Canterbury Christ Church University/Christ Church Students' Union is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking technical partnership with the renowned footwear and apparel manufacturer, New Balance. This exciting collaboration will see New Balance take on the role of the official supplier for uniforms and sports kits for academic students on sport-focused programmes of study, as well as over 30 different sports clubs.
New Balance has long been recognised for championing individuals who fearlessly pursue their passions, and this partnership reflects the University's commitment to supporting its students and staff in their athletic endeavours and professional aspirations. The integration of New Balance's cutting-edge performance technology and stylish designs ensures that students, academic staff, and sports teams alike will have access to the very best in sports apparel.
Key highlights of the partnership:
Unparalleled Performance and Style: New Balance products strike the perfect balance between functionality and fashion, catering to both elite athletes competing at national and international levels and academic staff engaged in sport-facing roles. Whether on the field, court, or in the classroom, New Balance's apparel empowers individuals to excel.
Comprehensive Apparel Range: From shorts and t-shirts to mid-layers and quarter zips, New Balance will supply a comprehensive range of apparel for academic students, ensuring they are suitably equipped for every sports activity. Additionally, the University's over 30 sports clubs, including rugby, basketball, football, hockey, and more, will be kitted out with top-of-the-line New Balance uniforms, fostering a sense of unity and pride across all sports teams.
Meticulously Chosen Partnership: Following an extensive and rigorous procurement process, in which numerous manufacturers were evaluated, New Balance emerged as the natural choice for Canterbury Christ Church University/Christ Church Students' Union. The brand's exceptional garment performance and strong alignment with the University's ethos made New Balance the ideal partner.
As this exciting partnership takes shape, the University anticipates a surge in student and staff engagement with sports activities, leading to enhanced physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and overall academic success. Additionally, the sense of unity and pride instilled by the shared New Balance apparel will foster a vibrant and inclusive sports community within Canterbury Christ Church University.
Max Elvin, President of Engagement & Sports at Christ Church Students’ Union said: “As President (Engagement & Sports), I couldn't be more excited for this all-new partnership between Christ Church Students' Union and New Balance! We are really excited for students to have access to branded and professional kit while they are representing Team Christ Church within their respective sports. Not only will this offer an exciting new look to Team Christ Church, but it will further unite our amazing community with the common goal of supporting one another. Bring it on 2023/24!”
Director of Sport & Active Health at Canterbury Christ Church University, Paul Carney, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with New Balance as our official kit supplier. For the first time our Sport & Active Health team, our academic students and staff and our Student Union Sports Clubs will all be wearing the same kit, bringing us closer together and underlining the strength of the partnership with the SU and our commitment to providing a first-class student experience.”
Dr Damian Coleman, Director of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science, said: “Our University clothing is very important to our students because it creates a sense of belonging, it enhances external visibility, and helps promote their work and profile within our wider community. We are very excited to announce New Balance as our new kit provider; New Balance will supply CCCU with a wide range of high-quality performance garments with the aim of supporting the professional and practical demands of our cohorts.”
Hannah Potts, Senior Project Manager, New Balance Teamsports, said: "We are delighted that we have become a partner to CCCU and CCSU for the supply of all their playing kit and training wear. We have developed and evolved our range over the past 24 months to ensure that we can offer one of the most comprehensive brand offerings in the marketplace. This allows us to supply both staff and students at CCCU and CCSU. We look forward to bringing the partnership to life and see the kit on campus."