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KUKRI SPORTS ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW YOUTH TALENT PROGRAMME AMBASSADORS  

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports is excited to unveil its new Youth Talent Programme (YTP) Ambassadors for 2025, in collaboration with our long-standing partner England Athletics.

The exciting roster of young athletes, who compete in a variety of events including javelin, hammer throw and sprinting, have been selected carefully from the England Athletics Youth Talent Programme.

The youth talent programme is a key starting point on the Talent Pathway, helping to nurture and develop the next generation of athletes and para-athletes aged 16-18.

Meet the YTP Ambassadors

Kukri is proud to introduce the following athletes, who are joining as brand ambassadors for the first time.

Alice Howie

Event: Hammer

From a multi-sport background, Alice found her passion in hammer throwing at age 9. Since then, she’s enjoyed multiple competition successes.

READ ALICE’S Q&A

Euan Murray

Event: 100m and 200m

A talented F64 athlete, Euan received his first running blade age 10, and has since made a significant impact in sprinting, including earning his debut England vest.

READ EUAN’S Q&A

Harriet Court

Event: Javelin

Harriet’s sport career began in childhood with sports like tennis, football and netball. She discovered athletics at 11 and has already achieved notable wins and personal milestones in javelin.

READ HARRIET’S Q&A

Isabelle Stamp

Event: Shot put

Isabelle took up athletics over four years ago, after a recommendation from her sports teacher. She’s since earned recognition for England at national competitions.

READ ISABELLE’S Q&A

Isabella Turner

Event: Pole Vault

Initially starting with high jump at age 13, Isabella quickly switched to pole vault and, within a year, began reaching impressive heights.

READ ISABELLA’S Q&A

Qi-Chi Ukpai

Event: Triple jump, high jump, long jump & sprints

Qi-Chi began competing in a variety of athletics events at a young age and has since found her passion in sprinting. She achieved an international title in 2023.

READ QI-CHI’S Q&A

Tom Webb

Event: Triathlon

Tom began his journey with a win at a County Schools Championship in year 4, and he’s continued to impress, including a standout victory back in August.

READ TOM’S Q&A

Supporting our Ambassadors

At Kukri, our mission is to provide more than just high-quality sportswear. We’re dedicated to offering a comprehensive support system that helps our new Ambassadors succeed both on and off the track.

  • Elite Sportswear for Peak Performance – Our cutting edge sportswear is designed to elevate athletic performance, offering unmatched comfort, flexibility and durability.
  • Brand Engagement & Social Media Opportunities – Beyond the track, our ambassadors will enjoy a range of brand engagement opportunities. They will have their chance to share their journey with the athletics community through our social media channels, and gain insight into building their own personal brand.
  • Representing Kukri at England Athletics Events – Our ambassadors will proudly wear the brand at various England Athletics competitions and training events.

Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, commented: “We are thrilled to welcome our new YTP Ambassadors for 2025.

“Through access to high-quality sportswear and unique brand engagement opportunities, we’re committed to helping these athletes reach their full potential and supporting them as they progress through the competitive season.”

“We look forward to working with these talented individuals over the next year and seeing their progress across competitions.”

Alan Richardson, Talent Pathway Manager at England Athletics, said “We are delighted to have the continued support of our partner Kukri in delivery the YTP and the support offered to the programme. Not only do our athletes get an increased kit package of support, but the Kukri contribution follows the educational ethos of the YTP in giving them continuous support and education in how best to work with a brand and make best and appropriate use of social media”.

Kukri is also excited to announce that Amy Thompson, a previous YTP Ambassador, has become an ambassador for the brand.

READ MORE HERE

Kukri Sports are proud to be partnered with England Athletics and are committed to providing athletes with the sportswear and support they need to perform at their best.

Find out more about England Athletics

Find out more about our Ambassadors

Netball Northern Ireland Star Joins Kukri Sports As Brand Ambassador

Ireland

Kukri Sports is thrilled to announce Northern Ireland Warriors goalkeeper, Lauren Walshe, as their newest brand ambassador.

Known for her athletic prowess, leadership and dedication to the sport, Lauren perfectly embodies the values of Kukri Sports: passion, resilience and commitment.

Having recently extended their partnership as official long-term kit supplier for Netball Northern Ireland, Kukri is committed to supporting netball, fostering growth and providing high-quality and performance-driven sportswear that empowers athletes to excel on and off the court at all levels.

“I am excited to be named as a brand ambassador for Kukri Sports,” Lauren shared.

“It is a brand I have worn for a while now; it has been our Netball Northern Ireland team and Belfast Ladies team sponsor for some years. It’s my favourite sports brand to wear on court and I am enthusiastic to get started and show this brand off.”

Lauren’s journey in netball has been nothing short of inspiring. Having represented Northern Ireland on international stages, including this year’s Celtic Cup, she has competed against world-class teams and developed lifelong friendships.

“Playing netball from a young age has shaped who I am today. It has provided me with confidence and built my self-esteem in so many ways.

“The girls I’ve met along the way are some of my best friends, and I’ll always be thankful for the sport that allowed me to meet these girls.”

Beyond her achievements on the court, Lauren was recently named second runner-up in the Miss Northern Ireland 2024 competition. Now a passionate teacher, she juggles teaching a primary two class, with coaching two netball teams and playing for her country.

“There is a lot of joy and happiness in knowing you are helping and inspiring young children,” Lauren said.

“I love my job, and fortunately it allows me to help shape the younger generation, which is something I have always wanted to do. I think my love for the sport and my job helps to balance and enjoy it.”

Lauren’s exciting new partnership with Kukri Sports marks an exciting new chapter in her mission to promote netball and empower young athletes.

“Being part of the Kukri team is a great opportunity for me. With my busy lifestyle, Kukri can provide suitable attire for playing, training, coaching and even teaching too.

“I’m most excited to see all the exciting drops for the season and promote them to everyone. I want to create awareness of netball through Kukri’s support, and encourage more women and girls to play sports.”

Neil Patterson, Country Manager for Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland at Kukri Sports, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Lauren Walshe as a brand ambassador. Her passion for netball, combined with her dedication to inspiring the next generation, aligns perfectly with Kukri’s mission. We are excited to work alongside her to promote netball and encourage participation across all levels of the sport, as well as further highlight our long-standing partnership with Netball Northern Ireland.”

Kukri Sports is delighted to welcome Lauren Walshe and looks forward to working with her to drive awareness and participation in netball, while providing her with additional exposure to inspire the next generation.

Learn more about Netball Northern Ireland

PICKLEBALL IRELAND SHINES AT INAUGURAL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Ireland

Kukri Sports proudly celebrates its partnership with Pickleball Ireland, whose national team achieved historic success at the inaugural European Pickleball Championships.

Competing against 23 nations in Southampton on November 23-24, Team Ireland’s remarkable performance secured their place among Europe’s top ten, cementing their growing prominence in the sport.

The players showcased their skill and determination throughout to finish among the top 10 nations and deservedly earn recognition on the international stage.

Impressive Performances on the Court

Team Ireland delivered standout results in both the 19+ and 50+ categories:

  • (Men’s Doubles 19+) – Adrian and Sam secured impressive group-stage wins before a narrow defeat to Finland.
  • (Mixed Doubles 19+) – Francie and Bobby showed their talent to reach the quarter-finals, pushing eventual champions England in a spirited match.
  • (Women’s Doubles 19+) – Francie and Izzy earned strong group-stage results, narrowly missing out against Belgium and Estonia.
  • (Men’s Doubles 50+) – Gareth and Gavin & Heidi and George (Mixed Doubles 50+) also reached the quarter-finals, delivering exceptional performances against strong opponents.

A Milestone for Irish Pickleball

The Championships marked a decade since the sport was introduced in Ireland. Today, over 60 locations across Ireland host pickleball players, with an estimated 2,000 participants enjoying the sport weekly.

“This is a very important step for Pickleball Ireland, said John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of Pickleball Ireland.

“It reflects the inclusive nature of the sport, with representatives of all ages proudly playing for Ireland.

“Our team represented the whole of Ireland with exceptional spirit and talent,” Fitzpatrick added. “To see players of all ages competing at the highest level is a proud moment for us and the development of the sport.”

Kukri Sports Drives Success

Kukri Sports were proud to play a pivotal role in supporting the team’s journey. As the official kit supplier for Pickleball Ireland, we provided the training wear for the players to compete in, as well as a newly designed shirt that will proudly worn by all players in future competitions.

“The sponsorship has been invaluable,” said Fitzpatrick. “Kukri’s commitment, from design stunning team kits to providing vital support, has made a significant impact.

“We’re thrilled to see our players and supporters wearing these shirts with pride.”

Commenting on the partnership, Neil Patterson, Country Manager for NI and ROI, said “We were thrilled to support Pickleball Ireland in their incredible journey to the European Championships.

“Seeing the team train in the designs and compete on such a prestigious stage was fantastic to see, and we are committed to providing the highest-quality sportswear for their players to shine on the court in future competitions.”

As Team Ireland looks ahead, the momentum from the European Championships fuels their ambition.

With the continued support from Kukri and the passion of players nationwide, the future of pickleball in Ireland continues to shine bright.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT PICKLEBALL IRELAND

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Rising Para-Athletics Star Amy Thompson Extends Partnership With Kukri Sports

United Kingdom

Kukri Sports is proud to announce rising para-athlete Amy Thompson, the current UK number one F41 shot putter, has extended her partnership from England Athletics Youth Talent Programme to become a full brand ambassador.

Amy has had an incredible year, achieving a personal best of over 8 metres, winning the ambulant shot-put championship at the Senior Championships and making her debut appearance at this year’s Loughborough International.

“I’m beyond excited to continue my partnership with Kukri Sports,” Amy said.

“This past year has been a breakthrough for me, and the support I’ve received from Kukri has been a key part of that. It’s been a year full of great milestones, and I’m grateful to have Kukri by my side as I continue to push forward.”

Amy, who is currently studying Biomedical Science at Liverpool John Moores University, is a shining example of dedication and hard work, making her a great fir for the brand.

Reflecting on the Youth Talent Programme and her experience, Amy said, “The education from the programme was invaluable.

“It helped me understand the financial and logistical aspects of the sport and travelling to competitions. Little things like that really help you as a young athlete to develop and gain a broader knowledge of what is involved.”

Looking ahead to the future, Amy is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. “My goal for this year, with the support of the Paralympic Futures Programme, is to compete in more international competitions and continue to improve my training and overall performances,” she shared.

“Hopefully I can get to the U20 World Championships next year and showcase my talent on a bigger stage.”

Kukri Sports is proud to support Amy Thompson and is excited to welcome her as a full brand ambassador.

Keep an eye out for the announcement of our new Youth Talent Programme Ambassadors.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE YOUTH TALENT PROGRAMME

“ON TOP OF THE WORLD!”: BELLO BROTHERS MAKE HISTORY IN BEACH PRO TOUR ELITE 16 TRIUMPH

Kukri Sports is thrilled to celebrate its Beach Volleyball ambassadors, Javier & Joaquin Bello on winning the Beach Pro Tour (BPT) Elite 16 in Rio de Janeiro.

The brothers have made history as the first British pair to claim a BPT title at professional level, marking a monumental milestone for UK Beach Volleyball on the global stage.

In a pulsating final on 10 November, the Bellos defeated Argentina’s Tomas and Nicolas Capograsso to lift the trophy and secure their place among the world’s top 16 for the first time.

Reflecting on their unprecedented victory, Javier and Joaquin shared the pride they felt in reaching an unforgettable milestone.

“It’s really amazing – it’s something we have been working towards for years. It feels like we are on top of the world!

“At the same time, we know there’s still a long way to go, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum and reach even higher goals”, they said.

The semi-final proved to be a deciding moment in the tournament, where the duo beat Olympic bronze medallists Anders Mol and Christian Sørum to book their place in the final.

“They are one of the best volleyball teams in history. We had managed to push them to three sets in the previous tournament, so we thought it was possible, but we had to play a really solid game.

“We were able to find a couple of crucial points when we needed to and stuck together in the tough moments, which we took into the final,” the brothers reflected.

The Bellos’ journey to this victory has been marked by hard work, dedication and perseverance. Their near-miss in qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games fuelled their motivation to keep pushing forward.

“At the beginning of the year, we played a few Elite 16 tournaments as we were super close to qualifying for the Olympics, and we needed just one single run like this to make it to Paris.

“Although it was quite unfortunate that we didn’t manage to do it, it kept us motivated and working hard in our day-to-day, which made the difference in Rio.”

This historic achievement sets a new benchmark for British beach volleyball -one the Bellos hope will inspire the sport’s future in the UK. “The growth of beach volleyball in the UK in the last few years is remarkable.

“We hope we can keep inspiring the younger generation, showing just how amazing this sport is and what is possible if you work hard for your dreams.”

Looking forward, the Bellos are already eyeing further milestones. “As our favourite Kobe Bryant quote says, ‘job’s not finished’.

“We have a long road ahead to keep improving and hopefully winning more. We want to be the best team in the world and continue living our dream of playing in the biggest and best tournaments.

Kukri Sports is incredibly proud to support the Bellos, who wear a bespoke range designed to help them perform their best in training and intense competitions around the world.

“We really have the best kit, and it is exactly what we need to perform at our best. It makes us extremely proud every day stepping out onto the court, and we’re really grateful for having Kukri in our corner.”

With this monumental win behind them, the Bello Brothers are ready to tackle new heights in beach volleyball and continue to raise the bar for British athletes worldwide – with Kukri fuelling their journey to greatness.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BELLO BROTHERS

Cork Constitution: Champions Again & Hungry For More Success

Ireland

Months after their triumph, Cork Constitution’s seventh Energia All Ireland League (AIL) title still resonates deeply within the club’s storied history.

As an official partner of Kukri Sports, alongside many other ruby clubs in Ireland, the club has benefitted from high-quality support.

Winning the title at the Aviva Stadium in a dramatic showdown against Terenure College – despite being reduced to 14 men just 19 minutes into the game, highlighted their grit, determination and spirit of the squad.

The triumph capped a stellar season that also saw the J1 team win the Charity Cup and retain the Munster Senior Clubs Division 1 league, with a last-minute try securing the title.

For players, coaches and supporters, this success reaffirmed Cork Con’s legacy as one of Ireland’s most successful rugby institutions.

Reflecting on a memorable campaign, team captain David Hyland shared. “It’s an honour. Away wins against Terenure and Lansdowne gave us a lot of momentum during the season and helped us to secure a home semi-final.”

Head Coach Johnny Holland also expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishment, describing it as ‘one of the most satisfying moments in my coaching career’, and adding, “Watching our players celebrating and enjoying themselves makes the job more worthwhile.”

“I’m confident that this group is capable of winning it again, but there’s a lot of quality in the league, and every team is expecting to win each week, which makes it a unique challenge.”

After four games, Cork Con sit in seventh place in the AIL with the season still young, and they’re determined to push toward the play-offs.

“Our goal as a team is to win the AIL, Munster Seconds League, Charity Cup for a second year in a row and the Munster Junior Cup,” Hyland said.

“We are confident we can achieve these goals, but remain very aware that it will take an even higher level of effort and commitment.”

A crucial part of this pursuit has been Kukri Sports’ support, proudly supporting their performances with high-quality sportswear.

“The Kukri gear has been excellent this year, all of our performance and match day needs have been looked after with kit that is comfortable and makes us feel proud when stepping out onto the pitch.”

Head Coach Holland echoed this sentiment. “The gear looks great and ensures that we’re together as a group when we’re going to and from matches especially.”

Kukri Sports’ NI and ROI Country Manager, Neil Patterson, also expressed pride in the club’s achievements. “We’re incredibly proud of Cork Constitution’s hard work to win their seventh AIL title, as well as their other team’s success.

“We are dedicated to providing the highest quality sportswear to support them on and off the pitch and are excited to be part of their success.”

With Kukri’s ongoing support, Cork Constitution is prepared to face whatever challenges lie ahead, driven by a hunger for continued success. This season promises excitement as Cork Con pushes forward – equipped, focused, and united in their pursuit of another historic season.

Want to find out how we can inspire your rugby team to success?

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BHM: RUGBY SCHOOL TALENT JANE – FROM GYMNASTICS TO NETBALL’S RISING STAR

United Kingdom

As Black History Month concludes, Kukri Sports proudly spotlights Jane, a standout student-athlete from Rugby School who is making waves in netball with her inspiring journey and bold aspirations.

From Local Talent to International Hopes

For Jane, netball has been a transformative journey that began with exposure to various sports in her hometown. “Sport has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’d started with gymnastics before I’d even begun school,” Jane reflects.

As she grew older, Jane experimented with different sports, but it was in primary school that a netball coach recognised her potential and encouraged her to join a local club.

“My coach really pushed me to keep going. I started trials for county-level competitions and my first franchise, Loughborough Lightning. I’ve never looked back.”

Now a defender for Birmingham Panthers in their U19s long squad, Jane’s journey from early practice to competitive netball has been one of hard work and triumph. “Netball has always been my happy place. There’s nothing like defending – it’s such a thrill to stop a play and protect my team’s side of the court,” she says.

Aiming For the Future: England U17 Trials and International Ambitions

One of Jane’s proudest moments came this year, when she was selected for the England Netball U17 trials and part of their Europe netball squad. “Getting to that level was such an honour. It felt like all the years of training were finally paying off,” she shares.

With her sights set on the 2032 Olympics in Australia, where netball is expected to debut, Jane dreams of representing her country on the world’s biggest stage and aspires to join Australia’s renowned Suncorp League.

“Playing in the Suncorp League would be amazing. Competing in a different league would challenge me and help me grow as a player. In the short term, Jane is aiming to join a Super League team and become part of the England Future Roses squad.

Honouring Black History Month: Celebrating a Legacy of Strength

For Jane, Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of those who have paved the way. “It’s about celebrating amazing Black people who faced tremendous challenges but still accomplished so much,” she explains.

“Their resilience inspires me, and I hope my story can encourage others to keep pushing forward.”

Kukri Sports’ Commitment to Supporting Young Athletes and Future Champions

Kukri Sports is proud to champion young athletes like Jane, providing high-quality sportswear and resources through partnerships with Rugby School and other leading educational institutions.

Our commitment helps students pursue their sports dreams and reach their full potential, from grassroots to global competitions.

Ellie Stevens Joins Kukri Sports As Brand Ambassador

North America

Now based in Las Vegas, Ellie is an elite competitor in a variety of running events. Her extraordinary journey, marked by resilience and triumph, perfectly embodies Kukri’s commitment to performance and excellence.

“I am so excited and honoured to become a Kukri ambassador. It’s a brand I’ve followed and respected for years. The quality of their sportswear and their ethos really align with my life values. I’m thrilled to partner with them and contribute to their future success.”

Ellie’s running career has been nothing short of inspiring. After transitioning from dance and gymnastics to cross-country at 13, she quickly fell in love with the sport, progressing to national-level competitions. However, her journey took an unexpected turn in her early 20s when she was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (M.E.), a condition that forced her to put her Olympic aspirations on hold.

“It was a rollercoaster,” Ellie shared. “But with patience, the support of my family, and some amazing doctors, I learned to manage my condition and make my comeback.”

Her resilience in the face of adversity made her a natural fit for Kukri, a brand known for supporting athletes across diverse sports and disciplines. “Kukri manages to bridge the gap between different sports, making us all look and feel great.

“Whether you’re running track, competing in a team sport, or pushing your individual limits, their gear is always functional, stylish and top-quality,” said Ellie.

Looking ahead, Ellie is excited about the new chapter with Kukri.

“Kukri has always been about inclusivity and supporting athletes in achieving their best. For me, that aligns perfectly with my personal philosophy of ‘no stone left unturned’ – always striving to be the best version of myself.”

Jamie Williams, Vice President of North America, expressed his excitement. “Ellie’s journey is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to have her join us. This is another significant milestone for Kukri in North America, as we continue to expand and partner with incredible athletes and teams.

“We’re thrilled to work with Ellie on her bespoke range, ensuring she has the personalised, high-performance gear she needs to continue competing at the highest level.”

Ellie joins a growing list of Kukri ambassadors across athletics, boxing, and beach volleyball. The brand looks forward to supporting her ongoing success and the inspiration she brings to athletes worldwide.

READ MORE ABOUT ELLIE

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR AMBASSADORS

Kukri Sports: Driving Innovation in Hockey Worldwide

Kukri Sports is making waves in the world of hockey, establishing itself as a leading provider of high-quality performance sportswear designed to meet the unique demands of the sport.

With a dedication to quality and innovation, Kukri is becoming the go-to choice for hockey teams and athletes worldwide, helping to enhance their performance on and off the field.

Building a global Hockey community

Kukri’s influence in the hockey community continues to expand, forging strong connections with grassroots clubs and educational institutions around the world.

Partnerships with established grassroots clubs like Pegasus Hockey Club, Provincial Sporting Bodies such as Field Hockey BC, and university teams like Loughborough University and Melbourne University Hockey Club highlight our ability to deliver bespoke sportswear solutions tailored to each team’s specific needs.

Find out more about our partners

A standout example of Kukri’s commitment to the sport is its long-standing partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club, a grassroots team based in Northern Ireland.

As their teamwear supplier for over 20 years, Kukri has played a fundamental role in their success, providing over 5,000 custom-designed kits crafted for peak performance and inspiring players to reach their full potential.

Read more about the partnership.

Expanding Hockey’s reach in Australia & beyond

Kukri has established a strong presence in Australia, a country where hockey is deeply ingrained in the sporting culture.

The brand proudly partners with numerous organisations across the continent, including Cairns Hockey Association, Melbourne High School Old Boys Hockey Club, La Trobe University Hockey Club, Melbourne University Hockey Club and Kedron Wavell Hockey club.

Across the Pacific Ocean, Kukri continues to develop its presence in North America, with partners such as Vancouver Hawks Field Hockey Club and Field Hockey BC.

Fostering grassroots development

In addition to its partnership with Pegasus Hockey Club, Kukri’s strategy is deeply rooted in a commitment to grassroots development.

By supplying schools, clubs and universities with innovative sportswear, Kukri nurtures the next generation of players. The company collaborates with educational institutions including; Nottingham Trent University, Rugby School and Royal School Armagh, with the latter being crowned last season’s Kate Russell All-Ireland Senior Schoolgirls’ title to cap off a dream season.

Dedication to quality & innovation

Kukri’s approach to hockey is grounded in a pursuit of quality and innovation. Each piece of sportswear is meticulously designed to withstand the rigors of the game, utilising advanced materials that enhance comfort, durability and performance.

Kukri offers a wide range of customizable kits that blend design with functionality, ensuring players can perform confidently at every level.

Design your custom Hockey kit

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