Brighton non-profit helping families access low-cost football kits

An organisation that initially just ran a secondhand school uniform project in Brighton & Hove has now expanded into football kits and sports shoes.

This year alone, Smarter Uniform has saved Brighton & Hove families £12,800 on uniform costs and prevented 1,300 pieces of uniform from ending up in landfill.

Now, it hopes to encourage more families to play football in the city by offering secondhand kit.

Its new dedicated sports page makes it possible for parents and local clubs to buy and sell their outgrown football kits and sports shoes to other local families, saving money and the environment.

Jo-Anne, a local parent who has used Smarter Uniforms for more than two years said: “Knowing that I am saving money and the environment is so fulfilling – a real ‘win- win’ solution and so important as an initiative.

“I wish all schools and areas had a local ‘Smarter Uniforms’. Thoroughly recommend.”

Marie, a family key worker from the Whitehawk Family hub, said: “So many of our families are struggling with the cost of living and are in financial crisis. Smarter Uniforms has helped so many of our families to access good quality second-hand uniforms.”

According to Recycle Now, organisers of Recycle Week (October 14- 20 ), around 49 per cent of all unwanted textiles get thrown in the rubbish bin each year. That’s around 35 items, per person, per year.

Smarter Uniforms is helping communities to take action that will contribute to global change.

Recycling textiles, especially items like football kits that might only be used for one season, is an easy and effective way to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Anna McDevitt, service manager for Smarter Uniforms, said “We have been on a mission to help families access low-cost school uniforms since 2017.

“This is an exciting development for us and one that I think has the potential to make a big difference to local families and communities.”

Local nonprofit football organisation, VYD, has said it is excited to see the expansion of this local initiative into sportswear.

Gary Pleece, a representative of VYD, said: “We’re thrilled to be helping to make it easier for families to access low-cost football kit and boots while also generating support for our club. It’s a win for families, our team, and the environment.”

Visit www.smarteruniforms.org to check out the Smarter Uniforms Marketplace.