National League clubs are keen on wearing their away kits at home on Boxing Day after controversy that the Premier League have banned this.
A statement was issued by the league organisation on Monday, throwing their support behind the homeless campaign which saw Premier League chiefs declare it as against the rules, yet we see see many other charity based campaigns on kits including that of the Poppy Appeal.
General manager Mark Ives has written to all clubs to encourage them to support Shelter’s ‘No Home Kit’ which plans to raise funds for the homeless and awareness of the difficulties they face.
This would see clubs who host matches on Boxing Day wear their away kits or third is there’s a clash, as part of the campaign and Sportsmail understands that many intend to do just that.
The National League is proud to announce its support for #NoHomeKit
The @Shelter campaign is asking clubs to wear their away kit on Boxing Day to show support for people who don’t have a safe home
👉 https://t.co/CpBMAGr2fU pic.twitter.com/4Pej6BliT8
— The National League (@TheVanaramaNL) November 15, 2021
NATIONAL LEAGUE STATEMENT:
The National League has today announced its support for Shelter’s #NoHomeKit campaign.
Shelter are asking clubs and fans to ‘ditch their home shirt’ for their games on Boxing Day to raise awareness of the fight to end homelessness and the housing emergency.
Homelessness, and the housing crisis in general, is reaching a critical point with 180,000 households having been made homeless since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.
The National League believes football can be a powerful ally in the fight to end homelessness and is actively encouraging as many clubs as possible to get involved with the #NoHomeKit campaign.
Our clubs’ unique connection to their communities across the country will help Shelter’s goals as an organisation and the idea of ‘home’ on which their campaign is based.
Osama Bhutta, director of campaigns at Shelter said: “We’re thrilled that the National League is officially backing our No Home Kit campaign.
“Its 66 clubs in communities around the country join the growing line-up of teams, fans and personalities from across football who have already pledged their support. We hope their support encourages even more people to come on board to help us raise awareness of homelessness this Christmas.
“No Home Kit is a simple idea that anyone can get involved with to help make a difference. We’re just asking the football community to unite for the Boxing Day round of fixtures by swapping their team’s ‘home’ colours for their away or third kit as a powerful act of solidarity for people without a home.
“Right now, 91 families in England are made homeless every single day and sadly more could face losing their homes with a tough winter ahead.
“We hope as many clubs, players and fans as possible continue to join #NoHomeKit so we can harness the unifying power of football and do something special to help those facing homelessness.”
– STATEMENT ENDS –
The National League’s position is completely different to that of the top flight, who told their clubs that should they wish to don change strips they would be in breach of regulations.
Meanwhile, in the EFL, as many as 17 clubs have already asked for permission to swap kits and have been told by the competition that they have no issue with the move.
‘The more clubs we have involved would be fantastic and of course it would be good to have all 68 clubs,’ Ives wrote.
‘Even if a club is playing away, they can support in the same way: wearing No Home Kit (away or third) and lending their voice on social media.
‘This can be as big or small as clubs want. It can be just wearing the kit and an accompanying social post, but if clubs want to go further with content and fundraising then Shelter can supply you with everything you need.’
SEE MORE: Gary Neville demands U-turn from Premier League over kit decision
Twitter users reacted with National League clubs keen on wearing their away kits at home on Boxing Day to support Shelter…
@AlunInHope; Excellent idea as one who has experienced sleeping rough for a single night to appreciate what such people endure night after night.
@capaled: What if both away kits clash would the away team wear home and the home team wear away?
@CymruOllie: Third kit I assume
@LiamKHFC: Love this 👏
@gomadstopcaring: Good job that MUFC are away on Boxing Day, as wearing that yellow and green monstrosity on York Road’s hallowed turf would be sacrilegious.
@jamesdodd1993: @bromleyfc are we getting involved with this?
@Coppice83: 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 #Notts away at #KingsLynn for me #NoHomeKit
@DaveFry23414113: Putting the Premier League to shame 👍🏻
@Deano4x8: @SouthernLeague1 would you consider the same?
@ekctafc: @tonbridgeangels we need to look into supporting this.
@pkfsport: Ah. Chesterfield don’t play on Boxing Day. Maybe 28th Dec in support of Shelter. Would be a nice touch.
HOMELESS HELP
Centrepoint
You can call free on 0808 800 0661
They say via their site: Homeless or at risk? We’re here for you. We offer advice to anyone in England aged 16-25. Know your options before your options run out. Everyone deserves a safe and stable place to live, but it’s scary when you don’t know where to turn. We listen, we advise and we connect you to the right services. We can also help people worried about a young person they know.
Crisis
They say via their site: Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. We are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change. Our innovative education, employment, housing and well-being services address individual needs and help people to transform their lives.
Salvation Army Homeless Service
Tel: 020 7367 4500
They say via their site: The Salvation Army provides a professional service to meet the needs of homeless people throughout the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland. We reach out to men, women and families through our community and residential services. In conjunction with government initiatives and requirements such as Supporting People and other best practice, we provide a range of support services to empower individuals and families to make positive choices regarding resettlement opportunities within the community.
Haircuts 4 Homeless
They say via their site: Homeless people have many challenges to face, one of them often being a low self-esteem. A haircut can have a great effect on someone, giving them a real boost. It’s often way down on a homeless persons priorities with what lack of money so the service proves to be very popular. It may be “just a haircut”, but it’s the kindness shown that makes a homeless person know that people really care.
Shelter
Offers free confidential expert advice via their website, Housing Aid Centres, helpline and e-mail services.
Helpline: 0808 800 4444
They say via their site: You don’t have to be living on the street to be homeless. You may be legally classed as homeless if you are sleeping on a friend’s sofa, staying in a hostel, suffering from overcrowding, or other bad conditions. Homelessness can often be avoided if you act quickly and get the right help. If you have nowhere to stay, call Shelter’s helpline.
Homeless Link
This website gives information on over 8,000 services, including hostels, day centres and other advice and support services for homeless people.
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