Sports Kit Recycling Overseas Applications – Update 1 February 2022

We are currently working through a large backlog of overseas applications for our sports kit recycling programme and as such, we are unable to give exact timelines for the processing of any current or new applications.

As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, we are seeing that the demand for usable sports kit around the world has never been greater, but we have been experiencing logistical issues with delivery given the increased pressure on freight operations and this has led to delays.

As we work through the backlog and arrange delivery to our partners across the world, if you have a new application you would like to submit, please email dave.pemberton@lordstaverners.org for the latest information.

We are continuing to assist UK projects and arrange delivery, and these are unaffected so please follow the applications process as listed below or download this form.

What is sports kit recycling?

Many young people in the UK and abroad find it hard to access sport, with one of the main barriers being a simple lack of access to the right kit and equipment.

Our sports kit recycling programme collects usable kit from across the UK through a network of local ‘collection hubs’.

The kit is then sorted and redistributed to partner organisations within the UK and around the world, who can put it to great use in their communities.

How does it help young people

The benefits of playing cricket and other sports are numerous. Having the correct kit gives more young people the opportunity to play team sport and develop crucial life skills such as teamwork, communication and confidence, alongside improving their overall health and wellbeing.

In recent years, we have sent large amounts of kit to projects in India, Germany, Antigua, Brazil, Romania, Rwanda, Uganda, The Gambia, Mexico and across the UK. 

Want to donate your unwanted kit?

We have collection hubs located across the country which are set up to take your donations. You can find your nearest hub via the map below, where you will also find contact details and hub opening times. Please ensure that you contact our hubs before you drop off your kit and that it is securely wrapped or packaged.

For a full list of what we do and don't collect, please read our collection standards document before making your donation. 

If you have any unwanted kit that you would like to send us directly please post it to: Lord’s Taverners, Unit 8 Yale Business Park, Bluestem Road, Ransomes Industrial Estate, Ipswich. IP3 9RR.

If have any questions about collections or the sports kit recycling programme, you can get in touch with us via 0207 025 0021.

How you can help

In order to receive more kit, we need your cricket club, school, shop, office or even your home to become a kit recycling ‘collection hub.’

Don’t worry, you won’t be inundated with sports kit every day! Most of our hubs are set up to receive kit at particular times of year, normally just before the UK cricket season starts and shortly after it finishes. Check the map below to find your nearest hub and their availability.

We have introduced a set of guidelines to preserve the continuing safety of our collection hubs and donors. We are be asking all donors to follow these simple rules, once your nearest collection hub becomes available.

• Please ensure that all items are properly cleaned and usable
• Agree a mutual date and time to drop off your donation
• All clothing/equipment must be in a sealed container, box or bag
• When handling containers/bags, please wear gloves/face masks
• If directed by collection hub, place donation in designated collection zone
• The collection hub has the right to refuse any donation on our behalf, if the above steps aren’t followed

For a full list of what we do and don't collect, please see our collection standards document.

For large individual donations or if you are interested in becoming a collection hub please contact us directly.
Henry Stogdon: Henry.Stogdon@lordstaverners.org or call 0207 025 0029.

How else can I get involved?

Become a regional kit collector

We are looking for volunteers around the country who like to make a difference and collect unwanted kit from the local area.

Engage your colleagues and customers

Our kit sorting days provide a great opportunity for staff, customers and clients to work as a team to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people.

Partner with us

We are looking to partner with organisations to support our kit recycling programme. We are looking for assistance in all parts of the programme, from providing packing boxes to sponsoring the whole programme.

Deliver kit overseas

If you are going on a school tour, trip or are a charity already working overseas we would love to hear from you. We are always looking for new projects to send kit to.

If you would like more information on how to get involved with sports kit recycling please contact David Pemberton on 020 7025 0021 or via email.

Thank You

We would like to thank the below organisations for their kind donations to the Sports Kit Recycling Programme:

Acopia for their kind donation of pallet wrap - www.acopia.co.uk

Henry Tilly Sports for their kind donation of cricket kit - www.htsports.co.uk

Rondos Academy for their kind donation of junior football kit - www.rondos.co.uk