Category: News

Kukri Sports has renewed its partnership with AKS Lytham, continuing a collaborative relationship focused on supporting elite school sport, nurturing young talent, and driving sporting success both on and off the field.

The renewed agreement will see Kukri continue as the official sportswear partner, supplying bespoke playing kit, training wear, and team apparel across the school’s extensive sporting programme.

The partnership extension follows another outstanding year of sporting achievement for AKS Lytham, including historic success in rugby, hockey, cricket, football, and cross-country competition. The school continues to build a reputation as one of the North West’s leading independent schools for sport, combining elite performance pathways with a strong culture of participation and inclusion.

Kukri and AKS Lytham have developed a strong relationship built on shared values, innovation, and a commitment to supporting young athletes at every stage of their sporting journey.

Chris Marshall, COO at Kukri Sports, said: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with AKS Lytham. Over recent years, the school has demonstrated an incredible commitment to sporting excellence and student development, and we are proud to continue supporting their athletes, staff, and wider school community with high-quality bespoke sportswear.

“Our partnership is built on collaboration and shared ambition, and we look forward to continuing to work closely with AKS as they build on their impressive sporting success.”

Richard Chadwick, Director of Sport at AKS Lytham, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with Kukri. Their commitment to quality and innovation aligns with our ambition to provide outstanding sporting experience for our pupils.

“We look forward to continuing our relationship as we build on the many achievements of our pupils and further enhance the sporting opportunities available at AKS.”

AKS Lytham’s sporting programme has continued to flourish across multiple disciplines, with notable recent achievements including Lancashire Cup success in rugby, county titles in hockey and football, and strong regional performances across girls’ sport and athletics.

As part of the renewed agreement, Kukri will continue to work closely with the school to develop high-performance apparel tailored to the needs of AKS athletes, while also supporting the wider sporting identity and culture of the school community.

The partnership extension further strengthens Kukri’s growing portfolio of leading education and sporting partners across the UK and internationally.

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Performance garments built for heavy use and repeated washing.

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Guaranteed lead times and consistent fulfilment.

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Stable supply and dedicated account management.

Professional Image

Sportswear that reflects school pride and heritage.

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For Black History Month, Kukri is celebrating the athletes, role models and communities helping to shape the future of sport.

We spoke to DMT elite gymnast Omo Aikeremiokha about his journey, the importance of representation and the people who have inspired him.

A natural love for movement

Omo has always been active. From climbing trees to practising flips, his love of movement started at a young age. To help him explore that passion safely, his mum introduced him to his local gymnastics club, Marriotts.

After starting in recreational gymnastics, Omo joined the club’s acro squad before moving into trampoline and double mini trampoline (DMT), where he found his stride.

Omo’s progress continues, with selection for the World Championships squad, heading to China this November, marking another milestone in his journey.

The importance of representation

“Through showing what I’m capable of, hoping to inspire others and bring more eyes, more athletes and more diversity to the sport.”

He also recognises how daunting it can be for young athletes to enter a sport where they see few people from similar backgrounds.

“It could be disheartening and maybe make them feel out of place.”

Inspired by those who came before

Omo admires Simone Biles for “pushing the limits of difficulty in gymnastics with incredible power”, an approach that has influenced his own ambitions in DMT.

Closer to home, fellow tumbler Dominic Menash also made a lasting impression on him growing up.

He remembers Dominic as someone who brought positive energy, kindness and encouragement to those around him.

The people behind the journey

Omo credits his team, coaches and family as a vital source of support, helping him through both the highs and lows of competition.

“It’s knowing that having such an incredible support team behind me that empowers me.”

Wearing kit that represents him and his team gives Omo confidence and helps him step onto the competition floor feeling proud and ready to perform.

As the official teamwear partner to British Gymnastics across all disciplines and age groups, Kukri is proud to support the athletes representing Great Britain and the communities that help them thrive.

A message to the next generation

Omo hopes to become the kind of role model he looked up to himself, encouraging more young Black athletes to find their place in the sport.

“The more representation the better so strive to be someone that the next generation can look up to and be inspired by.”

This Black History Month, Kukri is proud to celebrate Omo’s journey, achievements and ambition to help inspire the next generation.

For Black History Month, Kukri is celebrating the athletes, role models and communities helping to shape the future of sport.

We spoke to elite tumbler Jaeda-Lei Jeffers about her journey and the people and experiences that have shaped it.

A journey that started with a try

Jaeda’s journey in tumbling began in 2012, when her recreational gymnastics coach spotted her potential. At the time, she had never heard of tumbling, but with the support of her parents, she decided to give it a go.

“I had no idea what tumbling was, but me and my parents decided there was no harm in seeing what it was about. I ended up really liking it and here we are 14 years later.”

Since then, Jaeda has gone on to compete at the highest level. As part of the women’s tumbling team, she helped secure silver at the 2025 World Championships and bronze at the European Championships.

The importance of representation

For Jaeda, being a Black athlete means embracing her identity while helping young athletes see what they can achieve.

 “Being a Black athlete to me means representing more than just myself. It’s about embracing my identity and being proud of where I come from.”

Having experienced limited representation growing up in the sport, Jaeda understands how powerful it can be to see someone with a similar background succeed.

“I think it’s incredibly important for young athletes today to be able to look up to someone who looks like them or comes from a similar background.”

Inspired by those who came before

Fellow tumbler Naana Oppon has been a big inspiration to Jaeda. Despite being just a year older, Naana’s achievements and confidence made a lasting impression on Jaeda when they competed against each other growing up.

“Seeing another Black athlete excelling in a sport has shown me what is possible and given me someone to look up to.”

Now close friends, their journeys have developed alongside one another, making that inspiration even more meaningful.

The people behind the journey

Jaeda credits her parents as her biggest supporters, always backing her decisions and making sure she knows they are in her corner.

Representing Great Britain is another source of pride.

“Wearing the GB kit and representing me and my team is honestly such an amazing feeling.”

As the official teamwear partner to British Gymnastics across all disciplines and age groups, Kukri is proud to support the athletes who represent Great Britain.

A message to the next generation

Jaeda’s advice to young Black athletes is simple: enjoy the journey, keep working hard and persevere through challenges.

“There may be some obstacles and struggles along the way but keep working hard because the hard work will pay off and it will get noticed.”

This Black History Month, Kukri is proud to celebrate Jaeda’s journey, achievements and ambition to inspire the next generation.

This Black History Month, we’re celebrating the athletes, communities and people who help shape sport and inspire the next generation.

We caught up with Rugby School student-athlete David Adeyemi to hear about his journey in rugby, the importance of representation and the people who have supported him along the way.

For David, rugby became a passion after being introduced to the sport at school in Year 7. Inspired by his older brother, he went on to join local club Old Wheatlyans RFC and is now also part of the Leicester Tigers U18 squad where he continues to develop his skills.

“The exposure to club rugby helped me to refine my skills. Soon after I started to improve and grow a real love for the game.”

Now continuing his sporting journey at Rugby School, David is part of a community with a proud rugby heritage. As Rugby School’s official sportswear partner, Kukri is proud to support student-athletes like David throughout their sporting journey.

“I want to be a role model for others”

For David, being a young Black athlete means having the opportunity to inspire others who may not have had the same opportunities.

“It motivates me to play not just for myself but for them also.”

Representation is a key part of that. Seeing athletes from similar backgrounds succeed can give young people hope for what they can achieve.

“Representation in sport gives young athletes hope. Sport is mixed with highs and lows, but when young athletes like me see role models from similar backgrounds and situations become successful athletes, it creates optimism!”

Inspired by those who came before

One of David’s own sporting role models is South African rugby legend Siya Kolisi, the first Black captain of the South African rugby team and two-time Rugby World Cup winner, whose journey and leadership continue to inspire him.

“I admire his journey from a difficult upbringing to becoming a successful rugby player and leader. As someone who plays rugby, his determination and leadership inspire me to work hard and overcome challenges.”

Finding his place

David’s own journey has also been shaped by his family, friends and coaches, whose support has helped him throughout his development. That same sense of belonging is something he associates with representing his team.

“When I wear my kit, it reminds me that I belong to a community of people who are all here for the same reason no matter their backgrounds have all chosen to play the sport.”

It’s a message that reflects this year’s Black History Month theme, ‘Honouring our communities’, celebrating the people and support networks that help shape the lives of others.

Staying true to yourself

David’s message to other young Black athletes is simple: persevere, work hard and stay true to yourself.

“As long as you have your heart set on it and it is something that you want to do, persevere through any challenges and try to reach your goal while also keeping true to yourself and not compromising for anyone.”

This Black History Month, Kukri is proud to celebrate David, his journey and the community around him.

The BA Graphic Design student shares how her internship has helped shape her skills, creativity and future career ambitions.

Imogen, a second-year BA (Hons) Graphic Design student, joined Kukri in August 2025 after securing a placement opportunity offered through the ongoing partnership between Kukri and Nottingham Trent University.

The partnership extends beyond sportswear, creating opportunities for students to gain real-world experience, develop their skills and thrive off the pitch as they prepare for their future careers.

Over the past year, Imogen has contributed to a variety of creative projects across graphic design, product design and marketing, producing outstanding work while gaining a deeper understanding of the industry.

Reflecting on her experience, she said “I think I’ve grown significantly as a designer and person during my time at Kukri.

“As a designer, my knowledge has broadened enormously. I’ve learnt so much from my co-workers across different departments.

“As a person, my confidence has grown a lot too, and I’m no longer worried about challenging my ideas or others when it comes to design work.”

During her internship, Imogen also gained a greater appreciation of the collaborative nature of design, learning how ideas develop through teamwork, feedback and refinement.

“I was used to following my own process, but quickly learnt that design in a professional environment is rarely linear,” she added.

“I had to learn to adapt, take on feedback and apply it to my work.”

The experience has given Imogen valuable insight into the creative industry and helped shape her ambitions for the future.

“Kukri has given me so many opportunities to develop my skills,” said Imogen.

“It’s really allowed me to open my eyes about what I want to do next. I want to stay in the creative industry, but now I have many skills that I can use to my advantage moving forward.”

Imogen’s journey highlights the impact of the partnership between Kukri and Nottingham Trent University, with both organisations committed to helping students develop alongside their studies.

Emmeline Stansbie, Imogen’s placement tutor at Nottingham Trent University, said “Industry experience is invaluable for students, and the personal and professional development that Imi has gained on her placement will be gold dust for when she returns for her final year.

“Imi has embraced every opportunity, developed her confidence and shown the value of combining academic learning with real-world experience.”

Kukri Sports Group COO Chris Marshall said “It’s been fantastic to see Imogen grow and develop throughout her time at Kukri.

“We’ve loved having her as part of the team, and from the outset, she has brought creativity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, quickly becoming a valued member and making a strong contribution across a number of projects.”

Everyone at Kukri Sports would like to thank Imogen for her dedication, creativity and contribution to the team throughout her internship, and wish her the very best of luck with the next stage of her studies and future career.