At the end of 2025, Forth Valley College (FVC) launched a campaign to promote their ‘Sports Kit Appeal’. The aim was to encourage students and staff to donate used sports clothing and footwear that were no longer being used, so they could be distributed to other students.
Across FVC’s three campuses in Alloa, Falkirk and Stirling, the lack of appropriate sportswear was becoming a common barrier from preventing students from participating in activities.
We spoke to Dean McKirdy, Active Campus Coordinator at Forth Valley College, to find out more about the impact of the campaign.
Q1. Can you tell us more about the project and how it started?
The Forth Valley College Sports Kit Appeal was created from an observation that some students wanted to get active but lacked the appropriate sportswear, which can be a significant financial hurdle. We wanted to try and remove this barrier to participation in case it was having an impact here at the college.
Launched as the first ever FVC Sports Kit Appeal between October and December 2025, we set up ‘donation stations’ across our three campuses. The goal was to create a safe environment where students and staff felt comfortable donating, and students felt comfortable taking items they may need. Staff and students cleared out their wardrobes in search of new, unused, and good conditioned sports clothing and trainers, and those in need of kit could discreetly visit ‘collection stations’ to pick up what they needed - no questions asked and no cost involved.
Q2. What did you enjoy most about the FVC Sports Kit Appeal?
The most rewarding part was witnessing the staggering generosity of the FVC community. Seeing the donation bins overflow within the first few weeks was incredible. It wasn't just about the volume of kit, it was also witnessing the spirit behind it. There’s a unique sense of pride in knowing that a student may now head to the gym or a local football pitch wearing items that might have otherwise sat forgotten in a cupboard, knowing that the ‘FVC family’ made it possible!
It was also brilliant working with various departments at the college to run the appeal. Myself, The Forth Valley College Student Association, the gym team, and the STEM and construction courses, who created clothes rails for us to display the clothing items, all came together to make the appeal a success!
Q3. What is the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?
The primary challenge was logistics and stigma. Managing three separate campus locations required constant monitoring between myself and the FVC Student Association to ensure stock was balanced and stations remained tidy.
To overcome the stigma of ‘second hand’ clothing, we focused on high-quality presentation and clear communication. We framed the initiative as a sustainability and inclusivity drive rather than a ‘charity’ project. By making the collection stations easily accessible and low-pressure, we ensured that students felt empowered, rather than embarrassed, to take what they needed.
Q4. What feedback have you received about the scheme?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants have noted that the scheme has broken down significant barriers to participation, making it easier for them to join college sports clubs or local teams.
One of the best indicators of success was the sheer volume of items. We had such an abundance of donations that by early December, we were able to donate the excess to a local charity shop in Falkirk, extending the project’s impact beyond the college walls and supporting the wider local community.
Q5. What advice would you give to others looking to start a similar initiative?
Keep it local & accessible - Setting up stations where people already spend their time (like campus hubs) is key to high engagement.
Communicate Clearly - Use social media, internal newsletters and posters to show exactly what is needed (trainers, leggings, hoodies etc) to ensure you get usable donations.
Plan for Success - Don’t underestimate the generosity of people! Have a plan in place for ‘excess’ donations from the start, whether that’s a partnership with a local charity or a long-term storage solution.