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In this episode, we speak with Clive Michallat, Co-Founder of Action For Sport, a registered charity established in 2020 to tackle one of the hidden barriers preventing children from participating in sport.
With more than 20 years of experience in children's sport, football scouting, education and youth development, Clive has worked as a prison officer, in a secure children's unit, and as a pastoral leader in an inner-city school in Bradford. Alongside fellow co-founder Andrew Kenure, he noticed a concerning trend: children were missing school on PE days.
Digging deeper, they discovered that many families simply could not afford PE kit, trainers or sports boots. For some children, the fear of embarrassment was enough to stop them attending school altogether.
What started as a simple initiative to collect outgrown sports clothing and footwear has grown into a charity that has distributed more than £500,000 worth of kit, diverted over 12 tonnes of textiles from landfill, and helped thousands of young people access sport with dignity and confidence.
In this conversation, we explore:
* The link between access to sports kit, school attendance and participation.
* The hidden challenges facing children and families.
* How reused sportswear can create both social and environmental impact.
* The role schools can play in reducing barriers to sport.
* Action For Sport's plans to launch school-based recycling systems that keep sports kit in circulation.
This is a powerful discussion about inclusion, opportunity and why something as simple as a pair of trainers can make the difference between a child taking part or missing school.
Find out more about Action for Sport via their website https://www.actionforsport.org.uk/ -
Rose Savidge is a self-leadership coach, Senior Design Manager, and host of The Follow Yourself Experiment podcast.
With over 25 years in the fashion industry, she has led design teams, developed collections, and worked at the intersection of creativity, innovation and responsible product development. Her work brings together strategic thinking, creative direction, and a belief that there is always a better way to build.
Alongside her design leadership career, Rose runs a coaching practice supporting thoughtful, high-performing people through moments of transition - particularly when what they’ve built no longer feels fully aligned.
Her podcast, The Follow Yourself Experiment, sits at the centre of her work. Through conversations with founders, creatives, athletes and change-makers, she explores what it really means to lead yourself and create the life you want.
Across everything she does, Rose’s work is grounded in values-led leadership - helping people reconnect with what matters to them, make clearer decisions, and build a life that genuinely fits.
In this episode, we explore a wide range of themes with Rose, including dyslexia and how it can be a powerful advantage in creative leadership. We also unpack the circular economy—questioning whether it truly comes at a cost, and how to lead in uncertain times. -
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In this episode of the 5Thread Podcast, I’m joined by Steve Muturi, founder of Ni Wakati Sports Africa. Based in Nairobi, Steve is building opportunities for young people in Kenya through grassroots and emerging sports, from jump rope and dodgeball to esports and freestyle trampolining.
We talk about:
*Why access to play is a right, not a privilege
*How grassroots sport can be more innovative and dynamic than traditional systems
*The challenges and opportunities of second-hand clothing markets in Africa
*Turning denim waste into sustainable dodgeballs
*Creating entrepreneurial and digital skills pathways through sport
*The power of partnerships to scale impact
Steve’s passion is contagious, this episode is a reminder of how powerful grassroots innovation can be in breaking down barriers, creating joy, and opening up career pathways for young people. For more information follow Steve via Linkedin or via Instagram niwakatisports -
In this episode, I sit down with Neil Meredith, an industry leader in the world of sport and tech who often finds himself bridging the gap between innovative start-ups, brands, and football clubs. While Neil doesn’t come from a sustainability background, he’s developed a deep understanding over the years of what it means to shift from irresponsible to responsible practices, particularly when it comes to product and partnerships in football.
We dive into the evolution he’s witnessed across his career, the operational challenges clubs face, and why there can be a disconnect between communication between smaller brands and large clubs. Despite the constraints, Neil believes that football really does care about sustainability—it just needs to navigate a complex landscape to make it happen.
What makes this conversation especially meaningful is Neil’s grounded, down-to-earth approach and the ability to see sustainability from all sides - both understanding the commercial constraints but also the opportunities. We talk not only about the practical side of the industry but also about how important communication and skills such as resilience, empathy, and kindness are. Qualities that are often overlooked but crucial to making real change in the day-to-day business of sport.
If you're curious about how sustainability meets football, and what it takes to make change from the inside out, this one’s a must-listen. -
I’m joined by Ben Hardy-Jones, Sustainability Lead at the Desert Vipers. Ben is responsible for measuring and reducing the Desert Vipers' environmental impact, identifying ways to drive widespread sustainability efforts within the community and through partnerships, and championing sustainability to mass audiences through media.
In this episode, we discuss kit, and why it has been a key focus for the Desert Vipers over this past season. We talked about how being new to the industry gave Ben a fresh perspective, why 94% of their plastic footprint came from kit, and how he’s navigated partnerships, commercial pressures, and fan expectations while keeping sustainability front and centre.
Ben gives us an honest, insightful look at what it really takes to embed sustainability into a fast-moving, high-profile sporting organisation. From tackling plastic in kit and reshaping supply chains to navigating internal buy-in and the complexity of sponsorship logistics, this episode is packed with practical lessons for anyone working at the intersection of sport and sustainability.
We explore why being new to the industry can be a superpower, the hidden environmental impact of sports kit, and how to build trust with suppliers, staff, and players. Ben talks about making brave decisions in uncertain conditions, why iteration often beats perfection in sustainability work, and how kit redistribution can create meaningful social impact.
This conversation goes beyond carbon metrics and annual reports. It’s about taking bold action, staying honest about what’s within your control, and being willing to iterate, fail, and try again. If you work in sport, sustainability, or anywhere between the two, this one is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
🔗 Connect with Ben: Ben Hardy-Jones on LinkedIn -
In this episode of the 5THREAD Podcast, I’m joined by Simon Gresswell, a seasoned expert in sports licensing and merchandising, to explore why the traditional football shirt business model is ripe for disruption.
Simon shares his journey into the world of licensing, reflecting on how the industry has evolved alongside the rise of digital platforms and e-commerce. We discuss the growing need for sustainability in sports merchandise and how sports organisations can adopt more responsible practices while still remaining commercially viable. The episode also touches on how digital transformation has shifted consumer behaviour, redefining what fans expect from sports merchandise and why Simon believes there will always be a place for physical products. He also explains why giving something away for free might just be one of the best investments a brand can make to engage its fans.
Whether you're in the business of sport or simply curious about the systems behind the products that bear your club's name, this is a thought-provoking episode not to be missed. -
Welcome to Season 3! I’m joined by Jo Redfern, Founder of Futrhood Media and a specialist in Gen Z & Gen Alpha media strategy across platforms like YouTube, Roblox, TikTok. With a wealth of experience across brands like Disney, BBC, and WWE, Jo brings a unique perspective on the future of fandom and why sport must move faster to keep up.We dive into the seismic shifts in how young audiences connect with sport, what traditional rights holders are getting wrong, and how organisations can reimagine their digital strategies to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.Whether you're in sport, media, or digital marketing, this episode is packed with insights on:✅ Why Gen Z and Gen Alpha consume sport differently — and what that means for your content✅ The power of story, identity, and community in modern fandom✅ What sport can learn from entertainment and creator culture to stay culturally relevant✅ How to build digital ecosystems that actually engage younger audiences✅ The monetisation models of tomorrow (and why waiting is no longer an option)I learned so much recording this episode. What sets Jo apart is her practical approach; she breaks complex trends into actionable takeaways you can start using straight away.🔗 Connect with Jo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joredfern/
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In this special three-part bonus episode, I sit down with Jessica Reed-Robbins, an NLP Master Trainer and Breakthrough Coach, to explore the deep connections between our belief systems, resilience, and how we can apply mindset tools to navigate challenges.
🔹 Part 1: What is NLP & How Can We Use It?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for transformation—but what exactly is it? Jess explains NLP in simple terms and offers real-world applications to help you improve communication, reframe challenges, and unlock your potential.
🔹 Part 2: Resilience & Empowerment for Changemakers
Working in sustainability can be tough. Burnout, frustration, and feeling like progress is slow are common challenges. Jess shares powerful mindset shifts and practical strategies to help sustainability professionals stay resilient, motivated, and impactful.
🔹 Part 3: The Power of Childhood Beliefs
How do the experiences and messages we receive as children shape our self-belief, resilience, and even our approach to sustainability? Jess unpacks the psychology behind our thought patterns and how we can rewire them for success.
Whether you're in sustainability, leadership, or just looking for ways to feel more in control of your mindset, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable takeaways.
📌 Find out more about Jess and her resources at https://www.reed-robbins.com/
🎧 Tune in now and let’s dive in! 🚀 -
In this special three-part bonus episode, I sit down with Jessica Reed-Robbins, an NLP Master Trainer and Breakthrough Coach, to explore the deep connections between our belief systems, resilience, and how we can apply mindset tools to navigate challenges.
🔹 Part 1: What is NLP & How Can We Use It?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for transformation—but what exactly is it? Jess explains NLP in simple terms and offers real-world applications to help you improve communication, reframe challenges, and unlock your potential.
🔹 Part 2: Resilience & Empowerment for Changemakers
Working in sustainability can be tough. Burnout, frustration, and feeling like progress is slow are common challenges. Jess shares powerful mindset shifts and practical strategies to help sustainability professionals stay resilient, motivated, and impactful.
🔹 Part 3: The Power of Childhood Beliefs
How do the experiences and messages we receive as children shape our self-belief, resilience, and even our approach to sustainability? Jess unpacks the psychology behind our thought patterns and how we can rewire them for success.
Whether you're in sustainability, leadership, or just looking for ways to feel more in control of your mindset, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable takeaways.
📌 Find out more about Jess and her resources at https://www.reed-robbins.com/
🎧 Tune in now and let’s dive in! 🚀 -
In this special three-part bonus episode, I sit down with Jessica Reed-Robbins, an NLP Master Trainer and Breakthrough Coach, to explore the deep connections between our belief systems, resilience, and how we can apply mindset tools to navigate challenges.
🔹 Part 1: What is NLP & How Can We Use It?
Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a powerful tool for transformation—but what exactly is it? Jess explains NLP in simple terms and offers real-world applications to help you improve communication, reframe challenges, and unlock your potential.
🔹 Part 2: Resilience & Empowerment for Changemakers
Working in sustainability can be tough. Burnout, frustration, and feeling like progress is slow are common challenges. Jess shares powerful mindset shifts and practical strategies to help sustainability professionals stay resilient, motivated, and impactful.
🔹 Part 3: The Power of Childhood Beliefs
How do the experiences and messages we receive as children shape our self-belief, resilience, and even our approach to sustainability? Jess unpacks the psychology behind our thought patterns and how we can rewire them for success.
Whether you're in sustainability, leadership, or just looking for ways to feel more in control of your mindset, this conversation is packed with insights and actionable takeaways.
📌 Find out more about Jess and her resources at https://www.reed-robbins.com/
🎧 Tune in now and let’s dive in! 🚀 -
In the final episode of Season 2, the 5THREAD podcast welcomes Neil Smith, founder of Charity Boots. Charity Boots is a charitable initiative that collects unwanted, used, and new football boots and donates them to underprivileged children in the UK and around the world. In this episode, we explore the environmental impact of extending the life of football boots—complex, multi-component items that currently cannot be recycled.
Neil discusses the importance of reducing financial barriers to participation in sport by providing children with essential equipment and highlights the role of clubs and brands in promoting sustainability. From grassroots initiatives to large football clubs like Everton, Charity Boots makes a powerful case for community-driven environmental solutions.
If you're passionate about sustainability in sports or want to know how you can help keep football boots out of landfills, this episode is a must-listen! -
In this episode of the 5THREAD Podcast, Gavin Fernie Jones, founder of One Tree at a Time and Re-Action, shares his journey from working in the ski rental industry to becoming a community leader in sustainability. Set against the backdrop of the French Alps, Gavin reflects on the visible impacts of climate change and how it inspired his mission to reduce waste through upcycling and repair.
Gavin began his initiative with a simple event—a repair day held in response to the impending quiet period caused by Brexit-related uncertainties. With friends repairing clothing and selling secondhand ski gear. This marked the beginning of Gavin’s commitment to building a sustainable, community-centred model, where people actively participate in reducing environmental impact.
Gavin discusses his experience with reusing ski uniforms by patching over branded logos to extend the life of these garments. By diverting waste, especially from the ski industry, and making sports gear more accessible, Gavin’s work emphasizes the importance of reuse, repair, and community engagement. His approach has not only tackled waste but has also fostered a strong sense of belonging in the local community.
A significant part of the conversation focuses on how Gavin and his team opened a community space, funded by ski gear waste, where locals can learn skills such as bike servicing and clothing repairs. This hands-on approach promotes education and creativity when it comes to product life extention, with members of the community contributing in their unique ways—whether by designing patches or teaching repair techniques.
Gavin’s approach is deeply rooted in social sustainability, providing people with the tools and skills to become more self-sufficient while reducing waste. He highlights how creating accessible spaces, like the free children’s clothing rail outside his shop, helps lower barriers to entry for sports like skiing, which can often be prohibitively expensive.
The conversation also explores how Gavin’s work connects to the broader environmental movement. He acknowledges that while waste reduction is vital, the real change comes from altering consumption habits and fostering deeper connections with nature. This holistic view of sustainability goes beyond metrics like carbon emissions, focusing instead on the social value created through community-building efforts.
Throughout the podcast, Gavin’s leadership style emerges as one driven by collaboration, creativity, and a willingness to embrace failure. He emphasizes that building a sustainable future requires systemic change, and this often means being flexible, learning from mistakes, and continuously evolving.
Gavin concludes by discussing Re-Action, a collective of over 40 organizations working across the globe to reduce waste, share ideas, and foster community-based solutions. This initiative exemplifies the power of grassroots movements in creating long-lasting change, driven by shared values rather than profit. By giving local communities the freedom to shape their own approaches, Re-Action encourages creativity and autonomy, allowing diverse solutions to emerge.
In summary, this episode highlights the importance of community-driven sustainability, where individuals and businesses come together to rethink their impact on the environment. Gavin’s story serves as an inspiring example of how small, localized efforts can spark significant change, transforming not only how we use products but also how we engage with each other and the natural world. -
In this episode of 5Thread Podcast, host Joanna Czutkowna sits down with Claire Moffat, founder of Kidd3r, an innovative online platform aiming to revolutionise how we reuse sports kit and equiptment. Kidd3r allows users to buy, sell, donate, or swap sports kits and equipment, breaking down financial barriers and promoting sustainability.
Claire shares her inspiring journey as a parent who identified the need for a better solution to the growing cost of sports participation. She discusses the commercial, social, and environmental benefits of keeping sports equipment in circulation, highlighting how Kidd3r is reducing landfill waste and supporting underserved communities.
From the challenges of developing the platform’s unique functionality to her collaboration with organizations like the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation, Claire deep dives into how Kidd3r can change the future of sports for the better. This episode is packed with insights on leadership, sustainability in sports, and how thoughtful reuse can make a lasting impact. Claire also reveals her vision for scaling Kidd3r and the role large organizations can play in supporting this mission.
Links Mentioned:
Visit Kidd3r to learn more and explore the platform https://www.kidd3r.com/
Contact Claire Moffat via LinkedIn to discuss partnership opportunities or donations.
Have unused sports gear lying around? Upload it to Kidd3r and help make sports accessible to everyone. Or, if you're part of a sports club or organization, get in touch with Claire to discuss how you can collaborate.
Liked the podcast...please rate us and subscribe to 5Thread Podcast. You can follow us on Instagram at jo_5thread for the latest episodes and updates. -
In this episode I talk to Gabriella about what makes (re)boot unique, from the collaborations with artists, designers and innovators to integrating tech within their products in collaboration with Avery Dennison. (re)boot recover discarded and dead-stock sports apparel and gear directly from the club’s equipment room, partnering with their global network of designers to create bespoke, one-of-one pieces.
The reboot approach is considered, dynamic and grounded in storytelling, they co-create products which respect the legacy of the club and resonate with fans while also being innovative and artistically cutting edge. -
In this episode I talk to Anton about FC Internationale Berlin's football jersey the worlds first football jersey that is made out of Cradle to Cradle gold certified materials.
From beginning to the end, Anton and the club have taken actions at every step of the product lifecycle from design, transparent production, reuse and eventual recycling. Anton hopes to bring the concept of circularity not only to his own club, but also help other non-professional clubs in their transformation towards more circular practices.
In this episode we discuss due diligence, working with partners who share your values and how even with limited resources, grassroots clubs can pioneer the way and create a big impact often at a faster pace than their professional counterparts.
To collaborate contact Anton https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-klischewski/
To see the jersey in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28j8uCbCz5w
To buy the jersey https://www.runamics.com/products/das-trikot-fc-internationale -
To kick off Series 2 of the 5 Thread podcast we have a special bonus episode with Sam Taylor. Sam is the founder of the good factory and describes herself as A future-centric thought leader specialising in the delivery of circular and social compliance goals across the sustainable fashion industry.
As a 3rd generation garment producer, she understands the realities of the sportswear industry and in this episode speaks frankly about the challenges that lie ahead. This episode is split into 2 parts in the 1st part we focus on sportswear, specifically extending product life and the myths around reuse and recycling.
In Part 2 we dive into the challenges of the fashion and clothing industry as a whole, from ethical working practices to the race for ever higher profit margins. I also ask Sam what keeps her motivated and continuing to work in sustainability despite these challenges.
I’ve got to know Sam over the past year and am always struck by her depth of knowledge in sportswear and also her straightforward honesty which comes across in this episode. -
To kick off Series 2 of the 5 Thread podcast we have a special bonus episode with Sam Taylor. Sam is the founder of the good factory and describes herself as A future-centric thought leader specialising in the delivery of circular and social compliance goals across the sustainable fashion industry. As a 3rd generation garment producer, she understands the realities of the sportswear industry and speaks frankly about the challenges that lie ahead.
This episode is split into 2 parts in the 1st part we focus on sportswear, specifically extending product life and the myths around reuse and recycling.
In Part 2 we dive into the challenges of the fashion and clothing industry as a whole, from ethical working practices to the race for ever higher profit margins. I also asked Sam what keeps her motivated and continuing to work in sustainability despite these challenges.
I’ve got to know Sam over the past year and am always struck by her depth of knowledge in sportswear and her straightforward honesty, which comes across in this episode. -
In the fifth episode of the 5THREAD podcast, host Joanna Czutkowna welcomes guest Tess Howard to discuss the issues surrounding gendered kit and her campaign to change sportswear policy to enable greater participation by reducing barriers to play.
Tess discusses her motivations for starting Inclusive Sportswear and her academic research on gendered sports uniforms and whether they are Practical, Professional or Patriarchal. She shares her story about the key people who have influenced her and why she believes we all have the potential to make change.
Tess Howard is the Founder of Inclusive Sportswear, a CIC breaking down barriers to participation in sport and physical activity. She is a Great Britain & England Professional Hockey Player who won a Commonwealth gold medal at Birmingham 2022 and has been selected to play in the Paris Olympics 2024. -
In the fourth episode of the 5THREAD podcast, Joanna interviews Nicole Bekkers to understand what happens to excess kit in professional football clubs. Spoiler alert-most of it gets destroyed by incineration or shredding.
They discuss the 'hidden problem' of the environmental impact of apparel within sports and Nicole stresses the urgency of the situation, sharing how FC88 provides an upcycling solution to support clubs.
Nicole is working with a range of clubs as their upcycling partner using the network of studios she has established across Europe. FC88 studios support local communities and invest in the craftsmanship needed to make these unique upcycled products. The due diligence, attention to detail and integrity Nicole shows is clear throughout the conversation and is what makes FC88 stand out as a leader in this space.
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In the third episode of the 5THREAD podcast, host Joanna Czutkowna talks to Leigh Burns about the development of women’s cricket brand Lacuna Sports, cricketwear designed for women by women.
In this episode, they discuss why enabling access to empowering sportswear is crucial to enhancing the experiences of female athletes within sport. Aswell as the challenges, due diligence and compromises needed to make sustainability a priority in a small brand while balancing commerciality and brand integrity.
Leigh Burns is the founder of Lacuna Sports, a cricket brand created for women and girls who are serious about cricket, Lacuna’s mission is to remove the barriers to movement and ambition so that all sportswomen can walk out onto a pitch feeling confident, comfortable and able to focus on their game, not their kit.
More information and resources on clothing and kit for female cricketers and teams can be found at https://cricketforgirls.com/community/xenforum/clothing-and-equipment - Vis mere
