Alliance gives sportswear and equipment a second life with ClubHub

What was the main reason for you to participate in ClubHub?

For us, the main reason was seeing how much sportswear and hockey equipment ends up sitting in members' homes, while someone else could still make great use of it. As the Lost & Found committee, we are used to returning items to their owners, but ClubHub gave us the opportunity to also do something with items that are truly never claimed. This gives clothing and equipment a second life and helps our club contribute to more sustainable sports.

How did you introduce ClubHub to members, volunteers, and parents within the club?

We mainly tried to keep it as accessible as possible. We used Alliance’s communication channels to draw attention to the collection drive and explained what members could donate. It also helped tremendously that we, as the Lost & Found committee, were already a recognizable point of contact within the club. The initiative felt like a very natural extension of what we were already doing.

Did you expect so much sportswear and equipment to be collected? Why or why not?

Honestly, we expected a lot, but the sheer volume still surprised us! When you consider how many children grow over the years and constantly need new hockey kits, tracksuits, or shoes, it actually makes sense. Much of that gear is still in great condition but simply isn't being used anymore.

How did members react to the initiative to donate old sportswear and equipment?

Very positively. We noticed that people appreciate an easy way to get rid of items that might otherwise just sit in a closet or attic. And the idea that someone else can enjoy them makes it even better. It didn't feel like ‘cleaning out’ so much as it felt like passing things on.

What has participating in ClubHub brought to your club, besides the amount of clothing collected?

Mainly awareness. It made people stop and think about what happens to sportswear and equipment once they are no longer using them. Furthermore, an initiative like this brings people together and gives a great sense of accomplishment that, as a club, we can contribute to something collectively. And for us as the Lost & Found committee, it was also rewarding to see that our role within the club goes beyond just sorting and managing lost items!

Why is sustainability important to you within the club, and how does ClubHub fit into that?

A sports club is a place where a huge amount of gear is used and replaced. Especially with youth members, that happens quickly. It’s a shame if clothing and equipment that are still in good condition don't get a second life. ClubHub makes it very concrete: don't throw away what someone else can still use. We believe that fits perfectly with the social role our club plays.

What tip would you give to other hockey clubs considering starting with ClubHub?

Keep it simple and visible. Make sure members know exactly what they can donate, where, and when. And link it to something that already exists within the club, like Lost & Found. That way, it doesn't feel like an extra project people have to take on. And above all, don't underestimate how much gear is sitting in members' homes that deserves a great second life!

What are you most proud of when you look back on this collection drive?

That we were able to give so many items a second life with something relatively simple and make a real contribution to the circular economy. But perhaps even more so, that we made people aware of the value of items they were no longer using themselves.

If we can ensure that a hockey shirt, stick, or pair of shoes doesn't end up in the back of a closet or in the trash, but instead gets a new life or is recycled into new material, we consider that a great win. We can be quite proud of that as Alliance!