Amazon has launched an initiative ahead of the Football World Cup where sports equipment and products will be donated to young people.

The donations will be distributed through Multibank, the charity founded by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown alongside online retailer Amazon to connect firms with surplus stock for charities to hand out.

Through the Amazon initiative the retailer will donate an item of sports kit to a charity to hand out to young people for every three selected sports products, including footballs and shinpads, bought.

Former England manager Gareth Southgate is backing the initiative, which runs until 4 June.

He said: “Football gave me so much growing up, and I’ve seen first-hand the role it can play in young people’s lives – not just physically, but for confidence, belonging and mental wellbeing.

“Over the years, I’ve worked with so many players whose journeys started in difficult circumstances. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t always.

“That’s why I am supporting The Multibank, and its work with Amazon to ensure essential items are available to those in need, helping give more young people the chance to take part and feel included in sport.”

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