Decathlon’s latest idea is one of those simple but genius ideas that makes you wonder why no one did it sooner. In partnership with SportsBox, they’re installing smart lockers filled with free-to-use sports gear in parks and public spaces across Czech and now Australia.

The idea is brilliantly straightforward: borrow, play, return. Through the SportsBox app, you can find a nearby locker, unlock it with your phone, and grab whatever you need, whether that’s a basketball, a soccer ball, or even a bocce set for a lazy afternoon in the park.

What I love about this is how it removes so many of the usual barriers that stop people from getting active. You don’t have to plan ahead, spend money on gear you might only use once, or lug equipment to the park. It’s about making it as easy as possible to just get out there and play.

Each locker is tailored to its location, so you’ll find the right equipment for wherever you are, eg. a volleyball set by the beach, cricket gear in a local park. It’s thoughtful, flexible, and feels genuinely designed for the way people actually live and move.

There’s also a great sustainability angle here. By encouraging sharing and re-use, Decathlon and SportsBox are promoting a more circular approach to sports gear. The lockers are solar-powered, sturdy, and built to last, which is a nice touch that shows they’re thinking long-term, not just about a flashy headline.

But for me, the most exciting part is how inclusive it feels. By offering free access, these lockers remove the financial barrier that stops so many people from joining in. It’s a small but powerful step toward making communities more active, social, and healthy.

In a world where brands talk a lot about “community” and “wellbeing,” this is a rare example of a brand actually putting those words into action, and doing it in a way that’s smart, tech-enabled, and totally on brand for Decathlon.

It’s one of those initiatives that just makes sense: good for people, good for the planet, and great for the brand. A win-win-win if there ever was one.