The partnership marks a new chapter for sport at Sheffield Hallam, while celebrating a long-standing connection between the University and Kitlocker, a business founded by Sheffield Hallam graduates Mike Kent and Tom Ward.
Kitlocker has been appointed to provide teamwear and playing kit for Sport Hallam student sports clubs, staff uniforms and academic sportswear for the University's School of Sport and Physical Activity. The initial agreement is for three years, with the option to extend to five.
The appointment follows a competitive procurement process in which Kitlocker was selected ahead of a number of established sportswear providers and brands.
Representatives from Sport Hallam, the School of Sport and Physical Activity and student representatives played a central role in shaping the requirements, evaluating bids and contributing to the final decision.
The successful partner needed to share Sheffield Hallam's ambition to enhance the student experience, strengthen identity and belonging through sport, and deliver a high-quality service for students and staff.
Since being founded by two graduates of the University, Kitlocker has grown into one of the UK's leading team sportswear providers. Over the years, the relationship between the organisations has continued to develop through student placements, graduate employment and collaborative opportunities.
Kate Cox, Head of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are really excited to be working with Kitlocker and believe this partnership reflects so much more than a kit contract. Throughout this process Kitlocker have demonstrated a clear appreciation of our ambition for sport and physical activity at Sheffield Hallam and a commitment to delivering an outstanding experience for our students and staff.
"The fact that the business was founded by Sheffield Hallam graduates, Mike and Tom, and has grown into one of the UK's leading sportswear providers makes this particularly special. I can't wait for the new kit to launch in line with the 2026-27 academic year and seeing our students and staff proudly representing Sheffield Hallam as they compete, train and work across the University."
The new agreement also supports Sheffield Hallam's commitment to strengthening connections across the region. The partnership creates opportunities for further collaboration in areas including graduate employability, industry engagement and promoting sport and physical activity across the city.
Tomas Travis, Wellbeing, Sport and Physical Activity Officer in Hallam Students' Union, said: "I am delighted about our new partnership with Kitlocker. For our students this collaboration represents far more than new sports kit. It has been great to see our students represented as a central part of the decision-making process, ensuring their voices have helped shape this partnership. That makes this collaboration even more meaningful.
“I am really looking forward to see our students wearing the new kit and representing Sheffield Hallam with pride, on and off the field throughout the coming academic year."
Working alongside New Balance Team Sports also brings a globally recognised sportswear brand to the University's sporting community.
Tom Ward, co-founder of Kitlocker, said: "When Mike and I were students at Sheffield Hallam, representing the University carried real weight. It was about turning up for your team, backing each other, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Those experiences shaped us in ways we probably didn't appreciate at the time, and they've influenced the culture we've built at Kitlocker ever since.
“That's why this partnership means so much. Twenty-one years after leaving Hallam, coming back as the University's official sports kit partner feels like a real full-circle moment. We started this business in Sheffield with a belief that every team deserves kit that gives them confidence and identity, not something off the shelf that everyone else is wearing. To now be able to do that for the next generation of Hallam students is incredibly special.
“Together with New Balance Team Sports, we can't wait to see Hallam athletes, clubs and staff wearing kit that reflects the ambition of the University and the city we're proud to call home. We're excited about what we'll create together, not just over the next few seasons, but for the opportunities this partnership can unlock for students, grassroots sport and the wider Sheffield community."
The new Sheffield Hallam sports kit will be introduced ahead of the 2026-27 academic year.
