Significant number of EFL clubs want to support homeless charity Shelter on Boxing Day after Premier League snub
EFL clubs want to support homeless charity Shelter by wearing their away kits at home matches on Boxing Day; unworn home shirts will be signed and auctioned off; the Premier League has refused its clubs permission to take part in the fundraising idea
Friday 12 November 2021 13:18, UK
A significant number of EFL clubs are interested in wearing their away kits at home matches on Boxing Day in a bid to raise funds for homeless charity Shelter.
The support from EFL teams comes after the Premier League refused clubs permission to take part in the fundraising initiative on Boxing Day, which would see unused home shirts signed by players and then auctioned off.
Sky Sports News understands the EFL has no problem with its clubs getting involved in the campaign.
A Premier League spokesperson on Tuesday said: "The Premier League receives a large number of requests from charities every season however we aren't able to support all centrally.
"Clubs are entitled to support charitable causes, and we encourage clubs to do so, provided it is in compliance with Premier League rules."
Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham and West Ham are among the teams playing at home on Boxing Day.
Sky Sports News has asked the nine Premier League clubs playing at home on Boxing Day if they would be willing to support the campaign if the league allowed it.
Osama Bhutta, director of campaigns at Shelter, said: "We believe 'home' means everything. We want to use the positive power of football this Christmas, and our shared connection to 'home', to raise awareness of homelessness and what we can all do to fight it.
"Since the start of the pandemic more than 180,000 households have lost their homes and been made homeless - many of them are families with children hidden away in grim temporary hostels. That's why we have been speaking to people across the football community to launch #NoHomeKit.
"No Home Kit is a simple Boxing Day campaign where clubs and fans swap their home colours for their away or third kit. This will powerfully show their support for all those without a safe home today.
"We want as many teams, players and fans as possible to join #NoHomeKit and work with us to help those experiencing the harsh realities of homelessness this winter.
"Everyone involved in #NoHomeKit can do something special by bringing the entire football community together to fight the housing emergency."
Bhutta said the charity had been "overwhelmed" by the support shown by EFL clubs for the initiative.
"In the past few days, we've been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm for the #NoHomeKit initiative, with new clubs such as Forest Green Rovers and Carlisle United coming on board and showing their commitment on social media," Bhutta added.
"Like many, we are disappointed by the Premier League's decision not to provide any flexibility to make this as big as it can be. But we hope as many different teams, players and fans - from the grass-root community clubs to the very top - will still get involved in whatever way they can to help fight homelessness with us this Christmas.
"People should have a safe home, and far too many don't - that's the biggest rule that's been broken here. The football community is perfectly placed to help, given the importance of 'home' to the game. We are excited and encouraged that so many people and clubs have already pledged their support and will be wearing their away kits on Boxing Day - and we know more will follow."
