No Sew Shoulder Bag Tutorial
No Sew Crossbody Bag Tutorial
Simple Drawstring Bag Tutorial
Faculty of Science and Engineering
Part of The University of Manchester Research Network
Game Changers
Textile recycling through up-cycling and up-skilling
It is estimated that 100,000 tonnes of sportswear alone ends up in landfill every year, that’s the equivalent to 500 million football shirts. When you think about the scale of football alone, with multiple shirts and kits replaced each season, it’s hard to comprehend.
At Game Changers, we believe football has the power to bring people together—not just on the pitch, but for the planet. Every year, thousands of football shirts are left unused—discarded, forgotten, or replaced by the latest version. Most are made from polyester, a plastic-based fabric that can take centuries to break down. But what if we could change the story?
Game Changers is a creative remaking and upcycling project that brings together communities, students, and football fans to tackle garment waste one stitch at a time. We transform surplus football shirts into useful, wearable items—like bags—while starting important conversations about sustainability, circular fashion, and environmental responsibility.
You don’t need to be a designer or a sewing expert to get involved. Our free workshops, step-by-step guides, and video tutorials are here to help you learn, create, and take action—at school, in your club, or at home.
Every item you upcycle keeps fabric out of landfill and gives it new life. And every person who takes part becomes part of a bigger movement—one that believes small actions, done together, can make a big impact.
Join us. Be a Game Changer.
Game Changers
Textile Recycling Made Simple
Over 300,000 tonnes of clothing end up in landfill every year in the UK. By making thoughtful choices about what we buy, how we reuse, and when we recycle, we can help reduce waste, cut carbon emissions, and support a more circular future.
Read our guide to help you recycle your upcycled creations responsibly.
About the research
The UK disposes of one million tonnes of textiles every year, 300,000 tonnes of which end up in landfifi ll or incineration and fifi gures suggest 10% of global CO2 emissions could come from the fashion industry. The football sector is a huge contributor to this – approximately 2.45 million Liverpool and 1.95 million Manchester United sports shirts were sold worldwide in 2021 alone.
This research, led by academics Lindsay Pressdee, Dr Amy Benstead, Dr Jo Conlon from the University of Manchester, explores the challenges associated with polyester sportswear and emphasises the need for recycling and repurposing unwanted garments through community engagement and education.
Find out more on Game changers, a new approach to tackling sportswear garment waste
Tutorials
The following tutorials provide video and step-by-step instructions, complete with illustrations, showing how to repurpose a shirt into a functional bags. The process involves simple techniques like cutting, knotting and basic sewing making it accessible to all skill levels.
Previous Events
- Game Changers Hits the Pitch at Carrington with the Manchester United Women’s Team
In March 2025, the Game Changers project teamed up with… Read more: Game Changers Hits the Pitch at Carrington with the Manchester United Women’s Team - Game Changers Joins Forces with University of Manchester Football Team for On-Campus Upcycling Workshop
In February 2025, Game Changers welcomed players from the University… Read more: Game Changers Joins Forces with University of Manchester Football Team for On-Campus Upcycling Workshop - Game Changers Inspires 200 Young Sustainability Champions at Old Trafford’s Eco Reds Event
In November 2024, the Game Changers team was invited to… Read more: Game Changers Inspires 200 Young Sustainability Champions at Old Trafford’s Eco Reds Event - Manchester United Foundation Workshop July 2024
A workshop at Old Trafford, teaching Manchester United Foundation staff… Read more: Manchester United Foundation Workshop July 2024
View previous events
Acknowledgments
Game Changers is inspired by leading sustainable designer Christopher Raeburn and Reaburn Design Studio, who worked with us on our first summer internship in 2023. We are grateful for their inspiration and support and acknowledge the extensive work they continue to do in the sustainable and responsible design.
Thank you to the Manchester United Foundation for their partnership and commitment to sustainability, from collecting uniforms to bringing local school children onto campus.
Thank you to everyone who has helped with a workshop or a community exhibition, we could not have done it without you. Kathryn Downey, Lauren Teasdale, Victoria Stephens, Lisa Taylor, Fiona Cotton, Mark Chadwick, Lena Bartoszewicz, Sophia Pugliese, Alba Boffelli, Zoe Jou Chiu.