A teacher at an Armley school has praised a sports kit swap for its ‘positive impact’ on families in West Leeds.
More than 3,000 pieces of sports kit have been donated to community groups and schools to tackle inequality and improve access to sport.
The event at John Charles Centre for Sport was organised by the Kit Equipment Exchange Partnership (KEEP) to distribute sports kit and equipment to people across the city who may not have access to or be able to afford it.
The 3,400 of pieces of kit were donated by organisations in the partnership and included sports tops and bottoms, jackets, trainers and sports bras. Some were completely brand new and many barely used.
Attending was Jonathon Burn, Head of Physical Health Education at Dixons Unity Academy in Armley. He said: “This event has had a hugely positive impact on our community and provided invaluable support for families and young people who need it most.
“We collected a range of sports equipment, including cricket gear and uniforms. This will make a meaningful difference to our students by removing financial barriers that may prevent them from taking part in cricket fixtures and wider sporting opportunities.
“Access to pads, helmets and uniforms ensures that students can participate with confidence, feel included as part of the team, and enjoy the physical and social benefits that sport provides.”
Three hundred pieces were donated after being left behind at the Leeds Marathon which took place on 10 May.
All of the kits have now been picked up by the over 50 organisations and local residents who attended the kit swap and will support a wide range of people in Leeds, including children and young people, looked after children, women and girls, LGBTQ+ groups, people attending substance misuse groups and people living in the most deprived areas.
The event has also stopped 1,496kg of clothes and equipment going to landfill and is estimated to have saved recipients a total of £57,902, based on average cost per item donated.
KEEP is made up of several organisations including Active Leeds, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Zero Waste Leeds, Leeds United Foundation, Leeds Rhinos, Action for Sport, Freedom4Girls, Wear & Share Leeds and Run For All.
Libby Cotter and Megan Greaves, from Active Leeds, said: “It was amazing to see partners, community leaders, teachers and local residents all in one room, connecting and supporting each other through donated kit. It’s a great example of what we can achieve together, helping people get active while also doing good for the planet.”
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