The Community Kit Room - Making A Difference
Since the launch of the Community Kit Room (CKR) on 17th of February, the initiative has been a huge success. The CKR, operated by the Aneurin Leisure Trust Sports Development Team, funded through StreetGames Wales, has supplied 96 different sportswear items to 51 individuals within our communities of Blaenau Gwent.
“My daughter is now participating more confidently in PE lessons thanks to the kit she’s received.”
Throughout the 3-month period, the team has worked in collaboration with local schools, sports clubs and organisations, to support members of the community access appropriate sports clothing and footwear to maintain their health, sport and fitness journey.
The team has been able to work closely with 5 sports clubs, who currently identify as ‘CKR Hubs’ within Blaenau Gwent. The CKR Hubs allow greater access points for members of the community to receive and donate sportswear to and from the CKR. The 5 clubs are advertised on the BG Life website where you can find the locations with the dates and times to receive and donate items, for more info visit the website here. The team would like to thank the clubs that have come on board so far and welcome any new partnering clubs to join this supporting initiative.
Additionally, during March, Abertillery Bluebirds F.C. enquired about working in collaboration with their own ‘Bootbank’ joining up with the CKR, to supply players, members, and those of all ages within the community with football boots. There have been approximately 40 pairs of boots donated to the CKR already. One of many examples of this successful collaboration, is where a recent youth player swapped an outgrown size 5 pair of boots for a size a 5.5 pair, to play the remaining fixtures of the league instead of buying brand new ones. That player will also look to replicate the same process in September ready for the next official season. Additionally, the ‘Bootbank’ donations have allowed the team to help young children get into football and join local clubs, further enabling and supporting grassroots football. Aneurin Leisure Trust sports development team would specifically like to thank Louis Burridge from the Bluebirds for his continued support and commitment to the partnership.
“It’s the best day of my life getting my new boots and trainers, it’s like my birthday has come early.”
In April, Abertillery Learning Community Primary Campuses of Tillery St, Roseheyworth, and Six Bells held donation days where learners brought in pre-loved sportswear items to donate to the CKR. Coaches through the sports development team, in return, delivered break and lunch time activities for all the learners to enjoy.
The three days were a great success, and the close working partnership with the learning community continues: staff are efficient in contacting and sending referrals to the team to process and deliver any specific items to learners and teachers have reported that the CKR has enabled some learners to join local sports clubs, take part in physical activity within school and the community, and even support some families through a financially challenging time. Overall, creating opportunities for all learners has been the main aim in working with the school, and the team look forward to continuing its partnership. The team would like to thank Sophie Williams, the Assistant Head of lower school at Six Bells Primary Campus, for taking the lead role in coordinating the donations days and continually promoting the CKR to staff and families across each campus. Furthermore, Sophie communicates regularly by sending sportswear referrals to the team, to fundamentally support as much young children and their families as possible.
The CKR is also proud to have recently supported Blaenau Gwent’s Ukrainian Celebration Event at Ebbw Vale Sport Centre. There were fun and engaging activities for all the families to enjoy with the CKR showcased and numerous items of sportswear were provided for the families to take away and utilise. There were lots of happy families leaving the event in their new sports kit.
The CKR has been a great success so far, receiving positive feedback from every supportive service. We welcome sports clubs, organisations, and schools to get in touch to find out more about how they can support the team in expanding this much-needed resource. Please visit the BG Life website here for more information and contact details.