"There's so many options with sports like athletics, hockey and basketball which all require different footwear. It is exciting to see it evolve and who knows what 2018 will bring."
He said there was nothing worse for a child than not feeling a part of a team because they didn't have the right gear.
"It is one thing to be in a team but for them to actually enjoy it they need to feel like they fit in."
Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin was also pleased to announce the expansion of the initiative.
"Hawke's Bay Today are thrilled to be involved in a meaningful community project yet again. It is an absolute delight to see the joy these boots bring to so many children."
Mr Hambleton said each year the campaign proved to be a huge success among the community and already schools were asking when it was starting this year.
"It is exciting when there are hundreds of pairs of boots piled up in the Pettigrew Green Arena as you know every pair will be distributed to someone who needs them. It is actually overwhelming."
In the Sport Hawke's Bay new strategic plan Mr Hambleton said they wanted to ensure that Hawke's Bay has a life long love of sport.
He said for that to happen children needed to have a right to equipment so they could play the game and continue on with sport.
Every item donated will get distributed to people from Wairoa through to Dannevirke.
Mr Austin encouraged people to dig around the home and look for gear that might fit the bill.
"If you see something that fits with our initiative then don't hesitate to drop it off at one of our depots."