Shorts: Kick It Out, Worcester Warriors, Gymnastics

US retail company Fanatics has partnered with Kick It Out and football clubs with Everton, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Derby County FC to launch its first ever club-branded merchandise.

The project will aim to support the Kick it Out’s goal of tackling discrimination and promoting equality and inclusion in all sports.

Through the partnership, Fanatics has designed, manufactured and will sell a range of club-branded fanwear, emblazoned with club, Kick It Out and Fanatics branding.

The range, which includes both men’s and women’s T-shirts and hoodies, will be available for fans to purchase through the football club’s retail outlets, as well as their official online stores.

Hollie Varney, Chief Operating Officer at Kick It Out, commented, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer football fans a means to showcase their pride in their team while doing their part to call out and end discrimination in sport. Being able to partner with forward-thinking clubs such as Everton, Derby County, Aston Villa and Wolves, and the support of their passionate fanbases, is key to raising awareness and support for our mission.

“We are also thrilled to have been able to work with Fanatics, which shares our passion about making sport inclusive for all, on this range as part of our continued partnership. We are so excited to be able to offer football fans everywhere the chance to show their passion for both their club and for equality and inclusion in sport.”

Worcester Warriors Women has had its place in the Allianz Premier 15 for next season confirmed. 

The Rugby Football Union offered the team a conditional place back in February but main partner and backer Cube International has solidified its deal with the club to secure its long-term future. 

As part of the long-term agreement with UK sports management and promotion company Cube, will be tasked with growing the club commercially.

In February the club confirmed it has an agreement with Atlas – the new owner of Sixways – to play their home games at Sixways Stadium. 

Josh Payne, Managing Director of Warriors Women, commented, “Despite all the odds, we are delighted to confirm our place in the Premier 15s next season.

“Throughout this process, the importance of keeping women’s rugby alive and thriving in Worcester has become abundantly clear. We would not be in this position without the community’s unwavering support.

“Now, as we look forward to our future, we’re excited to continue strengthening our squad, developing our players and bringing new world-class talent to the Warriors family.”

Gymnastics’ national governing bodies across all four home nations have partnered to create ‘a new vision for a new era for gymnastics that puts positive experiences at the heart of the sport’.

Titled ‘Leap Without Limits’, the new vision sees British Gymnastics, English Gymnastics, Gymnastics Northern Ireland, Scottish Gymnastics and Welsh Gymnastics work together on ‘a clear goal.’

This is described as an ambition ‘to deliver an uplifting gymnastics experience for all – with a shared purpose of together ensuring that gymnastics is enjoyable, safe, and open to everyone.’

Tracy Whittaker-Smith, British Gymnastics’ Performance Director and Chair of the Coach Advisory Group, commented, “It’s been a difficult time for coaches, but they are vital to gymnastics and its ability to have a positive impact on people, communities and society.  It’s great to have a vision for our sport like this that we can all get behind which specifically includes a focus on delivering positive experiences for coaches too, and ensuring they are supported to continue the great work being done by thousands across the UK.”

Mandi Mellor, Operations Manager at Warrington Gymnastics Club added, “Gymnastics is more than just a sport. It provides the foundations for an active life, can be a stepping stone to multiple sporting opportunities and can teach children valuable life skills through the fun and positive experiences the sport has to offer. It can bring communities together and benefits children physically and mentally through to adulthood.

“It’s amazing to see these values reflected so strongly in this new vision and we hope all involved in our wonderful sport continue to remember the benefits gymnastics has to offer and the value it brings to so many.”