Oxford United Football Club have announced a partnership with circular tech solution Birl, introducing a shirt trade-in programme through the Club's official online and retail store.
The ground-breaking initiative marks a significant step toward reducing waste in football and supporting a more sustainable future for the game.
Oxford United fans can now exchange their used shirts for instant credit toward the new 2025/26 shirts. Every shirt traded in will be resold, upcycled, or responsibly recycled, helping to reduce waste and keep shirts in circulation.
With up to £15 in credit available per old shirt, this is a great opportunity to make the most of Birl’s sustainable scheme, just ahead of the launch of our 2025/26 Away Shirt.
For full step-by-step information on how you can start trading today, CLICK HERE…
Lee Barton, Head of Revenue at Oxford United, said: "Partnering with Birl allows us to bring fans a more sustainable way to shop, while building long-term value for the Club, our supporters, and the environment.”
Johann Hattingh, Climate and Sustainability Lead at Oxford United, said: "Our fans care deeply about the future of the Club, the game, and the planet. This partnership offers a simple, powerful way to be part of the solution and aligns with our wider sustainability strategy as we prepare for the transition to our new stadium.”
In addition to resale, many of the shirts collected will be passed on to Birl's upcycling partners to be transformed into unique new products, extending their life and giving supporters the chance to own something truly one-of-a-kind.
Peter Lydon, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Birl, said: "We've made it as easy to trade in a shirt as it is to buy a new one. Oxford United is leading by example and showing that sustainability has a home in football."
Cam McGimpsey, Co-founder and CEO of Birl, said: "Every shirt holds memories, but it shouldn't gather dust or end up in landfill. This is a new way to honour the past, support the club, and protect the planet. Our long-term vision is for future kits to be made from old shirts, and this is the first step on that journey."
A certified B Corp and 1% for the Planet member, Birl is backed by UK and European venture capital and supported by Innovate UK. Already working with premium fashion brands, Birl enables sports clubs and brands to offer circular, trade-in experiences that are fast, scalable, and impactful. This collaboration sets a new standard for sustainability in football.
