Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Leah Galton are among five members of the Manchester United Women squad who have recycled items of their training kit to create up-cycled drawstring bags, as part of Manchester United Foundation’s Eco Reds initiative.

The Eco Reds initiative encourages young people to be conscious of the world around them and take action to protect the planet for future generations; engaging those with a prior interest in all things environment and sustainability to inspire their peers and help shape an eco-friendly future.

The Foundation has worked alongside the University of Manchester, giving young people the opportunity to create their own Manchester United themed drawstring bags, made out of old items of Manchester United kit, developing key skills around craftsmanship and creativity, including how to use a sewing machine.

And now, members of our women’s team have had the chance to get in on the fun to highlight Green Football’s Great Save campaign (11 March – 2 April), which encourages fans, players and everyone involved in football to do their bit to protect the planet.

Rachel Williams, Simi Awujo and Safia Middleton-Patel also joined Tullis-Joyce, Galton and pupils from Waterhead Academy – one of the Foundation’s partner schools – for an afternoon of creative expression and craft at Carrington.

Leah Galton said: “It’s nice doing this because I’ve never used a sewing machine before. If you can teach the kids when they’re younger, it’s a great skill to have growing up. It’d be good if I was good at doing it, I’d be very popular at home!

“I’m impressed if the kids can do it as well because it is quite hard and very intricate, but it’s very fun. The bag looks great, and I can’t wait to wear it every day.”

Rachel Williams added: “We’re learning how to sew so I can make this beautiful bag. It’s all about teamwork which relates to football, we’re interacting and meeting these kids. I’m sure there’s a thing or two they can teach me!

“It’s something different for us to do and you can see how much fun we’re having. To recycle our kit, we should be doing more stuff like this and promote it in the best way we can.”

With some prior support from staff at the University of Manchester, all five Reds were able to take home a drawstring bag each, recycled out of one of their own match kits – complete with name and number on the back – from earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, our partner school students used old items of Manchester United kit donated by Foundation staff members.

Mena, 15, from Co-op Academy Swinton, said: “We’ve just been turning old Man United kit into lovely drawstring bags. The idea of recycling shirts into bags is just amazing and it’s good for the environment.

“Seeing the people that I’ve watched play ball for a long time was quite inspirational. It was lovely, they’re really nice people and they showed us they’re amazing on and off the field, in their skills at football and sewing skills as well.”

The group of Foundation participants gave the players plenty to ponder, encouraging the Reds to choose which student had created the best bag – an honour bestowed upon Waterhead Academy’s Tanya, who added: “It’s been really fun getting to know the players and watch them having a go at sewing, and then also having them as the judges of our bag competition, which I won!

“It was really, really fun and it’s been a nice skill to learn along with my friends.”