Sports equipment can be expensive.

But Cork City FC has come up with a novel way to bring the cost down, launching a Community Kit Room at the club’s training ground in Bishopstown which will allow members of the public to avail of used training gear that is in good condition.

The unit has been donated to the club by Masterkabin in Innishannon, which is part of the Eco Mod Group.

Cork City FC players from men’s, women’s and academy teams will donate old gear including goalkeeper gloves, jerseys, training gear, boots, used footballs, training bibs and cones to the Community Kit Room. Members of the public are invited to come along and take items free of charge.

People can also bring donations of old jerseys, football boots, socks and any other sporting equipment to the Community Kit Room for others to avail of for free.

Initiative ‘will allow everyone to play soccer’

“The idea of the Community Kit Room is that if someone is in need of training or sports gear then they can come to a safe and confidential space to get good quality second hand gear at no cost.” said Craig Robinson, Community Coaching Manager and Women’s Head of Academy.

“We hope that this initiative will allow everyone to play soccer with their local club or school and not be prevented from doing so due to a lack of proper gear.”

Erika Ní Thuama, Cork City FC’s Community and Academy Coordinator, said players are glad to know that second hand training gear which is in good condition can be used by someone instead of being thrown away: “I would encourage all clubs, organisations and businesses to come on board, if possible, and donate items that are no longer in use or to contact us if you are in need of training gear and equipment.” she added.

The Community Kit Room is located at the Cork City FC training ground in Bishopstown and will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 3pm for donations and for people to come along and avail of the service. People can email community@corkcityfc.ie or call 021 4345574 to arrange other times.