Wolves golden boots raise £3k for charity

The teammates of club captain Batth donated their kit so the defender could raise funds for Foundation DB.

In total, £3,242 was raised from the various items auctioned off, including signed matchworn boots and goalkeeper gloves, all of which will be passed on to the three charities supported by the charity.

Among the collectors' items up for grabs were the boots of midfield maestro Ruben Neves, which fetched a huge £810.

Other players who donated included Benik Afobe from his second Wolves ‘debut’ when he came on in the win against Sheffield United and signed Barry Douglas boots from the game when he scored a free-kick against Leeds United.

Batth, who started Foundation DB with partner Natalie, said: “The backing we have received from supporters in bidding for the items has been nothing short of fantastic."

“There was so much interest right the way through the auction, and, in return for picking up some great collector’s items, fans have donated a substantial sum of money which will help make a real difference to the Foundation’s chosen charities.

“We are planning to make our first donation to those charities in the very near future, as well as announcing other ways that we will be raising awareness of their work, and hopefully providing even more funding.

“There is also another auction planned for before the end of the season.

“I would also like to think my team-mates for their generosity in donating the items, and David Miles at Creative Framing for all of his ongoing help.”

The money will support YMCA Open Door, Football for Peace and the YUWA charity helping young girls in India.

The most sought-after item in the auction was a pair of signed boots worn by Neves when scoring his first goal for Wolves, a spectacular strike from distance in the away game at Hull back in August.

They went for a staggering £810 – to lifelong Wolves fan Lee Waterfall – who visited the Compton Park training ground to receive the boots in person from Batth and Neves.

He said: “It was a great to have the winning bid for Ruben’s boots and also for such a special game, when he scored a spectacular goal which was his first for Wolves.

“It was a privilege to meet both Ruben and Danny, and also good to know that the money from our bid and the auction is going to three great causes linked to the Foundation.

“We have an executive box in the Billy Wright Stand, and the plan is to get the boots framed and put on display in there for people to see on a matchday.”

Fullback Matt Doherty, midfielder Alfred N’Diaye as well as Batth all donated match worn boots which were auctioned off.

Striker Leo Bonatini and Doherty also each passed on a pair of boots that hadn't been worn during matches.

Batth started Foundation DB with an aim to raise money for causes and people who are already trying to better their lives or the lives of others but need extra support.

Football For Peace will benefit from the sale, which breaks down barriers and ideology within communities through sport to create better futures for young people in the West Midlands as well as Yuwa India, which uses sport to keep vulnerable girls out of child marriage and provides protection from human trafficking.

Homeless charity YMCA Black Country will also benefit.

To find out more about Foundation DB go to www.foundationdb.co.uk