A donation of over 100 pieces of sports kit from the University of Worcester is headed for developing countries worldwide.

The university staff transferred the excess kit to SOS Kit Aid, a charity that recycles sports gear for young people to use in less prosperous nations.

The donation includes three rugby squad shirt sets from the men's and women's teams, a full rugby uniform for an entire squad, and four men's and women's football kit sets.

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The charity is responsible for the distribution of second-hand and new unused sports kits, primarily rugby, along with other sports, to underprivileged children worldwide.

The driving idea behind the charity is to help spread the power of sports in positively influencing young lives.

The kit recycling aids the environment by preventing clothing items from heading to landfill sites, which decreases harmful emissions in the process.

Up to August last year, the charity has distributed £8 million worth of kit.

Over 700 deliveries of unused kit have reached over a quarter of a million people in 56 countries.

Regional collector for SOS Kit Aid, Mark Newton, said: "The charity is very grateful for the donation and it will definitely make a difference.

"The kit is destined for children in developing countries all over the world to play sport in.

"It gives them a sense of identity and makes them feel as though they’re part of the world game."

Senior lecturer in physical education at the university, Charlotte Beaman-Evans, who also spearheads the university's sports scholarship programme, said: "The University prides itself in leading the way on sustainability and inspiring others to follow suit both within and outside the University community by finding innovative solutions to such issues.

"This kit has accumulated over a number of years and we’re so grateful to have found a charity to work with who will make sure this kit will not only be given a second life rather than ending up in landfill, but importantly make a difference to young people in another part of the world."