What to do with old football shirts

Are your old football shirts gathering dust in the back of your closet? Don’t let them go to waste! In this blog post, we’ll explore creative and sentimental ways to give new life to those beloved jerseys. Whether you’re a die-hard fan looking for unique memorabilia or simply seeking inspiration for upcycling projects, we’ve got you covered.

Option 1: Repurpose Them into Home Decor

Football shirts hold a special place in the hearts of fans, representing memories of thrilling victories and unforgettable moments. However, as time passes and new jerseys are released, old football shirts often end up forgotten at the back of closets or in storage boxes. If you’re looking for a way to give your beloved football shirt a new life, consider repurposing it into unique home decor pieces.

1. Create a Wall Hanging Display

One creative way to repurpose old football shirts is by turning them into wall hangings. Start by cutting out the logo or emblem from the shirt and framing it in a shadow box frame. This will create a stunning focal point on any wall and bring back fond memories every time you look at it. You can also cut out different sections of the shirt such as numbers or player names and arrange them in an abstract design for a more modern look.

2. Make Throw Pillows

Another fun idea is to transform your old football shirts into throw pillows for your couch or bed. This works especially well if you have several shirts from different teams that you want to incorporate into your home decor. Simply cut out square or rectangular sections from each shirt, stitch them together, fill with stuffing, and voila – you have one-of-a-kind throw pillows that will add character to any room.

3. Turn Them Into Quil ts

If you have a large collection of football shirts that hold sentimental value, consider creating a quilt as a way to preserve and display them. You can either stitch the shirts together in a traditional patchwork pattern or cut them into smaller squares and arrange them in a modern design. This will not only make for a cozy addition to your home decor but also serve as a conversation piece with guests.

4. Frame Them as Artwork

Football shirts are often adorned with intricate designs and patterns, making them visually appealing even when they are no longer wearable. Consider framing your old shirts as artwork to be displayed on your walls. Depending on the size of the shirt, you can either frame it in a traditional picture frame or stretch it over a canvas for a more contemporary look.

Option 2: Donate Them to Charity

If you have old football shirts that are still in good condition but you no longer want to keep them, donating them to charity is a great way to give back and support a good cause. There are various charities and organizations that accept donations of old football shirts and redistribute them to those in need.

1. Local Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

Many local charities and non-profit organizations, such as homeless shelters, community centers, or schools may be in need of sports equipment and clothing for their programs. These organizations often rely on donations from the community to continue their work and your old football shirts could make a big difference for someone in need.

Do some research on charities or non-profit organizations in your area that have programs focused on sports or helping those in need. You can contact them directly to inquire if they accept donations of old football shirts or check their website for any donation guidelines.

2. International Charities That Support Underprivileged Communities

There are also international charities that focus on providing aid and support to underprivileged communities around the world. Many of these organizations have specific programs aimed at promoting sports among children and youth living in poverty-stricken areas.

For example, One World Play Project distributes durable soccer balls (or “football” as it’s known internationally) made specifically for rough terrain to disadvantaged communities worldwide. They also accept donations of new or gently used football equipment including jerseys, cleats, shin guards, etc.

3. Football-Specific Charities

There are also charities and organizations that specifically focus on providing football-related resources and opportunities to children and youth in need. These include:

• Pass It On, which collects and redistributes used football equipment to disadvantaged communities around the world.
• Alive & Kicking, which produces high-quality handmade footballs in Kenya, Zambia, and Ghana and distributes them to underprivileged communities.
• KitAid, which collects unwanted football kits and distributes them to children and adults in some of the world’s poorest countries.

Some of these charities may have specific guidelines for donating old football shirts, so be sure to check their websites or contact them directly before sending your donation.

4. Online Donation Platforms

If you can’t find a local charity or organization that accepts donations of old football shirts, there are also online platforms where you can donate them. For example, GiveSport allows users to donate sports equipment including football shirts to various organizations working with underprivileged communities worldwide.

Option 3: Create a Memory Book

Another great way to preserve your old football shirts and cherish the memories associated with them is by creating a memory book. This is a fun and creative way to display your collection of shirts while also documenting your personal journey as a fan.

Step 1: Gather Your Shirts

The first step in creating a memory book is to gather all of your old football shirts. This can include jerseys, t-shirts, jackets, or any other apparel you have collected over the years. Lay them out and take some time to reminisce about the memories each shirt holds.

Step 2: Decide on the Format

There are various ways you can design your memory book depending on your preference and creativity level. You could opt for a scrapbook style with photos, ticket stubs, and memorabilia from games, or you could go for a more traditional photo album format.

Step 3: Organize Your Shirts

Once you have decided on the format of your memory book, it’s time to start organizing your shirts. You can choose to arrange them chronologically according to when you acquired them or group them by team or tournament. This will give structure to your book and make it easier for others to follow along when flipping through it.

Step 4: Add Photos and Memorabilia

To add depth and personality to your memory book, consider including photos from games where you wore each shirt or any other memorable moments related to that particular shirt. You can also add ticket stubs, game programs, or any other mementos you have collected over the years.

Step 5: Personalize Your Book

Make your memory book unique by adding personal touches. This could be handwritten notes about your experiences, why a particular shirt is special to you, or any other anecdotes you want to include. You can also decorate the pages with team logos, quotes, or stickers to make it more visually appealing.

Step 6: Include Team and Player Information

To provide context for your memories and add informational value to your book, consider including team and player information throughout. This could be statistics, notable achievements, or facts about your favorite players and teams.

Step 7: Protect Your Book

To ensure your memory book lasts for years to come, consider using protective sleeves for each page or laminating important items like photos or ticket stubs. This will prevent any damage from spills or wear and tear over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, instead of throwing away your old football shirts, consider repurposing them in creative ways. Whether it’s turning them into a quilt or framing them as wall art, there are endless possibilities to preserve the memories attached to these shirts. So next time you come across an old football shirt, think twice before tossing it out and explore the different ways you can give it new life.

FAQs

1. How do you store old football shirts?

The best way to store old football shirts is by using acid-free archival boxes or plastic containers with acid-free tissue paper to protect the fabric. You can also consider displaying them in shadow boxes or frames for a stylish option. With proper storage, your old football shirts will be well-preserved for years to come.

2. Are football players allowed to give their shirts away?

Yes, football players are allowed to give their shirts away to fans after a match. In fact, it is a common tradition for players to exchange jerseys with opposing team players as a sign of mutual respect and camaraderie. So yes, you may have a chance to get your favorite player’s shirt if you’re lucky enough!