Express & Star

Soccer Direct moves to new bigger home

A business specialising in online sales of team football kits to clubs, schools and colleges has moved to bigger premises in Tipton.

Published
The Soccer Direct team, from left, Carl Grant, Jas Dhanda, Ian Greenfield and Paige Hall at the new site

Soccer Direct FC had run out of space at its former home in Birdcage Walk in Dudley town centre.

It has just moved to a new home on Hale Trading Estate, off Lower Church Lane.

The new 4,500 sq ft premises is three times the size of its old leasehold site which had just 1,500 sq ft.

Soccer Direct FC secured significant funding from Santander Business Banking to purchase the new premises following an extended period of growth and record revenues.

Managing director Ian Greenfield said: “Our client base has grown continuously due, we believe, to our very competitive pricing and unrivalled knowledge of the UK football industry. The highly rewarding nature of the business means that we get to see our products being used by football teams across the West Midlands and beyond. The support from Santander will allow us to continue providing high quality team wear to football teams and fans alike.”

The new headquarters has the space to cater for a growing demand for its products and a potential increase in employee numbers.

Mr Greenfield said the business currently employed six and more jobs were likely if growth continued.

"We needed to move to have more space for out stock," he added,

Soccer Direct FC started out as a sports shop and made the move into selling full kits in 2003.

"We sell 95 per cent online to schools, college and teams," explained Mr Greenfield.

Soccer Direct FC also sells sports equipment and accessories and specialises in team kits for grassroots football clubs worldwide. The firm has over 25 years’ experience in the sector and has continuously grown its client base by offering competitive deals – such as personalised sportswear packages at discounted prices from top sportswear brands including Adidas, Nike and Joma.

The firm is a preferred distributor of Adidas products, maintaining platinum distribution status with the German multi-national. As a result of an increasing demand for specialised sportswear.

Matt Smith, relationship director at Santander Business Banking, said: “We are delighted to be supporting such a community facing business in moving to, and purchasing, the new premises. Soccer Direct FC has developed strong momentum in the market and by expanding the business, it will be able to capitalise further on its high level of success.”