Cricket Kit Recycling
Following a review over the past 12 months, it has become clear that Cricket Kit Recycling doesn’t align with our strategy to focus on areas of our work that deliver the greatest impact. As such, going forward we will be prioritising our disability and community cricket programmes where the demand for our work has never been greater.
We have been in discussions with several partners to help support this programme going forward, but no permanent solution has yet been found.
Given there is a break clause in the lease of our storage facility which must be activated within the next month - or we will be committed for a further five years – we have taken the decision to begin phasing down now, with the warehouse closing in Spring 2025.
We are proud of the impact we have had in this space, but we can no longer afford to run the scheme while also delivering the impact we want to have for our programme participants. Cricket Kit Recycling has developed into a national programme supported by 64 collection hubs and has cost more than £1million over the past five years. This year alone, we have delivered more than 10,000kg of kit and more than 30,000 items to 58 projects – 40 of which are in the UK and include partner cricket charities.
“This is not a decision we have taken lightly,” explained Taverners CEO Mark Curtin. “Our strategy is to grow the reach of our work and be as impactful as we can be. Having more than doubled the number of participants on our Super 1s and Wicketz programmes along with our work to take cricket in to SEND schools, these will be the core focus of our work moving forward.
“We are very proud of the impact that Cricket Kit Recycling has delivered in the UK and across the world, but we cannot afford to do this on our own without detracting from our core purpose.
“However, we are not turning our backs on this, and we want to be part of a sustainable solution that can meet the environmental and inclusive needs of the game, while ensuring that access to safe and affordable equipment is not a barrier to playing cricket and the health, wellbeing and life skills it delivers.”
What does this mean for the programme?
Can I still donate my unwanted cricket kit at a collection hub?
If you have already notified one of our collection hubs that you wish to donate some kit, we will ensure this commitment is met. However, we will not be able to take any new deliveries after 30 November. Following this date, our focus will be on working with our collection hubs to redistribute items already in our storage facility.
Can I still apply for kit?
Yes. All projects, community groups or clubs can still apply for kit and equipment if we can fulfil what you need. Please contact us at martin.darlow@lordstaverners.org for more information on how to apply.
What will happen to all the kit you currently have?
We will continue to meet applications as best we can and work with existing partners to ensure that as much kit as possible is delivered back into the game over the coming months until the current programme is wound down.
Where do you suggest I send kit now?
There is no other organisation currently distributing clothing and equipment in the UK, but the following charities all work overseas and would accept donations:
Bat for a Chance - https://www.batforachance.org.uk/
Project Front Foot - https://projectfrontfoot.org/
Cric-Kit - https://yorkshireccc.com/community/yorkshire-cricket-foundation/participation/cric-kit/
Kit Out Derbyshire - https://dcfcricket.com/kit-out-derbyshire/
Durham County Cricket Foundation - daryl.smith@durhamcricket.co.uk
Kent County Cricket Club - Jackie.Hayward@kentcricket.co.uk
What happens next?
Over the coming months, we will distribute all remaining kit within our storage facility to projects who need it most. At the same time, we are prepared to work with the wider game to find a sustainable solution moving forward that can meet the environmental and inclusive needs of the game. We are not turning our backs on this as there is a need within the game for access to safe and affordable equipment, but we cannot do this all on our own.
How can I get some more information and find out if my club/project is eligible for equipment? Please contact us at martin.darlow@lordstaverners.org and we can have a discussion to start the process.
Our Cricket Kit Recycling Impact
Watch this video to see how we distribute donated cricket kit to young people in the UK and abroad who find it hard to access sport.
