Gareth Southgate: Too many families can't afford sports kit

6 May 2026, 22:32 | Updated: 7 May 2026, 04:22

Too many parents can't afford to buy kit for their children to take part in sport and PE lessons, Sir Gareth Southgate has warned.

The former England manager said there was a "risk" that kids would end up spending even more time "in front of screens" rather than being active and outside because of their families' financial struggles.

"Very often people have to make a really horrible decision between essentials, groceries or spending on what, for a lot of people, aren't luxury items but can be in terms of football boots, trainers, sports kit," he said.

One in six parents say their children have had to give up their sporting ambitions because they can't afford the kit or equipment they need, according to a YouGov survey.

The data, from a sample of 6,451 adults taken last month, revealed around three in four parents (72%) of children believe a lack of access to equipment leads to fewer opportunities for those from lower-income families.

Two in five parents (40%) with gross household income under £30,000 cited football as the main activity they had to give up.

Southgate, who led the Three Lions to two Euros finals during his tenure from 2016 to 2024, said "every child deserves the right to play sport".

"It's important for them physically," he said. "There are so many other aspects to playing sport that are helpful."

He added: "In a time when there's a risk kids end up in front of screens a lot of the time – to be active and outside is really important."

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Southgate was speaking at an event to promote The Multibank charity, which helps families access essential items, including sports equipment.

It distributes surplus goods donated by businesses to those in need through a nationwide network of charities and community organisations. Football boots and sports kit are among the most commonly requested items.

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