As children begin to outgrow their sports clothing, the Foundation is once again calling on the generosity of the York community to help ensure that every child has what they need to take part in sport and stay active.
The Changing Room Project is a community-led initiative that tackles clothing inequality by redistributing quality, outgrown sports clothing to families across the city. The Foundation, which exists to use the power of football to inspire, support, and engage the local community, launched the project in 2023 in response to the growing cost of living crisis. With many families struggling to afford the basics needed for participation, the initiative aims to remove clothing as a barrier to sport.
Following a successful first year in which over 53kg of sportswear was redistributed and 195 families were supported through free and welcoming swap-shop events, the project is now entering its second year with even more ambition and reach.
Thanks to the generosity of the public, there are now 20 donation points across York hosted by trusted partners including schools, grassroots clubs, local businesses, and leisure centres. Each collection bin is given its own name and personality to help make them more visible and memorable for families and children.
In Year 2, the Foundation aims to expand the network to 25 hosts, increase access for families, and deliver four community swap-shop events across York in summer, autumn, and spring. The project accepts a wide range of good-quality items including boots, trainers, shorts, hoodies, tracksuits, shin pads, T-shirts, and footballs.
Steph Aksel, Inclusion Officer at York City FC Foundation, said: “The best part of this project is seeing the impact first-hand at our Changing Room events. I’ve met families who are genuinely moved that something so simple can make such a big difference. There’s no sense of greed. Families take exactly what they need and often ask if it’s really free. It’s a reminder of how powerful community kindness can be.”
In addition to supporting children’s participation in sport, The Changing Room Project promotes sustainability by encouraging reuse, reducing waste, and supporting a circular economy approach.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
You can donate outgrown or unwanted sports clothing at any of the Foundation’s blue-branded bins, including:
Bernard at York City FC Foundation Office, York Community Stadium (YO32 9AF)
Monday – Friday, 9:30am – 4:30pm
Bob at Vangarde Shopping Park (YO32 9AE)
Monday – Saturday, 8am – 8pm | Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Beatrice at Energise Leisure Centre (YO24 3DX)
Monday – Friday, 6:30am – 9:30pm | Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm
Buster at Burnholme Sports Centre (YO31 0HA)
Monday – Friday, 7am – 9pm | Saturday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm
If you’re a school, business or venue interested in hosting a bin or access free sports clothing, please contact: [email protected]
