Tag: United Kingdom

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.

Why choose Kukri Sports

Quality

Performance garments built for heavy use and repeated washing.

Reliability

Guaranteed lead times and consistent fulfilment.

Long-Term Partnership

Stable supply and dedicated account management.

Professional Image

Sportswear that reflects school pride and heritage.

Ease of Management

Online systems that reduce workload.

Sustainability

Responsible materials and ethical production.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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As part of this Pride Month feature, British Trampoline gymnasts Ryan Brown and Izzy Songhurst share their experiences on inclusion, representation and allyship within the sport.

Through their long-standing partnership, Kukri Sports continues to support British Gymnastics in promoting equal opportunities across all disciplines.

Ryan Brown on belonging and representation

For Ryan Brown, a multiple-time British Championships medallist and former World Age Group Champion, inclusion starts with authenticity.

“An inclusive sporting environment is one where everyone feels welcomed and accepted for who they are,” he said.

“I’ve always felt accepted in gymnastics. I’ve met friends from different countries and backgrounds who share the same passion.”

He believes representation is key to breaking stereotypes.

“Visibility and representation are important, as they show that there isn’t just one type of athlete.

“When young people see athletes being themselves and succeeding, it reinforces that they don’t have to change who they are to belong in sport.”

Izzy Songhurst on inclusion and allyship

Olympic trampoline and two-time European gymnast Izzy Songhurst shared that inclusion is key to both wellbeing and performance.

“An inclusive environment is where everyone should feel welcome, respected and supported, regardless of where they are or where they come from,” she said.

On allyship, she stressed action over words.

“It’s about listening, learning and speaking up to create an environment where people feel supported.

“Knowing that people around you genuinely care and are willing to stand alongside you can make a huge difference.”

Pride Month and ongoing inclusion in sport

Both gymnasts see Pride Month as a moment to celebrate progress while continuing important conversations.

“Pride Month is a chance to celebrate inclusion and individuality,” Ryan said.

“It’s not just about one month, it’s about helping create an environment where people feel accepted every day of the year.”

Izzy added, “It celebrates diversity, recognises progress and raises awareness, showing support for LGBTQ+ people in sport and beyond.”

A message to young gymnasts

They both agreed gymnastics should feel open to everyone.

Ryan said, “Never let the fear of not fitting in stop you from trying a sport you love. Be yourself, work hard and enjoy the journey.”

Izzy echoed, “Don’t be afraid to give it a try. Sport builds friendships and provide memorable opportunities. You deserve to take up space and be yourself.”

Their message is simple — sport is strongest when people can be themselves. Inclusion, representation and allyship are building a culture where everyone belongs.

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One month after welcoming daughter Rosie, Hannah Cockroft CBE reflects on stepping away from elite sport, embracing motherhood and why this new chapter has only added to her strength.

For the nine-time Paralympic champion, the past year has been unlike any other in her remarkable career.

Pregnancy meant spending the longest time away from her racing chair in 18 years.

But rather than focusing on what she couldn’t do, the experience gave her a new appreciation for what her body could achieve.

“I’m so proud of my body and how it has adapted to pregnancy,” she said. “What has surprised me the most is just how much I can still do.”

The Kukri Sports ambassador continued training in the gym until 32 weeks pregnant and says the experience reinforced her belief that years of elite sport have equipped her for challenges beyond competition.

“It makes me proud that the training I do doesn’t just make me strong on the track, but in everyday life too.”

While pregnancy revealed a different kind of strength, stepping away from athletics brought its own challenges.

“The biggest adjustment for me has been being out of the chair and the lack of routine,” she admits.

“Seeing my husband Nathan continue our training routine without me took a lot of getting used to.

“I went along with him to one training session and spent it sat in the car crying because I couldn’t join in.”

Now, with daughter Rosie, Hannah is already looking ahead.

“I’m hopeful that once I’m back in training and preparing for the LA Paralympic Games, I can share more of my experiences of pregnancy and motherhood, and show that para-athletes can come back to the top of the podium after childbirth with the right support.”

With her sights already set on a return to competition, Cockroft hopes her experience can inspire others to believe that motherhood doesn’t mean the end of ambition.

“I just hope people realise that motherhood isn’t the end for me. It’s just the start of a new chapter and a new challenge.

“I’m more motivated than ever to come back, and I hope to be that inspiration to others that anything is possible!”

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Since 2023, Kukri Sports has been the official sportswear partner for the University of Exeter, delivering bespoke kit and merchandise for one of the largest and most competitive university sport programmes in the UK.

In 2026, that partnership was further extended, a testament to what’s been built together and what more is to come.

52 Clubs. One Standard. No compromises.

Supporting a programme of this scale demands more than a traditional kit supplier. Exeter needed a long-term partner who could:

– Deliver a consistent identity across their 52 sports clubs

– Provide bespoke playing kit and leisurewear that reflects their heritage and pride

– Manage ordering and fulfilment efficiently for a large and active student population

– Meet the sustainability expectations of a forward-thinking institution

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More than a kit supplier

Kukri’s university partnership model and 25+ years of experience in the sector was built for exactly this kind of challenge.

Working closely with Exeter, Kukri delivered a complete solution across all 52 clubs, reflecting the identity and pride of each team, tailored to each sport and designed to a consistent standard of quality that helps student-athletes feel and perform at their best.

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Simplifying Kit Management at Scale

Central to Kukri’s offering is a dedicated online stock shop – built specifically for the University of Exeter and designed to make kit management simple for staff and students alike.

The shop includes:

– A dedicated microsite featuring Exeter’s full product range

– Individual ordering for club members

– Bespoke garments that can be personalised across different sports

– Fast, reliable fulfilment – with a 72-hour delivery window for bespoke garments and three weeks for branded stock items

The results

Three years of partnership delivered at scale.

The partnership in numbers:

– 52 sports clubs kitted out across playing and leisurewear

– 4^th in the UK BUCS rankings 2024/25 out of 160 institutions

– 110+ teams competing weekly

– Over 4,700 garments delivered in the last three years

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What Exeter Say

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See the Partnership in Action

Ready to build the same for your university?

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Paris Olympic champion Lola Anderson shares how mindset, balance and support helped shape her journey to the top of world rowing.

From writing down her Olympic dream at just 14 years old to becoming Paris 2024 Olympic champion in the women’s quadruple sculls, Lola Anderson has experienced both the pressure and rewards that come with elite sport.

After writing her name into Olympic history following Great Britain’s dramatic final push past the Netherlands in Paris, Anderson understands the importance of mental wellbeing both on and off the water.

Finding freedom on the water

For Lola, rowing has always provided an escape from pressure and outside stress.

“Any challenges I’ve faced tend to fade away when I’m on the water.

“When you’re passionate about maximising your potential in the boat, it’s really important not to place too much pressure on the outcome or your performance.”

Managing pressure at the highest level

Staying present has become central to how she manages the demands of elite rowing.

Despite competing on the biggest stage in sport, Lola believes mental challenges are something every athlete experiences.

“Recognising a mental hurdle doesn’t indicate weakness.

“As we headed into Paris, it would have been easy for us to let the pressure and expectations suffocate us before we even began racing.”

The importance of team culture

For Lola, team culture plays a major role in both performance and wellbeing.

“Rowing is one of the best team sports, requiring us to rely on each other both on and off the water.

“When the dynamic is strong, athletes communicate clearly, are more open to collaboration and take greater ownership of the team culture.”

Switching off away from sport

Away from training and racing, creating balance is equally important.

“I’ve always found that spending time with friends, even in simple ways serves as a good reset.

“My teammates and I often enjoy stress-free activities, such as pottery painting or cooking dinners for one another.

“Any activity that helps us genuinely switch off after training is beneficial.”

Speaking up and enjoying the journey

Lola helps younger athletes understand the importance of speaking openly and prioritising mental health.

“It can be easy to bottle up emotions and keep everything inside,” she said.

“Talking and sharing anxieties with teammates not only lightens your load, but may also encourage another teammate you didn’t know was struggling to do the same.”

Her own journey taught her that happiness and performance are closely connected.

“Transitioning into a university programme proved challenging.

“I internalised that I needed to work harder and viewed myself as ‘weak’ mentally.

“Once I shifted my focus to enjoy the day-to-day aspects of rowing, I was having fun again.

“Choosing my mental health over a desperation to perform took a weight off my shoulders and allowed me to train and race unburdened.”

Kukri is proud to support the British Rowing team and athletes like Lola as they continue to foster that sense of community on and off the water.