UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 15 JULY
Students at Birmingham City University (BCU) have been given the opportunity to design the kit of new Netball Super League (NSL) team Birmingham Panthers.
And that means the winning creation will be seen by potentially thousands of people viewing games on Sky Sports for the 2025 season.
"We're so excited that Birmingham Panthers approached the School of Fashion to design their uniform for the coming season,” said BCU lecturer Sian Riley.
“It's great that we can support the franchise with a creative and empowering kit design while continuing the BA Fashion Design course's strong industry and local business links.”
The winning design will be chosen by a panel of Birmingham Panthers officials, including coaching staff and players.
“We want to engage with young people and different audiences,” said Alison Akinrinlola, Director of Netball at Birmingham Panthers.
“This partnership with BCU enables us to do this. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to have their work recognised on a national platform.”
Students have until late July to submit designs, with a winner selected later in the summer.
"This is a great learning experience for our students over the summer,” added Fashion Design lecturer Lucinda Holbrook-Hase.
"Fashion is not just what you see on the catwalk! For all the applicants, this is an opportunity to design something in an industry they may never have worked with.”
The Panthers will be coached by former New Zealand player Jo Trip as they prepare to make their debut in the revamped NSL.
Founded in 2005, the NSL features 10 teams from across England, Scotland and Wales.