Pro:Direct's mission to keep cricket affordable benefits clubs and players alike

Family-owned firm has launched a new scheme offering discounts for teams and their members

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

It's often posited that cricket is a team sport played by individuals.

While the merits of that statement will continue to cause debate in the future, what's not in doubt is that the equipment needs of both teams and individuals will never disappear.

At Pro:Direct Sport, this understanding has led to a unique initiative in which cricket clubs can sign up to get discounts and rebates - both on their teamwear, and on individual players' gear too.

The Clubhouse scheme is driven by the company's enthusiasm for keeping sport affordable for all after tough economic conditions in recent years, according to cricket buyer Andy Pitt.

"Through their club, players can get individual discounts and the club can get discounts too," explains Andy.

"They can use it across everything, including all the major brands we stock – including Adidas, Gray-Nicolls, Puma, Gunn & Moore, Kookaburra, New Balance and more.

"We want to help make cricket more accessible and affordable so that more people can keep playing the game."

As a family-owned firm which started life on a market stall in Devon, it's understandable that this this ethos would prevail at Pro:Direct.

But there's quality guaranteed in their offerings too, thanks to company's license to produce Admiral branded sportswear.

Clubs can take advantage of a personalisation service and bespoke kit builder, offering thousands of combinations to suit men's, women's and junior players.

"With the Admiral stuff, there's never a shortage," says Pitt.

"There's a growing demand for coloured kits and we're able to dip into our expertise as a football kit supplier to help cricket clubs out with their needs.

"We also offer standard cricket whites, as well as training wear."

For individual players, everything's on offer – with the affordability philosophy inspiring Pro:Direct's range too.

"Things seem to get more expensive every year but there is a growing trend in high quality Kashmir willow bats being introduced to the market by some of the bigger brands" adds Pitt.

"With us, a player can spend as little as £60 on a Kashmir willow bat that will more than do the job.

"For me, I’ve tried a few Kashmir willow bats that have played as well as an English willow one, to the extent that you wouldn't even know the difference.

"Of course Everyone wants to look good and have the most expensive gear, but we don't want things to get to a stage where cricket becomes unaffordable for anyone.

"I hope we can play our part in ensuring more people continue to enjoy playing for as long as they can."

Click here to find out more about Pro:Direct's Clubhouse scheme.