Marcus Rashford, who was inspired by his hero Muhammad Ali, tried to influence society by donning specially designed blackout boots that had messages from forty schoolchildren on them.

“Marcus Rashford Boot Project” was launched by the Manchester United and England striker, who was awarded an MBE on Saturday for his services to vulnerable children in the UK, in honour of Black History Month and as part of his ongoing efforts to give voice to poor youngsters nationally.

The limited edition triple black Nike Mercurial boots have handwritten responses to the question, “I am the future of…” Three schools—one of which was Rashford’s elementary school—in Manchester, Harlow, and Sheffield are home to the kids who penned the comments. These schools have large proportions of pupils who qualify for free school meals.

On the laces of the boots, heavyweight world champion boxer Ali—one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and inspiration to Rashford—is cited as stating, “Recognise how every moment of our journey is an important part of the growth of our soul.”

In support of his efforts to eradicate child food insecurity, Rashford will give numerous pairs of boots to two organisations: FareShare and the Trussell Trust. Throughout October, Rashford will don the boots, starting against Belgium at Wembley.

In addition, a pair of the boots will be donated to the Muhammad Ali Foundation in remembrance of Rashford’s days at the United Academy system, when kids were only permitted to wear black boots. The boots won’t be available for purchase in any stores.

“This project was an opportunity for me to give millions of children in the UK a platform to share their voice and inspire the next generation,” stated Rashford, who grew up in a household that received free school meals.

“I couldn’t be here today advocating for change if I hadn’t gone through what I went through as a child.

“There would be little impact from my message. “I wanted to stand in Wembley Stadium with their voice carried with me, their messages written across my boots,” he said. “I wanted to offer them an opportunity to succeed. Kids need to believe that they can succeed in life, even in the face of injustices and flaws in the system. We must support and allow our children to dream because sometimes that’s all they have.

The notes are from pupils at three distinct schools: Passmores Academy in Harlow, Essex; Brunswick Community Primary School in Sheffield; and Button Lane Primary School in Wythenshawe, where Rashford attended.

This week, Rashford requested Prime Minister Boris Johnson to extend the free school food voucher programme for the October half-term in order to further support children who are at danger. Rashford launched a campaign in June that compelled the government to extend the programme for the summer.

“Let’s stand together in saying that no children in the UK should be going to bed hungry,” said Rashford following his MBE.