Children living in Brazil’s slums are to benefit from a ‘shirt amnesty’ scheme being supported by a Guiseley pub.

Football fans are being asked to drop off unwanted strips at the Station pub, which is taking part in Project Fair Play.

The scheme was first launched four years ago when 20,000 football shirts – weighing the equivalent of 68 Steven Gerrards – were collected for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The shirts were distributed to townships throughout Johannesburg and Cape Town.  Now The Station is asking fans to hand over unwanted shirts – especially children’s – to be given to disadvantaged youngsters in Brazil’s favelas in the run- up to the 2014 world cup. Beneficiary projects include those in Parada de Lucas, Santa Teresa and Rocinha favelas.

A British project will also benefit as some of the shirts will be recycled for cash, raising funds for the Wheelchair Football Association (WFA).

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can drop off their shirts to The Station at 70 Otley Road before April 15.

Landlord Tony McCaul has previously taken part in the shirt distributions visiting projects in Cape Town. He said: “Project Fair Play is set to make this year’s Football World Cup even more special as we enjoy the on-pitch excitement knowing that we’re helping to make football a fantastic experience for youngsters here and in Brazil too.”

Sam Bull, of the WFA, said: “The Project Fair Play money we receive will be used to provide opportunities for people with high levels of impairment to play the sport they love.”

The scheme is being backed by Manchester City’s Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho Luis Roza.

He said: “Project Fair Play is a great way to re-gift a pre-loved, unwanted or outgrown football shirt to someone else who can’t afford their own.  Most fans will have a few shirts they no longer wear, and this is a great way for them to be put to good use.

“With the anticipation building for the World Cup in Brazil – my home turf – I hope British fans will get behind the scheme. It is a perfect opportunity to help underprivileged children and adults share in the excitement of the world’s biggest football tournament.”