Thousands of sports kits donated at Leeds kit swap event

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.

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.

Importantly, the event has also stopped 1,496kg of clothes and equipment going to landfill and is estimated to have saved £57,902, based on average cost per item donated.

The kit swap event ran for the first time in 2025 and was hugely successful from the start with nearly 2,000 pieces donated.

Jonathon Burn who attended on behalf of Dixons Unity Academy 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.”

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.”

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, said: “It’s great to see the kit exchange event return after the success of the pilot we held last year, with even more pieces of kit donated yet again.

“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.

“Integral to the Leeds Ambitions is the work we do to tackle inequalities and we will continue working together in this partnership to improve access to sport.”

ENDS