Residents across Torfaen can now access more free sportswear, thanks to a generous donation from Dragons RFC to the Torfaen Community Kit Room.
The Community Kit Room, based at multiple venues across Torfaen, is open to anyone in need of sports clothing or equipment, offering free access to football and rugby kits, boots, gymnastics leotards and more.
The initiative, launched in August 2024, helps to remove financial barriers to sport and physical activity, supporting families facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Dragons RFC regularly receives donations of pre-loved sports clothing and equipment through it Dragons Kit Locker scheme and works to ensure these items benefit the communities they serve.
This week, the club donated several bags of children's sports clothing and footwear to the Community Kit Room and plans to become a regular contributor.
Councillor Fiona Cross became aware of the opportunity through Wayne Furley, Head Coach at Cwmbran Dragons Allstars Inclusive Touch Rugby - an affiliate of Dragons RFC.
Cllr Cross, Torfaen Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said:
"We're incredibly grateful to Dragons RFC for this generous donation, which will help more young people take part in rugby by providing access to the equipment they need. By reusing quality sports kit, the scheme supports families, reduces waste.
"It's also a great example of the Torfaen Deal in action, with businesses, community groups, volunteers and public services pooling their efforts to improve opportunities for local people."
The Community Kit Room is delivered in partnership with Torfaen Council's Health, Sport and Fitness Team, Blaenavon Town Council, Cwmbran Community Council, Eastern Valley Foodbank, Garnsychan Partnership, Foodshare and Circulate Blaenavon.
David Watts, Sustainability lead at Dragons RFC, said: “We are really pleased to be supporting this fantastic community initiative with additional children’s sports clothing and footwear, directly from our Kit Locker.
"Families should be able to access the kit they need without cost being a barrier to taking part. By sharing good-quality donated items, we can support more people across Torfaen while keeping kit in use for longer. We look forward to contributing regularly."
If you have sports kit that is no longer being used but still has plenty of life left in it, you can donate it at one of several collection points across the borough.
To find out more about donations or for Community Kit Room locations and opening times, visit: https://connecttorfaen.org.uk/activity/torfaen-community-kit-room-ystafell-gitiau-gymunedol-torfaenhttps://connecttorfaen.org.uk/activity/torfaen-community-kit-room-ystafell-gitiau-gymunedol-torfaen (opens in new tab)