Kit Out Sheffield gets a ton of support

Almost a ton of sports kit will get a new lease of life to help kids get active in the holidays. Donations included step boxes, balls, weights and rollerblades.

Kit Out Sheffield campaign supported by Streetgames and Yorkshire Sport Foundation helps more children and young people to take part in life enhancing physical activity, running from September to October

798kg of kit was collected and sorted to go out to to HAF providers in schools and clubs with kids that need suitable clothing and equipment.

Research says a lack of access to suitable sports kit is a significant barrier to participation in physical activity: 74% of surveyed community sports leaders said young people are less likely to take part without the right kit. For young people growing up in low-income, underserved communities, where opportunities to play sport and be active are already limited, this can make all the difference. 

The Kit Out project has been designed to remove this critical barrier, opening up access to physical activity as well as reducing waste and diverting used clothes from landfills. 

Lauren Donnelly, Sport Development Manager and School Games Organiser, Arches School Sport Partnership said: "We are extremely grateful to the Kit Out campaign for their support in helping our Primary Schools break down barriers to participation for their children and young people.

"Many children face challenges that prevent them from fully accessing PE, School Sport and Physical Activity, with one being access to the appropriate kit. The support from Kit Out will make a valuable difference, increasing the number of children who have the opportunity to be active, feel included, and develop a lifelong love of movement, empowering them to be active both within schools, and beyond the school gates." 

Gaby Nicholson, PE Lead, Astrea Academy Sheffield said: "Our school serves a diverse community, many of our families are disadvantaged and correct sporting kit is difficult for them to provide. In recent years, we have promoted a love of PE, school sport and physical activity across our school and many of our children are now choosing to join in with extra-curricular activities both in school and out of school. Being able to afford kit and equipment has been a barrier for this, 

"The kit we have been provided through the Kit Out campaign across the City will enable our children to attend sporting events and be able to perform to the best of their ability. Providing children with correct kit ensures they feel pride and belonging, which enhances their confidence and spirit. It means that our children can attend any club or event with equipment that allows them to be equal to their peers and reflects their discipline and respect for whichever sport they choose to pursue."

Kendle Hardisty, StreetGames Network Support Lead - Yorkshire and Humberside said: "After six months of planning, seeing all of the donations from the Kit Out campaign at the sorting day really brought home the power of this project and the strength of the partnerships involved. At StreetGames, we know the transformative impact that sport and physical can have for young people living in under-served communities - and every single item donated will help to unlock these benefits.