It is hoped that 50,000 pairs of boots can be raised as part of the Boots for Africa campaign devised by Sheffield FC and that schools and junior clubs from across North Tyneside will take part.
Ferdinand said: "I'm very happy to be getting involved in what I think is a really worthwhile charity.
"I have experienced the inspiration and sense of achievement that football can bring and this campaign is helping to give the same opportunity to children in Africa."
Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims added: "These boots may be the children's first ever pair and each will offer a generation of young people a new sense of hope, pride and ambition."
Boots can be donated to the campaign by making a £2 donation to receive a donation pack and there are special group packs for clubs wanting to donate more than one pair.
For more information email
info@bootsforafrica.org, telephone (0191) 222 04 40 or visit
www.bootsforafrica.org.
The full article contains 206 words and appears in News Guardian newspaper.
