as it looks to support those most in need and inspire the next generation of fans.
Launched in April by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, ‘The Red Thread’ campaign initially saw 1,000 kits being delivered to over 20 schools across the county. Following the early success of the campaign, the Club pledged to donate a further 1,000 kits to more schools within Nottinghamshire and the immediately surrounding areas.
With support from the Nottingham Forest Community Trust, more than 40 schools were identified for donations to ensure that thousands of young people have access to much-needed kit to use during training, matches and PE lessons.
Ryan Yates, Neco Williams, Zach Abbott and Sophie Haywood were among the players to visit schools during the campaign to support with the deliveries.
Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis said: “This football club belongs to its people. Every child who dreams of playing for Forest, or cheering us on at the City Ground, should be able to feel part of this special journey we are on. We want every young supporter to feel seen, valued, and inspired when they pull on the shirt. It’s a gesture of connection and pride with our community – this journey is ours to share, and our youngsters will help shape the future of our great club.”
Sarah Clarke, Headteacher at The Kings C of E Primary School, said: “Our shirts have been the delight of so many pupils who wear them as their PE kit. With so many children unable to afford something so special, it has really closed a gap between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged. All children who wear them feel special – as one child said 'Yes! It's PE day, I get to wear my Forest shirt!’ Smiles all round. Many thanks to you all!”
Sarah Bradbury, Year 6 Teacher and PE Coordinator at Sherwood Junior School, said: “The children at Sherwood Juniors are exceptionally grateful for the distribution of Forest shirts and have so far found them to be the most useful for identifying our Sports Leaders. We had been struggling to fund the printing of a new set of shirts but Nottingham Forest came to our rescue! Each leader now wears their shirt with pride every break time which really helps the children, staff and visitors identify them from others. Thank you so much; this has made a huge difference to us.”
The campaign formed part of the Nottingham Forest owner’s wider commitment to community investment, youth opportunity, and inclusivity across football.