Birmingham Panthers, the West Midlands’ first Netball Super League franchise have unveiled their new kit, designed by a talented pair of students from Birmingham City University’s (BCU) School of Fashion & Textiles.
Zoe Bennett and Rohan Scott, both in their second year studying Fashion Design at BCU, have combined to create a kit that blends fashion with function – ensuring that the Panthers will look incredible as they embark on their first season in the professional netball league. The design process spanned several months, with students collaborating on everything from initial sketches to the final fit that will be work on court throughout the Netball Super League season.
Throughout the project, they received guidance from the players at the Panthers about specific requirements around comfort and practicalities, whilst working under the guidance of Fashion Lecturers Sian Riley and Lucinda Holbrooke-Hase. This entire experience allowed the students to gain invaluable hands-on experience in designing elite level sporting equipment.
The new kit will debut during the Panthers’ first game of the season, at home, against Manchester Thunder, on 21st of March at the BP Pulse LIVE Arena. Tickets are on sale now via their website as the team will be embarking on their attempt to make a massive impact on the league in their first season.
Jo Trip, head coach at Birmingham Panthers said: “This initiative shows how powerful our young people’s ideas can be. 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.”
Zoe Bennett said: “My design was all about being more than what meets the eye! I was inspired by the hidden rosette prints that panthers have. Combining this pattern with Rohan’s electric shapes and colours created a stand-out design that we’re both so proud of!”
“Rohan and I learnt from one another through the whole process. This is my first professional design collaboration, and it was so much more fun than I ever expected it to be!”
“I can’t wait to see the final product and what the player’s think. Seeing it on the court will be the real test for us. GO PANTHERS!” Rohan Scott added: “My original concept was based on futurism, with contouring lines and hyper neon colour schemes.
“When Zoe and I combined our concepts with her animal print inspiration, it really allowed us to embody the team while portraying them in a new light for their debut into the Netball Super League. 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.”