Bukayo Saka Donates Over 1,000 Uniforms to Local Children |
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People collecting items for new term delighted by visit to Greenford
August 13, 2025 Arsenal and England footballer Bukayo Saka has donated more than 1,000 school uniforms to children in Ealing, aiming to support families affected by the ongoing cost of living crisis. The donation was made to four local schools, including Greenford High School and Edward Betham C of E Primary School, which Saka attended as a child. The 23-year-old winger, who is a devout Christian, visited Greenford High last Thursday (7 August), surprising pupils, parents, and staff by personally handing out uniforms, signing autographs, and posing for photographs. His visit was met with enthusiasm from all those who had come to pick up uniforms for the new term, unaware that the star would be there. Saka grew up in the area and was awarded the Freedom of the Borough in 2022 in recognition of his sporting achievements and his positive influence on young people following his performance at UEFA Euro 2020. Greenford High School staff say Saka’s success continues to inspire current students. Assistant Headteacher Mark Harvey, who taught Saka during his time at the school, noted previously that younger pupils often struggle to believe a former student could reach such heights. “I’ve got to get it on my phone and go ‘no, no, no, this is when I taught him,’” Harvey said. “They just think becoming a professional footballer is so far removed from their world.”
The school displays a signed England shirt in its reception area and regularly highlights Saka’s academic achievements—he earned straight A* GCSEs. This is not Saka’s first charitable initiative. Since 2022, he has supported the children’s medical charity BigShoe, funding surgeries for children in Kano, Nigeria. His recent donation in Ealing adds to a growing record of community engagement both locally and internationally. Saka’s contribution of uniforms offers temporary relief for some families, but the issue remains a challenge for many across London.
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