Hawke's Bay Rugby and the Jarrod Cunningham Youth Sports Trust have joined forces with ASB Bank to help local kids into rugby boots.
Hawke's Bay rugby development officer Dan Somerville said the Boot Bank initiative called for old rugby boots to be dropped off by members of the public to any
ASB branch across Hawke's Bay.
Kids from around Hawke's Bay could then be fitted with boots for the season.
"Each year we have hundreds of kids keen to play rugby but unable to afford boots," Mr Somerville said.
"If we can get people to drop off to ASB the boots they no longer need before the season starts, then I'm sure we'll see more kids playing rugby and enjoying themselves."
Tony Maidens, Jarrod Cunningham Youth Trust trustee, said the Boot Bank was a great way to get more kids participating in sport.
"Our sole aim is to get more children participating in all kinds of sporting activities so it's important that the community can assist in kitting out our children."
ASB regional manager Barry Coffey said ASB was right behind this initiative to encourage aspiring Hawke's Bay rugby players.
"We're already behind the ASB Take a Kid to Footy community programme, so it's fantastic to be able to further assist Hawke's Bay kids.
"The Boot Bank is now open during banking hours, and we will continue to take deposits from the public right through the winter months."
The boot-recycling programme was launched at the Hawke's Bay Sport Expo at Pettigrew Green Arena last month, with a good number of boots being collected.
Everyone donating boots will be given a voucher from Smith Sports Shoes in Napier. In addition to the deposit bins, rugby boots can also be dropped into the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union at McLean Park in Napier.
