Coyle described the event as “bittersweet” and says he has noticed the cost of school uniforms climbing
(Image: Tommy Coyle Academy/Facebook)
Former boxer Tommy Coyle is gearing up for another bumper school uniform giveaway this week for the people of Hull. For the seventh year running, Coyle’s free school uniform drive will dish out clothing to those who need it – no questions asked. On Thursday 3 September, families who need a little extra help can get free school uniform items ahead of the beginning of term. The drive is being held at TC60 Training Club on Humber Street from 10am until around 1pm, or until the uniforms are all dished out.
The idea was born during the pandemic and has been named the Free School Uniform Project, in response to the rising costs of uniform amid the cost of living crisis. Seven years ago, Coyle was in a queue to buy uniforms for some of his team and he noticed a long line of parents buying uniforms for school. When he found out how much his wife had spent on school uniforms, he decided to do something to help others.
Coyle said: “I just think it’s really bittersweet in a sense that there’s so many people that really need the support because the number of people that have reached out has been huge. It’s sweet that me and some friends are in a position to do it. I wanted to thank them publicly because without them it wouldn’t be possible. Cranswick has been really kind, Transwaste Recycling have been doing it for seven years with me. Hull Golf Club’s captain Mike Rooms named us as charity of the year. Together we’ve raised a substantial amount of money. Collectively it’s a team effort and we are grateful for the support.”
He said that anyone can come to get uniforms and there are no questions asked. Speaking to Hull Live last year, he said the initiative has gone from “strength to strength”. The 2025 drive supplied enough clothing to help around 400 families, and the team expects to help a similar amount this year.
“It can be an awkward conversation for people,” he said. “It’s all taken on trust. It’s our seventh year and we get a lot of the same people every year. We work with the same community groups and schools. Parents tell us if they have a boy or girl, and we’ve got all the colours, all the sizes, even down to socks. It’s a great day, we probably support more than 400 families. It’s an amazing atmosphere. It feels really good to do what we do. But it’s an expensive initiative and without the types of support we get, it wouldn’t be possible. Transwaste now just ask when we are doing it each year.”
Speaking on a video posted on social media, Tommy said: “The van’s full, I’ve just been to collect the first batch. Over the next few days we will be collecting more and more in all sizes and all colours, for all schools. So if you are in need of some support, or know someone who is in need of some support, please come and see us.” He said he has noticed the cost of uniforms increasing, even compared to a year ago.
TC60 Training Club on Humber Street from 10am until around 1pm. Coyle also thanked those who made the giveaway possible, including event sponsors Transwaste Recycling and Aggreates Ltd, Cranswick, Pagabo, Hull Golf Club and MKM.
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