Grassroots Sheffield charity Afrikit has rebranded itself to Kits4Causes as it broadens its activities.

The charity, formed by five University of Sheffield students in October 2009, has embarked on a drive to encourage progressional clubs to donate shirts, kits and equipment.

Afrikit was formed to allow the public to donate shirts which were then passed on to children in Africa.

But the charity has broadened its horizons and is working hard to organise kit amnesty events. The new name will also allow the charity to donate to children in nations all over the globe.

Co-founder Andrew Trott told Footy Matters: “The main aim is to get football clubs, footballers and supporters involved in understanding and promoting how the beautiful game and such a simple thing like a football shirt or a some goalie gloves can have such a dramatic effect on someone’s life when combined with social development programmes.

“We’re hoping that the project will be well received around the professional clubs in the UK and we’ll receive thousands of donations as a result.”

He added: “We have proved that our hypothesis is right; football and football kits can promote real and sustained social development in a number of the world’s worst social issues.

“We are committed to help as many people as possible through the beautiful game which is why the rebranding has taken place. Afrikit restrained us by name to only one continent.”