A campaign to collect unwanted sportswear to prevent it from reaching landfill has been launched. 

Scottish Sports Futures (SSF) and ApparelXchange CIC (AXC) are behind initiated the annual scheme.

The project is requesting donations of unused clothing and footwear.

These items will be examined and redistributed to support young people's return to active lifestyles.

Contributions can be left at the AXC shop at 65 Nithsdale Street, their office at 51 Cardogan Square, or at the SSF head office at 60 Brook Street.

SSF is eager to partner with large companies who could potentially be a donation point for their employees.

All the collected sportswear will be made ready for reutilisation, available to supply to SSF and any other people or groups needing items.

SSF operates across the poorest areas in Glasgow, North Ayrshire, Fife and Stirling where numerous young people and families live in destitution.

The donated clothes and shoes will be repackaged and given to families and young people lacking in resources.

Clothing in the UK has become a short-lived product with approximately £140m worth of clothes reaching the waste bin every year.

By 2030, it is believed average consumption will increase by 63 per cent globally, leading to further pollution and community destruction.

Moreover, it compounds the ongoing issue of waste.

AXC estimates around 60 per cent of discarded clothes and shoes are reusable, and by doing so, a reduction in demands on global resources can be triggered from new clothing production.

ApparelXchange offers a collection service and bulk postage which can be arranged by contacting their team on 07383572327.

Izzie Eriksen, founding director, AXC, said: "We are delighted to be running this campaign for the third year. Building on our relationship and new ones with businesses across Glasgow we have been able to collect even more sportswear.

"We are ambitious to gather even more, so if you are a running club, local sports club, please get involved and donate your old sports kit.

"Being able to close the loop on gathering reusable kit and getting it out to young people who need it is really important. Having an active life has so many benefits and we believe in giving young people the best start in life. We are hugely excited to be working with SSF to reduce the problem of waste textiles while enabling more people to be part of slowing down climate change. Combining this with the work of SSF, enabling more young people to get involved in sport and physical activity, is very important to developing the potential of young people and ensuring they appreciate their important role in the world."

Jude Reid, head of sustainable business development SSF, said: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with AXC. Last year donations increased by 500% compared to the first year and we would be thrilled to get more organisations involved to gather even more sportswear donations this year.

"With rising poverty levels in Scotland and the cost of living crisis, access to sports clothing remains a barrier to participating in sport and physical activity. This donation drive helps reduce this barrier for young people and their families whilst also reducing the impact of unsustainable clothing on the planet."