Cork City FC has launched a Community Kit Room at its training ground in Bishopstown, a new initiative designed to remove financial barriers to participation in football while promoting sustainability and community access.

The project will allow members of the public to access good-quality, second-hand football and training equipment free of charge, ensuring that cost is not a reason for players—particularly young people—to miss out on sport. The initiative has been made possible through the donation of a dedicated unit from Masterkabin, Innishannon, part of the Eco Mod Group, highlighting the role of business partnerships in delivering tangible social impact.

Players from Cork City FC’s men’s, women’s and academy teams will donate used but serviceable items including jerseys, goalkeeper gloves, boots, training gear, footballs, bibs and cones. The club is also encouraging donations from the wider community, creating a circular model where equipment is reused rather than discarded.

The Community Kit Room reflects a growing emphasis on purpose-led club initiatives, where professional sports organisations leverage their infrastructure, partnerships and visibility to address social inclusion challenges.

Explaining the thinking behind the project, Craig Robinson, Community Coaching Manager and Women’s Head of Academy, said the focus was on dignity and opportunity. He noted that the Kit Room provides a safe and confidential space where people can access quality gear at no cost, ensuring that players are not excluded from school or club football due to lack of equipment.

Masterkabin’s involvement reflects a broader trend of local enterprise supporting community sport in meaningful ways. Karolina Perednevaite, Sales & Hire Coordinator at Masterkabin, said the company recognised that many people are prevented from joining clubs simply because they cannot afford the necessary gear, adding that the initiative could open opportunities for participation across Cork.

The sustainability element is equally important. Erika Ní Thuama, Cork City FC Community and Academy Coordinator, highlighted the environmental benefit of keeping usable equipment in circulation, while encouraging other clubs, organisations and businesses to donate items no longer in use.

The Community Kit Room is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 3pm, with alternative times available by arrangement. As the initiative grows, Cork City FC is encouraging fair usage to ensure that those most in need can access what they require—demonstrating how a League of Ireland club can deliver impact well beyond the pitch.

Image Credit: Cork City FC

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