Football fans in Australia have an exciting opportunity to support The Great Save through the PFA’s partnership with The Salvation Army. 

Commencing this Saturday, fans across Australia can visit select Salvos Stores and score special signed A-Leagues, Socceroos and Matildas kits for free, through a player shop-drop campaign. 

This initiative has seen exclusive signed A-Leagues kits hidden in select Salvos Stores across the country, giving fans the chance to hunt for these rare jerseys while supporting The Salvation Army’s and The Great Save’s mission to recycle and encourage donations of kit. 

“Within Australia, more than 200,000 tonnes of textiles go to landfill each year, which could be otherwise repurposed, recycled or reworn,” Sarah Oakley, Salvos Acting Senior Manager – Circular Economy, said.

“Salvos Stores divert millions of items every month to help support our mission, as well as ensuring we’re able to support The Salvation Army programs provided around the country.” 

Melbourne Victory star Alex Chidiac kick-started the campaign by launching a shop drop at a Salvation Army store in Melbourne, dropping off a signed Ninja A-League 2024/25 Victory kit. 

Football enthusiasts can search for these special kits at the following locations from this Saturday 5 April: 

  • Newcastle Jets – Hamilton and Cardiff 
  • Western United – Tarneit and Hoppers Crossing 
  • Perth Glory – Fremantle and Highgate 
  • Brisbane Roar – Newstead 
  • Melbourne City FC – Fitzroy and Brunswick
  • Canberra United – Fyshwick 
  • Melbourne Victory – North Melbourne 
  • Matildas – Abbotsford
  • Socceroos – Bondi Junction

The kits for most clubs are from the 2023/24 season.  

Beyond the A-League club jerseys, fans have an extra incentive to explore Salvos Stores in Melbourne and Sydney, with two national team jerseys placed in select locations.  

A signed Socceroos jersey has been hidden at the Bondi Junction store, while a signed Matildas jersey awaits discovery at the Abbotsford Salvos store. 

Salvos Stores drop follows a similar initiative during the UK’s The Great Save campaign in March and April.  

Players such as Arsenal FC’s Alexei Rojas, Rangers FC’s Tessel Middag, Leeds United’s Ethan Ampadu, Hibernian FC’s Caley Gibb, Newcastle United’s Demi Stokes, and Australia’s own Emma Ilijoski, who plays her football in Scotland for Aberdeen Women, have conducted charity shop drops. 

Several A-League clubs will also have Salvation Army donation bins and volunteers at their matches across the A-Leagues across the weekend of 11-13 April. 

How Fans Can Get Involved 

  1. Visit a Salvos Store – Football fans can embark on a treasure hunt by visiting the designated Salvos Stores and searching for the hidden A-League kits. Every purchase supports The Salvation Army’s charitable efforts. 
  2. Spread the Word – Fans who find the mystery kits can share their finds and experiences on social media, encouraging others to participate and raising awareness about The Great Save Australia. Tag @thepfa and use the hashtag #TheGreatSave 
  3. Donate Football Gear – For those who want to give back can contribute by donating their own pre-loved football jerseys and gear to Salvos Stores, ensuring more football lovers can enjoy quality merchandise while supporting a good cause.