University Donates Sports Kit for Use in Developing Countries

Sports kit donated by the University of Worcester will soon be making its way to disadvantaged young people all over the world.

University staff have handed over more than 100 pieces of surplus kit to the charity SOS Kit Aid, which recycles sports kit for use by people in developing countries.

Mark Newton, Regional Collector for SOS Kit Aid, said: “The charity is very grateful for the donation and it will definitely make a difference. The kit is destined for children in developing countries all over the world to play sport in. It gives them a sense of identity and makes them feel as though they’re part of the world game.”

The handover included three sets of rugby squad shirts from both the women’s and men’s teams and one complete set of rugby kit for a whole squad, along with four men’s and women’s football squad kits.

SOS Kit Aid distributes second-hand and un-used new sports kits (with a focus primarily on rugby, along with other sports) to disadvantaged youngsters all over the globe. The charity aims to use the power of sport to make a positive impact on young people’s lives. The recycling of this clothing also helps protect the environment by preventing such items from ending up in landfill sites and thereby reducing harmful emissions.

Up to August last year, the charity has distributed £8m of kit, through over 700 deliveries, benefitting a quarter of a million people from over 56 countries.

Charlotte Beaman-Evans, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education, who also leads the University’s Sports Scholarship programme, said: “The University prides itself in leading the way on sustainability and inspiring others to follow suit both within and outside the University community by finding innovative solutions to such issues. This kit has accumulated over a number of years and we’re so grateful to have found a charity to work with who will make sure this kit will not only be given a second life rather than ending up in landfill, but importantly make a difference to young people in another part of the world.”