Sigmund to kit out Canterbury United
Auckland-based teamwear retailer Kitman, has signed a 3-year deal to provide NIKE apparel to Mainland Football, and its
elite mens and womens teams – The Dragons and Pride.
Part-owned by former All White and Canterbury footballing legend Ben Sigmund, Kitman is excited to have negotiated the
new arrangement. "We’re thrilled to be partnering Mainland Football, the Dragons and the Pride. Being a Christchurch lad
I want to see football thrive down here of course, and we reckon part of that is ensuring they’re in the best possible
gear", says Sigmund.
“The Dragons and Pride are top performers in the National League. NIKE is a brand that attaches itself to top
performers. It was really a case of bringing them together.”
Mainland Football’s Chief Executive, Julian Bowden, also sees plenty of positives in the new deal, adding “Our desire is
to provide our teams the most professional environment possible, that includes how they look on-and-off the field, along
with equipment that allows them to perform to the best of their ability, Kitman’s NIKE range covers those bases.”
“With the existing contract expiring, it provided us the opportunity to investigate apparel options. We polled players,
coaches and staff across a number of teams and codes, and unanimously they said given the choice, NIKE would be their
preferred apparel.”
The deal will not only see The Dragons and Pride run out in NIKE playing strips, training and travel gear, but the
back-room support and Mainland Federation staff will also be adopting NIKE in their uniform.
“There’s a great combination of top administrators and ambition. We’re excited about what’s in store”, adds Matt West,
Kitman Director.
Over time the relationship will provide Kitman the opportunity to offer apparel direct to Mainland’s football community,
“It’s a digital world, so we plan to make use of the digital assets at our disposal. In effect create a virtual shop for
the Federation.”
The Dragons kick off their season against league newcomers, Tasman United, on October 23rd. The fixture a double header
with the Pride, who will be playing the first home game of their campaign against neighbours Football South.
ENDS