Leith’s Utilita Hub welcomed local families, football fans and community partners for a successful National Football Rebooted Day 2026 event, helping to promote access to grassroots football through the donation and redistribution of pre-loved boots.
Hosted by Hub Supervisor Natasha Baillie and Energy Expert Finn Salisbury, the event attracted strong community interest, with 12 additional visitors attending specifically for Football Rebooted Day and total Hub footfall reaching almost 70 people throughout the day.
The event saw eight pairs of football boots donated, adding to the growing number of boots already collected through the Hub. In addition, representatives from the Hibernian Community Foundation collected a bag of previously donated boots, ensuring they can be redistributed to those who need them most across the local community.
Visitors were also delighted to meet Sunshine, Hibernian FC’s much-loved mascot, who proved a huge hit with children and adults alike. Families took the opportunity to pose for photographs, creating memorable moments throughout the day.
Further excitement came later in the event when Hibernian FC Women players Tiree Burchill and Scarlett Herron visited the Hub, meeting supporters and local residents. The players were warmly welcomed by fans, including season ticket holders John Paul and Amanda (pictured above), who were thrilled to meet some of their footballing heroes.
With a Football Rebooted gazebo positioned outside the Hub, the team was able to engage passers-by and answer questions about the initiative, raising awareness of how donated boots can help remove financial barriers to participation in sport.
Natasha Baillie, Supervisor at Leith Utilita Hub, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating the National Football Rebooted Day in Leith. There was a real buzz throughout the event, with families stopping by to meet Sunshine, donate boots and learn more about how Football Rebooted supports people in our community.
“It was wonderful to see the smiles the mascot brought to visitors of all ages, and we were especially pleased to welcome Tiree and Scarlett from Hibernian FC Women. Events like this help spread awareness of the importance of making football accessible to everyone, while ensuring unused boots find a new home with someone who can benefit from them.”
Football Rebooted is a nationwide campaign that encourages families to donate unwanted football boots so they can be cleaned, redistributed and reused by players who may otherwise struggle to afford the equipment needed to play.
Through partnerships with clubs, community organisations and Utilita Energy Hubs, the initiative aims to make football more accessible while reducing waste and supporting sustainability.
National Football Rebooted Day took place at Utilita Energy Hubs across the UK, bringing communities together to celebrate the positive impact that sport can have on people’s lives while helping thousands of football boots continue their journey on pitches across the country.
If people couldn’t make it to Saturday’s event, they can still donate football boots throughout the year; many local schools, colleges and sports clubs also have collection boxes.
A full map of collection points can be found on the Football Rebooted website: www.footballrebooted.co.uk
