Decathlon and London Sport Collaborate with Equip Sport to Revolutionise Access to Sports Gear in London

Decathlon UK and London Sport are excited to announce the renewal of their partnership, marking a significant milestone in both organisations’ ongoing efforts to promote wider access to sports and physical activities across the city. 

To achieve this, they are joining forces with Equip Sport (https://equip.sport/), whose innovative locker system provides on-demand access to sports gear through a simple app. This initiative will roll out in key areas, empowering residents to easily participate in sports and fostering a more active, healthy community.

A Commitment to Circularity & Accessibility Through Sports

Decathlon and London Sport have renewed their partnership with a dual focus: enhancing sports accessibility in underserved communities across London, while also championing the principles of the circular economy. This includes promoting equipment usage models that encourage renting over purchasing, making sports participation more sustainable and affordable.

Past initiatives have had a significant impact, such as the ‘Space for Girls’ project, which provided a safe, free venue at Decathlon’s Surrey Quays store, enabling young women to engage in physical activities and fostering a supportive environment.

Additionally, through the Opening Schools Facilities (OSF) programme, the partnership offers discounted sports equipment to schools, and helps schools open their facilities to the community to access sports activities outside school hours. A notable example of this impact is Alfred Salter Primary School, located near Decathlon’s flagship London store. 

The school transformed its play space with the help of grants highlighted by London Sport, making it accessible to students and neighbours outside of school hours, thereby enhancing community use and enjoyment. The role that schools can help to tackle inactivity and inequality by broadening access to facilities is a key aspect of the newly launched ‘Let’s Move London’ strategy unveiled by London Sport this Autumn. 

Equip Sport: Empowering Communities with Access to Sports Gear

Equip Sport exists to unlock the transformative power of sports by making them accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone, everywhere. Their mission is to remove barriers to physical activity and build inclusive, active communities. In partnership with Decathlon and backed by London Sport, Equip Sport is bringing this vision to life.

Multi-sport lockers stocked with gear for basketball, football, ping pong, volleyball, and more are now available for free in key locations such as Newham and parts of Merton. Additionally, low-cost paid stations are available for sports like tennis and padel, ensuring affordable access for everyone. Other lockers are strategically placed in areas such as Decathlon’s Canada Water store to support communities with the greatest need for accessible sports resources.

With the Equip Sport app, users can easily locate, reserve, and unlock equipment with just a few taps on their smartphone, offering a seamless and convenient experience. This initiative ensures that all Londoners, regardless of background or financial means, can participate in sports and enjoy an active, healthy lifestyle.

“This collaboration goes beyond just providing equipment—it’s about making sports accessible to everyone and fostering healthier, more inclusive communities across London,” ​ Jolyon Whaymand, Regional Network Lead – Multi-Sport Facilities at London Sport.

A Broader Vision for Sports and Community Engagement

In addition to the Equip Sport Lockers , Decathlon will continue supporting key London Sport initiatives, including the Opening School Facilities (OSF) programme, which encourages schools to open their facilities outside of school hours for community sports.

The partnership will also extend to the 2025 London Marathon, where Decathlon will supply training and race-day kits for London Sport runners, who raise significant funds each year through charity entries.

Together, these efforts—along with the launch of Equip Sport Lockers —reinforce both organisations’ commitment to promoting sustainable, long-term access and participation in sports for all Londoners.

Download the Equip Sport App: https://equip.sport/download

For more information, please contact:

The Academy PR

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decathlon@theacademypr.com