Established in 1860, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home supports every dog and cat and has gone from one home in London to three rescue and rehoming centres across the country, caring for more than three million vulnerable animals.

The Chelsea Foundation makes use of footballs every day but with the equipment no longer in a condition to be used, we have donated them to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home to increase the fun at playtime for the puppies and dogs looking for their next home.

Simon Jackson, Chelsea Foundation’s Berkshire development officer, said: ‘As a Foundation we use footballs on a regular basis and for safety reasons we need to regularly update our equipment.

‘This means we end up with footballs that cannot be used anymore because of age or being unable to pump them up. Rather than throw them away, it is really good to see the balls get a second life.

‘When dropping the balls off, we got to experience first-hand the joy they bring to some of the dogs. Bear, a two-year-old German shepherd, was having the time of his life with all the footballs let loose in front of him and while we may not be able to rehome these dogs ourselves, just making their time at the home more fun was really good to see.’

Debbie Bentley, Battersea customer service and rehoming assistant, added: ‘We are thrilled to receive the donation of footballs from Chelsea Foundation.

‘It’s so important to us that we find different ways to keep our dogs happy whilst they are in Battersea’s care, and we know the dogs will get so much enjoyment from playing with these footballs.

‘Two-year-old German shepherd Bear couldn’t wait to get stuck in playing with them.’

For more information on Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, click here