Arsenal have donated their old socks to an unexpected recipient: a donkey sanctuary. While the club celebrated their first Premier League title in 22 years and unveiled the new 2026/27 kit, the previous kit found a new purpose.
Unusual Donation to Redwings Sanctuary
Instead of discarding the old kit, Arsenal chose to donate it to Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Norfolk and Caldecott. The modern football socks, which are often footless and resemble leg sleeves, have proven highly beneficial for the sanctuary's donkeys and horses.
How the Socks Help Animals
The footless socks, worn by players like Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, are perfect for protecting equines. They slide onto the animals' legs, keeping flies off sore skin, holding bandages in place, and covering legs during hoof trimming. The socks also help prevent headcollar rubs and are used for enrichment activities.
Nicola Knight, Redwings' Head of Communications and Campaigns, said: “This was one of the more unusual donations we’ve been offered here at Redwings, but professional football socks, which these days are often footless by design, can be invaluable – they’re a game changer, you might say!”
Sustainability Initiative
Michael Lloyd, Arsenal FC’s Operational Sustainability Manager, conceived the idea to donate the unwanted socks. He stated: “We’re always looking for ways to reduce waste and make a positive impact through the actions we take as a club, and it's great we can work together to repurpose our old kit towards the care and well-being of animals.”
The sanctuary shared images of donkeys wearing the red socks, reminiscent of the Arsenal players who wore them during the season.
