Meet Unwanted FC. An upcycling label and studio rewriting the rules of football fashion and championing circularity in sport.
Founded by twin brothers Kevin and Keith Chan, the brand was born from a clear mission: to give discarded sporting garments a second life. After years of working with global brands in sport and fashion, they saw first-hand the wasteful cycle of overproduction that dominates the industry. Refusing to accept this as the norm, they set out to build circularity into the game. Unwanted FC invites fans to send in old kits and jerseys to be reworked into new pieces - think totes, wash bags, hats and accessories - and bespoke designs. Through limited capsule drops, custom collaborations with clubs and brands, and high-profile projects, they’re not only keeping kits in play but also educating and mobilising football communities to tackle waste together.
We spoke with co-founder Kevin Chan to learn more about the history of the brand, the inspiration behind its name, and how football culture, fashion, and community all come together to drive their mission forward.
KC: After getting our first taste of working in the sportswear and fashion industries, we quickly noticed a major problem. Sustainability was severely lacking, and no one seemed willing to address it. As lifelong football fans, we decided to merge our passion for the game with our desire to tackle that issue, and that’s how Unwanted FC was born. Our first ever design was a tote bag made from sample football kits that had been deemed "unwanted" by a global brand... simply because the designs weren’t final, with things like sponsors and colours often changing at the last minute.
The name ‘Unwanted FC’ is powerful and intriguing. What does it stand for, and how does it shape the identity and values of the brand?
KC: The name Unwanted FC was purposefully chosen to challenge the norms of the sportswear and fast fashion industries. Our goal is to give garments that are often deemed "unwanted" a second life. But the name goes deeper than just clothing. It's rooted in our personal story: As first-generation immigrants born in Hong Kong and raised in Australia, we often felt caught between cultures, never fully fitting into either the Aussie or Cantonese identity. At times, that left us feeling like we were in an "unwanted" category by ourselves. Over time, we moved past that sense of displacement and found a sense of belonging through football. A game that transcends borders and brings people together around the world. That spirit of inclusivity and reinvention is at the core of what Unwanted FC represents..
Streetwear and football culture are at the heart of what you do - how have those influences shaped Unwanted FC’s style and voice?
KC: Our goal has always been to sit at the intersection of football, fashion, and sustainability. These are three topics people are passionate about, but they’re rarely brought together in the same conversation. Since we started in late 2018, that mission hasn’t changed. If anything, we’ve grown a global community that connects with that vision. We’ve stayed bold with our messaging, and we believe that staying true to it will pay off in the long run.
When you design a new collection or piece, what does that process look like? Do you start with a story, a visual, or a feeling you want to capture?
KC: For us, everything starts with functionality. In a world overflowing with clutter, we’re intentional about not adding more unnecessary noise. So every piece is made with purpose. We take pride in our craftsmanship by carefully upcycling kits and often incorporating extra lining and interfacing to ensure its' durability. Our design process is also rooted in inspiration. Our team loves using Pinterest to build mood boards and sparking ideas. Paired with our core ethos of circularity, the process becomes something we genuinely enjoy: a balance of creativity, sustainability, and thoughtful design
Looking back, what moment or milestone made you feel like Unwanted FC was really starting to make an impact?
KC: There have been a few key moments that really motivated us to keep going. One of the biggest was getting the chance to send our products to Héctor Bellerín, a Spanish footballer known not just for his style but also for his strong stance on social and environmental issues. Followed by collaborations with Nike and Umbro, two brands we grew up admiring. We’re genuinely grateful for those opportunities and the recognition they brought to our mission.
From your first release to now, how has Unwanted FC grown, and what role has your community played in shaping the brand’s direction?
KC: From our first batch of tote bags released on Etsy to now popping up in different corners of the world, none of it would be possible without our community of advocates (from customers to athlete ambassadors and partner brands). They’ve been instrumental in pushing for change and challenging the norms of sport and fashion culture for the better. It’s always felt like a collective effort. We’re learning together, navigating the clutter, and trying to redefine a broken industry. There’s still a long way to go, but looking back, it’s clear we’ve come a long way too..
You’ve worked with other brands and creatives along the way - what do collaborations mean to you, and how do you choose the right ones?
KC: Collaborations seem to be happening more often than ever, and the word can sometimes feel overused or lose its meaning. At Unwanted FC, we try to approach collaborations differently by thinking of them as partnerships. We ask ourselves, how can two brands come together to create something better? For us, it’s important to work with partners who share a mutual respect for each other’s purpose. That’s why most of our collaborations are not just one-offs. They develop over time as we work together to continually educate communities, sharing ongoing messages about the often overlooked topic of sustainability and circularity.
As Unwanted FC continues to evolve, what’s next for the brand? Are there upcoming projects, collaborations, or visions you’re especially excited about?
KC: Our team is really excited to be partnering with made by Fressko. The commitment to sustainable products is clear and was a big reason why we were eager to combine our brands’ expertise.
As for the vision, it remains the same: to upcycle and educate on a larger scale. To achieve this, we’ll need the support of both new and existing partners. Connecting with new communities and inspiring them through upcycling is what keeps us motivated. So keep an eye out for the Unwanted FC logo. It might appear somewhere closer than you think.
We’ve just dropped 20 limited-edition made by Fressko x Unwanted FC tote bags, complete with holders for your Fressko reusable cup and drink bottle. Each piece unique, practical, and designed with circularity in mind
Available now on our website
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of football fashion with purpose. Once they’re gone, they're gon