A pilot event at the John Charles Centre for Sport last week saw 1,890 pieces of sports kit donated to tackle inequality in sports and make physical activity accessible for all. Organised by the Kit Equipment Exchange Partnership (KEEP) and funded by Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds service, the event attracted over 30 organisations collecting equipment for schools, community groups, and local families.
KEEP works to distribute unwanted sports kit and equipment to people who may not otherwise have access or the means to afford it. By removing financial barriers, the partnership ensures that more people across Leeds can play sports, stay active, and participate in community activities.
At the pilot event, donations included sports tops and bottoms, jackets, trainers, sports bras, period pants, and swimwear. Items were given to primary and secondary schools, specialist inclusive learning centres, community organisations, and parents attending a sports day at the centre.
The donated kit will support a wide range of groups, including children and young people, looked after children, women and girls, LGBTQ+ communities, people attending substance misuse groups, and those living in the most deprived areas of the city. The event is estimated to have saved 831kg of equipment from going to waste and saved the council over £32,000.
KEEP is made up of multiple partner organisations, including Active Leeds, Yorkshire Sport Foundation, Zero Waste Leeds, Leeds United Foundation, Action for Sport, Freedom4Girls, and Run For All. The partnership was recently nominated for a Compassionate City Award, celebrating individuals and organisations making a positive difference in Leeds. The awards ceremony will take place on November 6.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:
“This pilot event was a real success, delivering huge impact to people across our city. No one should be put off from playing sports or being active because they can’t afford to buy the right equipment. KEEP is doing a great job in removing that barrier for people, whilst also making sure no kit or equipment is going to waste. As part of our Leeds Ambitions, we are committed to tackling inequalities, and we look forward to this partnership continuing to create change where it’s needed.”
The KEEP pilot event highlights how collaboration between local government, sports organisations, and charities can make a real difference in tackling inequality, promoting health, and reducing waste in the community.
