Kitlocker lands university sportswear deal

A Sheffield sportswear provider founded by two university graduates has returned to its roots through a new partnership to supply kit for students and staff.

Kitlocker, alongside New Balance Team Sports, has been appointed as the official sports kit provider for Sheffield Hallam University.

The Sheffield-based business will provide teamwear and playing kit for Sport Hallam student clubs, as well as staff uniforms and academic sportswear for the university’s School of Sport and Physical Activity.

Its appointment follows a competitive procurement process involving representatives from Sport Hallam, the School of Sport and Physical Activity and students.

Founded by Sheffield Hallam graduates Mike Kent and Tom Ward, Kitlocker has grown into one of the UK’s leading team sportswear providers.

Its relationship with the university has continued through student placements, graduate employment and other collaborative opportunities.

The new agreement is expected to create further opportunities around graduate employability, industry engagement and the promotion of sport and physical activity across Sheffield.

Tom said: “When Mike and I were students at Sheffield Hallam, representing the university carried real weight. 

“It was about turning up for your team, backing each other, and being part of something bigger than yourself. 

“Those experiences shaped us in ways we probably didn’t appreciate at the time, and they've influenced the culture we’ve built at Kitlocker ever since.

“That’s why this partnership means so much. 

“Twenty-one years after leaving Hallam, coming back as the university’s official sports kit partner feels like a real full-circle moment. 

“We started this business in Sheffield with a belief that every team deserves kit that gives them confidence and identity, not something off the shelf that everyone else is wearing. 

“To now be able to do that for the next generation of Hallam students is incredibly special.

“Together with New Balance Team Sports, we can’t wait to see Hallam athletes, clubs and staff wearing kit that reflects the ambition of the university and the city we’re proud to call home. 

“We’re excited about what we'll create together, not just over the next few seasons, but for the opportunities this partnership can unlock for students, grassroots sport and the wider Sheffield community.”

Tomas Travis, wellbeing, sport and physical activity officer in Hallam Students’ Union, added: “I am delighted about our new partnership with Kitlocker. 

“For our students this collaboration represents far more than new sports kit. 

“It has been great to see our students represented as a central part of the decision-making process, ensuring their voices have helped shape this partnership. 

“That makes this collaboration even more meaningful.

“I am really looking forward to see our students wearing the new kit and representing Sheffield Hallam with pride, on and off the field throughout the coming academic year."

Working with New Balance Team Sports will also bring the global sportswear brand to Sheffield Hallam’s sporting community.

The new kit will be introduced ahead of the 2026/27 academic year, with the partnership aiming to strengthen identity and belonging across university sport while building on Kitlocker’s long-standing links with Sheffield Hallam.

Kate Cox, head of sport and physical activity at Sheffield Hallam University, added: “We are really excited to be working with Kitlocker and believe this partnership reflects so much more than a kit contract. 

“Throughout this process Kitlocker have demonstrated a clear appreciation of our ambition for sport and physical activity at Sheffield Hallam and a commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for our students and staff.

“The fact that the business was founded by Sheffield Hallam graduates, Mike and Tom, and has grown into one of the UK's leading sportswear providers makes this particularly special. 

“I can’t wait for the new kit to launch in line with the 2026-27 academic year and seeing our students and staff proudly representing Sheffield Hallam as they compete, train and work across the university.”

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