Sports kit recycling initiative supports families in need

Jersey initiative gives sports kits a second life to support local families

A new community recycling scheme in Jersey aims to ease financial pressures on families while ensuring more children can stay active in sport.

The initiative, led by Jersey Sport in partnership with social enterprise Acorn, will collect pre-loved sportswear and equipment to be cleaned, sorted, and resold at affordable prices through Acorn’s St Helier shop.

Claudia Andrade, Jersey Sport’s inclusion and intervention officer, said the project was about breaking down “financial barriers” that often prevent children from taking part in physical activities.

“By giving sports kit in good condition a second life, we can really help families take part and make sport more accessible to everyone,” she said.

Ms Andrade added that many people may have unused items at home that could make a real difference to others.

“Sometimes we are surprised at what we have lying around that we don’t really use anymore,” she said.

Donations of trainers, shorts, tracksuits, football and rugby boots, running gear, and specialist equipment such as tennis rackets are being encouraged.

As well as supporting families, the scheme promotes sustainability through reuse and recycling — and provides meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities or health conditions at Acorn.

Collection points have been set up at La Moye, Les Landes, and VCP schools, as well as Les Quennevais Sports Centre in St Brelade and Springfield Sports Centre in St Helier.