I’m an EFL star but I have a degree and invested in firm selling boots made of kangaroo leather, carpet and castor beans

11 months ago 81

GEORGIE KELLY’S football boots are made partly from kangaroo leather.

But it has not had a negative impact on the way he plays – and he can pouch for it!

He has also invested in start-up company Sokito[/caption]

The Rotherham striker is an investor in start-up company Sokito, whose handmade boots are also made from earth-friendly materials such as carpet, plastic bottles and castor beans.

It is one of the ways boffin Kelly – who has a Masters degree in renewable energy and environmental science – is contributing to the planet.

And he is also passionate about climate change.

Kelly, 27, said: “Climate change is such a huge issue which needs to be addressed.

“But it isn’t really a topic I discuss with my team-mates – not that many of them would be interested.”

Two years ago the EFL announced its Green Clubs scheme, which helps support teams to improve their environmental practices and operations.

Irishman Kelly added: “It is definitely becoming a thing among all the professional clubs and you can see them getting on board with it.

“The trouble for EFL clubs is the cost, such as wanting to do an energy audit at their stadium.

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“I’d love our ground, for example, to have solar panels, but it is all about the money.

“It is easier to invest in for clubs who have lots of it.”

Premier League Tottenham are one example, having committed to halve their carbon emissions by 2030.

And, earlier this year, Wycombe midfielder David Wheeler became the Professional Footballers Association’s first sustainability champion.

Kelly was raised in County Donegal, where his grandfather was a farmer – and which gave him an understanding of the challenges for agriculture in his native Ireland.

Last year the country’s government agreed on an emissions ceiling of 25 per cent for its agriculture sector, much to the ire of farmers.

Kelly said: “There has been a backlash among the farmers I’ve spoken to.

“The problem is that plans look easy on paper, but then there is investment in things such as wind farms and to deal with planning regulations, so it slows everything down.

Sokito produce handmade boots from earth-friendly materials[/caption]

“The way forward is to help small high-tech companies and let them create what is needed.”

Away from the fields and on the pitch, Kelly is enjoying life at Rotherham – who axed boss Matt Taylor earlier this month.

The managerless Millers sit in the Championship relegation zone and host Leeds on Friday night in a Yorkshire derby.

He played for Derry City and Dundalk before joining University College Dublin, where he gained a degree in business commerce.

After a short spell at Bohemians, he joined The Millers in January 2022 – where his first goal was the one which sealed promotion back to the Championship.

Kelly added: “I was actually flying to and from Ireland three times a week when I joined Rotherham to complete my Masters.

“I never thought I’d be playing in the Championship, so I am savouring it while I can.

“Our home form has been good, but we know it is going to be a tough season.

Sokito make boots from carpet, plastic bottles and castor beans[/caption]

“We have a lot of new players, so it will take time for us to grind out results.”

As for Sokito, its investors also include former Dutch international brothers Siem and Luuk de Jong, Borussia Dortmund striker Felix Nmecha and Norwegian midfielder Morten Thorsby.

Kelly said: “Sokito is a start-up company, so I am buzzing to come on board and see how I can help.

“There are a lot of pessimists out there when it comes to environmental issues, but I am optimistic and think it will be addressed, whether that is in the next 10 years or 20 years.”

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