Gareth Southgate: ‘Some families are struggling. They can’t afford to buy kit to take part in PE’

Former England coach Sir Gareth Southgate said families were having difficulty buying sports equipment, which prevented children from attending physical education classes and other activities.

He warned that this economic pressure could lead young people to spend excessive time in front of screens rather than being active outdoors, noting that this is “a difficult time when many families are struggling financially.”

Southgate made the comments while promoting the Multibank charity campaign, which helps families across the UK access vital items including sports equipment.

In an exclusive interview with the Press Association, Sir Gareth said: “We’re talking about attending physical education classes, being able to play sport.

“Unfortunately, some families are really struggling with this; they cannot afford to buy a kit.

“People often have to make a really scary decision between spending on essentials, groceries, or things that aren’t luxuries for most people, but are things like cleats, trainers, and sporting equipment.”

Sir Gareth, who was England manager from 2016 to 2024, added: “At a time when children are at risk of being in front of screens most of the time, being active and being outside is really important.

“Every child deserves the right to play sports. It’s important for them physically. There are so many other aspects of playing sports that are beneficial.”

Sir Gareth said he was approached by former prime minister Gordon Brown, who is chairman of charity The Multibank, to take part in the campaign.

The former Middlesbrough defender said: “The fact that Multibank has allowed some families who have to make really difficult decisions about where they can invest their money is a real plus of the scheme.

“There are basic things that end up going to waste, and so being able to repurpose them in this way benefits everyone.”

Sir Gareth was knighted after leading England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and the Euro 2024 final.

Backed by parent Amazon, Multibank distributes excess goods donated by businesses to families in need through a network of charities and community organizations across the country.

Amazon is launching a new initiative where one in three purchases of selected sports products from May 7 to June 4 will be matched with a donation to The Multibank.

Nearly one in six parents (15%) say their child has had to give up their sporting passion because they can’t afford the kit or equipment needed to take part, new YouGov data has revealed.

Data from a sample of 6,451 adults taken last month found that nearly three in four parents (72%) of children aged four to 18 years believe a lack of access to sports equipment has led to fewer opportunities for those from lower-income families.

According to the research, two in five (40%) parents with a gross household income of less than £30,000 cited football as the main activity they had to give up.

In addition to daily basic needs such as toiletries, diapers and household items, products such as football shoes, sports equipment and toys are among the most demanded products at Multibanks.

Multibank has distributed more than 16 million products to support more than two million families in need across the UK.