An academy kit pack is the bundle every new player receives when they join: match kit, training wear and a few extras. A good pack makes the academy look professional, saves parents from buying items one by one and gives the academy a steady, predictable income. This guide covers what to include, how to price it and how to order it, for football, rugby, netball, basketball and martial arts academies in the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
What to include
Most academies build the pack in three tiers:
| Tier | Typical items |
|---|---|
| Essential | Training top, shorts, socks |
| Standard | Essential items plus match jersey and a training hoodie or quarter-zip |
| Full | Standard items plus tracksuit, rain jacket and kit bag |
For martial arts academies, the pack is usually a uniform (gi or dobok), belt, rash guard and academy t-shirt. See our martial arts uniforms page.
Keep the design consistent
Use one design and colour scheme across every item, with the academy crest in the same place. It looks professional in photos and on match day, and makes top-up orders easy. A factory that keeps your design files can match the kit season after season.
How to work out the price per player
- Get a factory quote for each item at your expected quantity.
- Add shipping and any duties. With DDP shipping (available from Pexton Apparel to the UK, USA and most of Europe) duties are already included.
- Add your costs for storage, handling and packing per player.
- Decide your margin. Some academies price at cost; others use the pack to support coaching costs.
Our custom clothing price guide explains what drives the cost of each item.
Sizes for growing players
Young players grow quickly, so offer a size chart and a sample size set at registration. Many academies order one size up for juniors at the start of the season. With Pexton Apparel, sizes from junior to adult can be mixed within the 30-piece minimum per design; read how mixing sizes works.
Names, numbers and initials
Player initials on training wear help stop kit going missing. Names and numbers can be sublimated into match jerseys. Send a list with name, number and size per player and ask for each pack to be bagged and labelled per player.
Order timing
Order the main batch about eight weeks before the season or intake starts, then plan smaller top-ups for players who join later. See our club kit ordering timeline.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Too many items in the pack, making it expensive for families.
- No size samples, leading to lots of exchanges.
- A different supplier for each item, so colours do not match.
- Ordering after the season has started.
Quick checklist
- Choose your tiers and items.
- Agree one design for all items.
- Get a quote and sample.
- Set the price per player.
- Collect sizes at registration.
- Order eight weeks ahead and plan top-ups.
See our teamwear for clubs and academies, custom team uniforms or send your academy kit list for a free quote.