Warwick has agreed to fund sports kit in full

Warwick University and the Students’ Union (SU) have agreed to jointly provide full funding for the new ‘Team Warwick’ sports kit.

A grant of £45,000 will be given to provide sports team members with the new kit, according to an announcement made by sports officer, Ruby Compton-Davies, on 25 June on the SU website.

The University launched a rebranding, complete with a new logo, at the start of this year in time for the fiftieth anniversary of Warwick next year.

Some students claimed they were confused as to how this would affect them, especially those who were members of sports teams. Sports kits are worn at matches to represent the University, meaning kits would have to be altered to include the new logo.

The SU, therefore, began a consultation process during term two of this year.

More than 200 people attended the first meeting. 70 percent thought that having one colour of sports kit would be best. Opinion was divided on what it should actually look like, however.

Two further meetings have been held since then. They included presentations on the rebrand to halt any confusion on the subject. More kit design proposals were presented as well as insights into potential suppliers and the chance to ask questions.

During the Easter break, an open display room was held for students to give feedback on potential suppliers. ‘Beyond Limits Known’ (BLK), official kit supplier to the England Rugby League team, was chosen.

Team Warwick from Varsity. Photo: Warwick Sport

Following this, the SU held a poll on whether or not to centralise sports kit. One thousand sports club members voted, and the result was a 65 percent majority in favour of centralisation.

The final step involved three days discussing individual designs with each sports club, and another three working with them on setting up online shops for sportswear for their members.

The campaign led to the decision for the new kit to be fully funded. Ms Compton-Davies, representing the SU, reflects on the result:

“It’s brilliant that the University have shown so much support and understanding for sports clubs with regards to the new kit that will be arriving in September.”

She explains how important it was that students were not made to fork out for a new kit, especially when they may have bought one recently.

“I’m so happy with how we got to this point,” she said, “particularly as clubs and members were involved in every decision along the way.”

She also thanked everyone involved with making this happen. In particular, she thanked Ken Sloan, the University’s registrar and the University’s marketing department for getting the SU’s voice heard. Lisa Dodd-Mayne and Mike Roberts were also given a special mention.

Ms Compton-Davies concluded: “Warwick now has a recognisable unified identity which will help to support our efforts in competition and thus further our reputation as a major sporting University.

Team Warwick now looks proudly ahead to another great year – and the opening of a second quarter-century of Varsity – in our brand new colours!”