The Stockport County Community Trust has announced it will provide more than 5,000 free PE kits to primary school children across Stockport, Greater Manchester, starting in September 2026. This initiative is designed to support local families who are struggling with the rising cost of living.
Each kit includes a white t-shirt, a pair of black shorts, a pair of black joggers, and a black sweatshirt. The charity wants to ensure that all children can take part in school sports lessons without feeling embarrassed or sitting out because they do not have the correct clothing.
This will be the third year of the project, which has already given out more than 7,000 kits to local children since it launched in 2024. The group has set a long-term goal of distributing a total of 12,000 kits to pupils across the borough who face financial barriers to exercise.
Funding for the programme comes from club owner Mark Stott, local businesses, and various fundraising events. Fans also contribute directly to the scheme, as £2 from every official shirt purchase is donated to help buy the kits for the children.
Local schools have reported that the programme has helped improve attendance, as some children previously stayed home to avoid the stigma of not having a kit. Stockport Council also provides support for essentials like food and energy to help vulnerable residents during the current financial climate.
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