University News Last updated 28 January
Birmingham’s first-ever Netball Superleague team have unveiled their new kit – and it’s been designed by two talented students from Birmingham City University’s (BCU) College of Fashion and Textiles.
Zoe Bennett and Rohan Scott, both in their second year studying Fashion Design, worked with players and staff from Birmingham Panthers to create clothing that would look great and aid performance.
“Rohan and I learnt from one another through the whole process,” said Zoe. “This is my first professional design collaboration - and it was so much more fun than I ever expected it to be.”
Rohan added: “By far, this project is one of the biggest achievements of my career and education. When I see the kit in action, it’ll be so surreal, but all our hard work will be on the court.”
Working under the guidance of BCU lecturers Sian Riley and Lucinda Holbrooke-Hase, Zoe and Rohan gained invaluable hands-on experience of designing sports kit for elite athletes.
They received advice from players about comfort and kit practicalities, collaborating on everything from initial sketches to the final fit over several months.
“I was inspired by the hidden rosette prints that panthers have,” said Zoe. “Combining this pattern with Rohan’s electric shapes and colours created a stand-out design that we’re both so proud of.”
“My original concept was based on futurism, with contouring lines and hyper neon colour schemes,” added Rohan. “When Zoe and I combined our concepts, it really allowed us to embody the team while portraying them in a new light for their debut into the Netball Super League.”
Jo Tripp, head coach of the Birmingham Panthers, said: “Looking great on court is a massive part of being successful and feeling confident.
“If you feel good, you play well, if you play well, you inspire those around you.
“This is a fantastic example of how sport and style can combine to create something really special.
“This initiative shows how powerful our young people’s ideas can be.”
The new kit will make its debut when the Panthers open their season at home to Manchester Thunder on 21 March at the BP Pulse LIVE Arena.
Tickets are on sale now via the website as the team will be embarking on their attempt to make a massive impact on the league in their first season.
In September, BCU launches its Sportswear Design MSc course, which equips designers with a combination of technical design skills and sports science knowledge.
Photo credit: Birmingham Panthers