The Athletic Union Executive Committee is formed by students and members of the union’s staff in order to discuss matters around sport teams, the particular meeting was to selecting three new university sport game shirt designs. As a committee we voted for and against on 6 different designs before narrowing this down to our favourite 3. When we were voting we had at the forefront of our mind that the game shirts needed to be inclusive so that they could be worn by everyone amongst a variety of different sports. Non-surprisingly making this decision was challenging and it felt like a huge responsibility but as a committee we were really happy with the final outcome, and we feel our aim was met and the students were able to be represented well with the new kit for years to come.
This is my 4th year studying at Newcastle University and representing the university for Women’s basketball. Over this time, I have accumulated several items of kit for myself and team kits for basketball with Canterbury, our previous supplier. I have worn them fondly to fixtures…and the library as I’m sure many others have done too! Canterbury has been the university’s kit supplier for a long time so the transition to a new kit supplier, new kit designs, logos and materials is refreshing and exciting! Everyone gets hyped about new kit and I can’t wait to see these new game shirts all over campus!
Hannah Danks, AU Officer, explained the process of selecting the kits: “Sport at Newcastle University has thrived over the last few years, finishing in the top 10 BUCS leagues last year, so we needed a kit provided who could match our game. Surridge Sport came out top of the very thorough process, which included student consultation and voice. The scoring showed that our students valued the affordability and excitement of the new brand, which they have definitely delivered on already this year”.
The kit is always good quality and smart and the university has an excellent reputation for sport and performance sport so wearing the kit really makes you feel part of this successful. When I wear my sports kit I feel really honoured and professional community, the new kit supplier represents that and helps maintain the high standard that has been set over the years. Purchasing kit like these game tops is not just for the now but is something you can look back on fondly. It’s weird how you can associated a piece of clothing with so many emotions and memories but you really can and I’ll be keeping my university kit for years to come!
“Students can wear this kit with pride when representing the University, the traditional colours navy, red and white have never looked so dynamic and refreshed, so I look forward to our Team Newcastle succeed in them”, Hannah Danks added.
The next few years with Surridge Sport will continue to be successful across the board and in wearing shared game shirts this will bring all the sports clubs together in this success.
Esme Court-Johnson