Shorts: Derby County, British Canoeing, Watford

League One football club Derby County has announced HSG UK as its official shirt and short sponsor.  

As per the new agreement, washroom hygiene company HSG UK will see its logo feature on the back of the Rams’ men’s first team playing shirts and shorts for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. 

Simon Rice, Managing Director of HSG UK, said, “As a long-established family business, we are equally as committed to supporting the local communities in which we operate as we are to improving our own sustainability and that of our customers across the UK. 

“Furthermore, as lifelong Rams fans, we are delighted to be supporting Derby County at such a pivotal point for the club.” 

Stephen Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of Derby County, commented, “We are delighted that HSG UK, a thriving local business making a real impact in their areas of expertise, have taken the opportunity of featuring their logo on the back of the men’s first team playing shirts and shorts for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. 

“Their additional support and commitment to the club is hugely appreciated and we look forward to proudly displaying HSG UK on our kit, everywhere we go.” 

British Canoeing has agreed a five-year deal with sportswear company Hummel.

After three years of collaborating, the renewed partnership will see Hummel remain as the official teamwear partner to all forms of paddle sport.

 The collaboration will mean athletes and team staff within GB paracanoe and canoe sprint teams will wear the same teamwear for international competitions. 

Neil Burke, CEO of Hummel UK, said, “We look forward to supporting British Canoeing in their journey to the Paris 2024 & LA 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as supporting all of their non-Olympic GB teams, in addition also offering hummel teamwear and lifestyle clothing to British Canoeing clubs and members.” 

Ashley Metcalfe, CEO of British Canoeing, added, “This announcement marks the start of an exciting renewed commercial relationship as Hummel commits to paddlesport. 

“It is important that British Canoeing works with brands that share our ambition and values. Over the past three years we have been impressed with hummel’s originality, commitment to quality and vision.

“Its promise to positively impact the environment, through initiatives like Zero H20, and their commitment to finding ways in which to reduce the company’s carbon footprint also aligns perfectly with our environmental credentials, so for us to have agreed a new five-year partnership is fantastic. 

Watford FC Women has announced a new partnership with Melp Co, a tool and app created to offer guidance on mental health and wellbeing.

As part of the collaboration, players and technical staff will receive support and holistic services from Melp, as they aim to maintain peak physical and mental fitness in the professional game.

Melp provides a personalised and streamlined offering of tools and resources in the app, including counselling, yoga classes, nutrition tips and other techniques.

Sophie Kirk, Creator of Melp, said, “We are very pleased to be partnering with Watford FC Women and are excited to work with a team we know puts the mental health of their people first.

“We look forward to the opportunity to support their journey moving forward with great mental fitness and emotional health.”

Spabreaks has launched its biggest ever community-based Christmas campaign ‘Spa a Thought’ with Lioness Beth England.

The campaign aims ‘to give back to those most deserving.’ With the Tottenham Hotspur WSL captain handing year-long spa memberships to those who have gone above and beyond for their community.

Beth England, said, “I’m really excited to be part of the campaign with Spabreaks.com and delighted that we are going to be able to give back to those who truly deserve it. I regularly use the spa as part of my wellness and fitness routine – the benefits of the spa are huge for everyone, whether you’re an athlete or work in an office and need the time to unwind.”

Abi Selby, Founder of Spabreaks, commented, “Christmas is a time of giving and celebrating with those you love. With the current cost-of-living crisis, the world seems a little tougher at the moment and we want to make sure those who go above and beyond are truly recognised for all their hard work and support to others. The spa has so many benefits, both physically and mentally and we want to make sure everyone has access to these benefits.”