Surrey FA is proud to have been able to introduce Kitlocker to support Smile Sleigh, a heartwarming initiative established in 2018 by Sophie East to bring a small amount of festive cheer to women and children affected by domestic abuse.

Now in its sixth year, Smile Sleigh continues to grow, supporting over 400 families during the Christmas season with age-appropriate gifts for children and carefully curated wellness packs for women.

As part of this year’s efforts, Surrey FA reached out to long-standing partner Kitlocker, who generously donated 50 footballs. These footballs will be among the gifts delivered to families this Christmas, offering a moment of joy and connection during what can be a challenging time.

Sophie East, founder of Smile Sleigh, shared her gratitude: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity of local businesses and individuals who make Smile Sleigh possible. Initiatives like this rely on community spirit, and we cannot thank the team at Kitlocker enough for getting involved in this worthy cause."

Smile Sleigh is entirely driven by the dedication of local volunteers who come together each year to make a difference. With ambitions to reach even more families, the initiative is a shining example of how collective goodwill can create a positive impact in our community.

Kirk Ritchie, Head of Marketing & Partnerships at Surrey FA, said: “When we were invited to get involved, we were thrilled at the opportunity to bring in one of our long-standing partners. Chris and the team at Kitlocker immediately embraced the chance to support such an incredible cause.”

Surrey FA is honoured to play a small part in supporting Smile Sleigh’s mission and encourages others in the community to contribute where possible. Together, we can bring a smile to those who need it most this festive season.

For more information on how you can support Smile Sleigh or learn about similar initiatives, please click here