5 Things Grassroots Clubs Forget Before Ordering New Kits

It’s that time of year again: the old kits are looking a bit tired, a few players have outgrown theirs, and the promise of a fresh, new look for the upcoming season is in the air! Ordering new football kits should be one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new season. It's a chance to reinvigorate your team, boost morale, and look sharp on the pitch. But let's be honest, it can also become a bit of a marathon if you're not properly prepared.

We’ve seen it all over the years – clubs diving headfirst into kit orders without thinking through some critical details. These oversights can lead to delays, unexpected costs, or even getting kits that aren’t quite right. As a brand deeply rooted in grassroots football, we want to help you avoid these common pitfalls. Here are five things grassroots clubs often forget before placing their new kit order:

1. The Importance of a Detailed Kit Specification

Think of your kit specification as the blueprint for your team's identity. It's more than just saying 'red and white stripes'. You need to consider the exact shade of colours, the placement and size of club badges, sponsor logos (front, back, sleeve – don't forget the back of the neck for certain sponsors!), numbering styles, and player names.

Even seemingly small details like the type of collar (round neck, V-neck, grandad collar), sleeve length preferences, and the fit (slim, regular) can significantly impact the final look and feel. Have you thought about goalkeeper kits? What about training wear, subs' jackets, or even manager's polos to match? Putting all this down in writing, with clear visuals if possible, will save countless back-and-forth emails and ensure everyone is on the same page. A clear specification ensures you get exactly what you envision, first time.

2. Accurately Surveying Player Sizes (and Future Proofing!)

This is perhaps the biggest culprit for kit order headaches. Relying on players to 'just tell you' their size often leads to errors. People often guess, or forget that different brands have slightly different sizing. The best approach is to get physical sample kits from your chosen supplier to try on. Hold a dedicated sizing session where every player (and coach!) can try on the exact garments you'll be ordering.

Beyond current sizes, think about your team's growth. Are you ordering for a youth team? They'll grow! It's worth considering ordering a few 'spare' kits in the next size up for new players joining mid-season or for those sudden growth spurts. Discuss with your supplier their minimum order quantities for top-ups throughout the season. This forward-thinking can prevent a lot of stress down the line. Check out our advice on custom football kits UK for more sizing tips.

3. Budgeting Beyond Just the 'Kit' Cost

It’s easy to focus solely on the price per shirt and shorts, but a true kit budget needs to be more comprehensive. Don't forget about:

• Printing & Embroidery Costs: Club badges and sponsor logos are usually additional, and prices can vary based on complexity and number of colours.
• Player Names & Numbers: This is almost always an extra cost per item.
• Delivery Charges: Especially for rush orders or smaller top-ups.
• Goalkeeper Kits: Often a different price point.
• Training Wear, Tracksuits, Rain Jackets: If you want a cohesive look for the whole club, these add up.
• First Aid Bags, Ball Bags, Coaching Equipment: While not kit, these often get ordered alongside new teamwear.
• Contingency Fund: Always a good idea for unexpected needs or last-minute additions.

Having a detailed breakdown of all potential costs will prevent any nasty surprises and help you secure the necessary funding, whether it's from player subs, fundraising, or robust sponsor packs.

4. Understanding Lead Times and Deadlines

Grassroots football runs on passion, not always on corporate efficiency! But kit ordering needs a dose of planning. Standard lead times for custom-designed kits, especially with bespoke colours and multiple logos, can range from 4-8 weeks, sometimes longer during peak seasons.

Working backwards from your first match or event is crucial. Build in buffer time for design approvals, potential manufacturing delays, and delivery. Don't forget bank holidays or school breaks which can impact communication and deliveries. Leaving it till the last minute often means either compromising on your design, paying hefty rush fees, or worse, playing the first few games in old or mismatched kit. Plan early, communicate constantly with your supplier, and set clear internal deadlines for information gathering. We always recommend getting your order in by May-June for an August start to the season.

5. Clarifying Sponsor Requirements & Artwork

Sponsors are the lifeblood of many grassroots clubs, and getting their branding right on your new kit is paramount. Don't assume their logo will 'just work'.

Before ordering, you need to:

• Confirm all sponsor placements: Front, back, sleeve, training wear – where do they get visibility?
• Request high-resolution vector artwork: This is crucial for crisp printing or embroidery. JPGs or PNGs from a website often won't cut it.
• Get written approval: Share the final kit design mock-up with your sponsor for their sign-off. This avoids any disputes later.

A happy sponsor is a returning sponsor! Clear communication and professional execution of their branding reflect well on your club. Need help managing your sponsors? Take a look at our case studies for inspiration on creating professional partnerships.

Getting these five areas right will transform your kit ordering experience from a chore into a seamless and exciting process. Remember, your kit is an extension of your club's identity and spirit. Investing time upfront in planning and preparation ensures you get a strip that every player and supporter will wear with pride.

At Hackin Sportswear, we live and breathe grassroots football. We’re passionate about helping clubs like yours look and feel their best, with premium kit that’s #BuiltDifferent, delivered with a personalised service. We understand the challenges and are here to guide you through every step. Ready to design the kit of your dreams without the usual hassle? Let's get started.

Get Your Free Kit Design – we’re ready to help you bring your vision to life!