Being selected for the team to participate in a league or at an event is more often than not a result of hours of practice, sacrifice and commitment. Being a part of a team is wonderful. Representing a badge on the jersey is special, be it for a school, club, province or your country.
Team kit has always been an identifier, differentiator and allowed supporters opportunities to purchase replica kit to show their support of a player or a team. The sports apparel industry is currently valued at $319,4 billion per annum. A huge industry creating millions of jobs and opportunities for brands to advertise on the garments worn by athletes.
Playing sport in comfortable, well designed kit is critical for every player. The coach or manager tasked with the job of sourcing kit needs to take into account a number of factors when procuring kit for their team. Fabrics used in the manufacture of sports clothing have changed considerably in recent history. The 100% cotton playing shirts have long since been retired. The incumbent is the ultra-light, moisture wicking and in some sports form hugging garments. These fabrics are quite technical and in many cases are designed to be sports specific.
From a coaches and managers perspective, their players must feel comfortable in the apparel they are competing in. The sizing, the cut of the garment and how it looks are important not only to the participants but also the institution that players is representing. Some important advise to a coach / manager when sourcing clothing for their team. If you are sourcing clothing for the first time or are looking for a new clothing supplier here are a few handy tips.
- Use a company with a proven track record. i.e. have they played sport, supplied clothing and do they have the knowledge of the fabrics required for the sport.
- Meet the new company representative (in person or via online meeting if not in the same city).
- Ask for references.
- Once you have completed the above discuss your needs ( have your logo, your sponsors logo, current kit and a list of requirements ready).
- Discuss fabric composition.
- Ask for a size chart for the garments you have selected. Compare with current garments.
- Discuss delivery times and due dates. Take into account (if in South Africa) loadshedding and public holidays.
- Plan well in advance of a season or tour. The process from starting to look for kit to receiving it can take up to 12 weeks.
- Ask about factory holidays (clothing industry shut down in December). Orders required for delivery in January / February must be in the manufacturing system by the 1 November.
The final consideration for you as the coach or manager of the sports team is an important one………
How do we cover the costs of the team clothing?
If for a school or club the easiest option is to get a company that has close ties to the school or club to sponsor the clothing. Branding provides ongoing exposure to the sponsor. The best way to “sell” the sponsorship is not to limit the relationship to one year but rather offer the sponsor a three year deal. That way the sponsor will see the value in getting exposure over an extended period and not just one season of 20 odd games.
By offering the three year sponsorship to the company you are not only ensuring the continuity of quality branded clothing for three years but in years two and three you will not have the cost of getting a full set of kit and will only have to “top-up” the kit as new players join the team. The surplus can be utilised to improve coaching resources and equipment.