CLOBBER
The weather might not be quite suitable yet, but the sporting T-shirt market has never been in finer fettle. Sheffield-based Goalsoul.net bring a very fresh artistic and creative design ethos to their collection, from the statement-led:“Goals are Overrated: The Beauty is in the Struggle” to the fine lines, detail and minimalism that demands attention of “Johan Cruyff: Pythagoras in Boots”. Equally inventive is family business Art of Football, whose handmade shirts capture classic moments in a vibrant, contemporary style, incorporating the import of headline moments with subtle use of newsprint. “They Think It’s All Over” is a fine example – and they come ready to give, boxed and packaged beautifully.
An Ashes summer always gives cricket fans something to celebrate and the Bodyline selection does so with aplomb. That Aussie innings at Trent Bridge in full will simply never tire, while the cow in a corner of “Cow Corner” is a neat idea, well-executed. Then there is a lovely F1 blast from the past in the gorgeous, reproduced black and gold JPS Lotus logo – it is a standout in the superb collection of motor racing shirts at Hotfuel.co.uk.
What is suitable for watching sport at this time of year are some warm togs. Starting from the inside, cold terraces will be immeasurably easier to endure with the warm, yet thin and soft, merino wool base-layers from EDZ. The wool wicks moisture away from the body, has anti-odour properties for repeated wearing and serves better than several layers of cotton. EDZ also make a glove of the same material, which, rather neatly, has a fine thread sewn into the fingertips to make them mobile friendly. For an outer layer, the Finisterre Sastruga jacket pulls off the very clever trick of having a lightweight material that offers great warmth. Well-designed, with insulation made from recycled material, sturdily built and made to last, it also folds down into a small, built-in bag, making it perfect for travelling. Form and function combine here to marvellous effect, and it is an understandably popular product.
Cyclists who want to be seen should look no further than the Proviz Switch jacket. Another great piece of design, it is reversible, with a day side of neon yellow converting to a night side of reflective grey that picks up artificial light, making riders clearly visible with a shining glow. That it is breathable, robust and waterproof makes Switch the complete package. Approaching the issue from a different angle, Meame looks to provide cycling wear that is stylish and practical and its collection is wonderfully designed – not least their tweed Alpha blazer, which is a superb cut and has a reflective thread sewn in to it that shows up at night. Undeniably it looks great, but cannot match neon in the visibility stakes.
Finally, for standing and watching, as well as heading out and about, the Iowa Renegade II GTX from Cotswoldoutdoor.com has both covered. Combining the light weight and low profile of a trainer with the robust build of a proper walking shoe, it’s waterproof, comfortable and as home on the terrace as it is on the hills.
GEAR
Starting simple, everyone loves a football – but rather than the somewhat unimaginative Euro 2016 match ball, why not surprise the kids with a more personalised take from the Mitre ball, which comes with the recipient’s name printed on its front panel. Hoofing it over the garden fence will remain a problem, however, regardless of design, but this can be solved by the neat expedient of a large net incorporating a fabric goal. A very clever idea from Opengoaaal.com, it gives real freedom to a kickabout in the garden, rebounds the ball back into play and can be slid out of the way when not in use. Take the ball to school in a cheerfully cute, themed backpack from Sportpax, which does football and rugby variations. While youngsters taking a shine to cricket can set off for their first run with the Future Stars Wooden Playset from Lord’s.
At the more serious end of the market, fitness trackers now proliferate and in the mid-price range the Adidas Fit Smart and the Mio Fuse are solid performers, neither requiring a chest strap for heart monitoring. But they share the bulky, black silicon, ubiquitous look of all trackers. The Withings Activité however – while having far fewer functions and not being cheap – tracks activity and is set within an elegant, slim, classic watch design that keeps count and still looks stylish with a three-piece. Keen runners will also enjoy the elegant solution for carrying keys, money, phone etc provided by the Flipbelt, a lightweight waistband into which the items simply fold, without the subsequent movement impairment of a bag or pouch.
Golfers, ever at the mercy of the elements, may appreciate the appliance of science in the Fulton Performance range of umbrellas. That they were tested in a wind tunnel at Imperial College to a speed of 78mph is reflected in their design. Models include the full-size Cyclone and the smaller bag-friendly Tornado, which feature reinforced ribs and joints, ensuring they can withstand a proper battering.
GADGETS
Technology to the rescue too for cricket fans in the form of the Pure One Elite Series 2 digital radio. The superlative Test Match Special commentary, what with not being beamed from space, is always ahead of Sky TV pictures, but with the radio’s built-in and very simple live pause facility the two can be synced perfectly. It’s a brilliant way to make watching cricket at home simply perfect and it is one of the few radios that still offers this function.
Listening, at the gym or on the run, will be complemented by the Trainer by Gibson wireless headphones. Developed in partnership with Usain Bolt, they are designed to work as well on the move as while relaxing. With a feature that allows a flexible inner headband to flip back to ensure stability, it’s a cleverly thought-out piece of kit. Sound quality is high as well – which is understandable given that the Gibson of the title is the guitar manufacturer, which uses its new guitar smell – vanilla wax –in the box.
After a workout, a cool drink perhaps? Something hot-under-the-collar England rugby fans will also appreciate, in the form of the Husky England-themed drinks cooler. A solid, impressive little fridge that would fit nicely in the corner of any den – or shed, should it come to that. Premier League variations are coming soon but, for the moment, only Liverpool fans are catered for.
Weighing in well to make a difference on the greens is the TomTom Golfer, a smart watch that – once synced with a computer – has details of more than 34,000 courses. With the GPS enabled on the fairway, it recognises your position and shows distances to the green, hazards, yardages and doglegs. Easy to set up and navigate, it functions as a wrist-based caddy for those of us who will never have a real one.
Enjoying sport at home, meanwhile, often now means watching it on, or with, a tablet. Positioning of which can be a little awkward. Welcome then the Goos-e, a flexible arm built to hold tablets in place. It comes with a weighted base for free standing and a two-way clamp for affixing to tables or a headboard. An extremely elegant solution to the problem of having to hold the screen or, occasionally, biffing it off the sofa. If the tablet has to go to the match, however – as, increasingly, they do – protect it with a case from the handmade range at M-24. Created by Mat Dusting, they are made from used lorry tarpaulin, are extremely distinctive, full of character – and waterproof to boot. F1 2015 and Forza 6 were the two major motor-racing sims of the year and both are best played by the serious racer with the Thrustmaster TX racing wheel.
UNUSUAL AND UNIQUE
Brighten up a lonely wall with the work of Stuart Roy Clarke, who has been photographing football fans and culture for 30 years, as seen in his book Homes of Football. Some of his best shots are now available to order as prints, with 2,500 pictures from 500 clubs at his website homesoffootball.co.uk, a fine way to celebrate the game beyond the Premier League. Art of Football also offers many of its T-shirt designs as prints; mounted and framed, they are packaged with the same care. Surfers and sailors, however, should look to the work of artist Toby Ray, whose seascapes and coastlines, worked on to maps and shipping charts, are evocative and endearing. He can be commissioned to do a specific piece of coast for a truly personal gift. Cycling hits a high gear with the glorious art deco prints of the Handmade Cyclist. Rich colours and quality production on gallery-grade paper bring classic riders, quotes and races to life. Mercx ’69 and Bernard Hinault’s “As long as I breathe I attack” are standouts in a fine range.
For elsewhere in the home, the always innovative Wicket Ideas hits a perfect length with its cricket stump loo roll holder. A full set of stumps mounted on a wooden base, and including bails, it’s beautifully made and cannot fail to elicit a smile in the smallest room. Their highly inventive selection also features the golf ball coat rack and tennis racket mirrors. For more prominent display, the replica Ashes urn made in bone china is perfect for the fan who takes the greatest contest seriously enough to bring it out when England have been victorious and return it to the cupboard under the stairs when the Aussies have the upper hand.
Equally as beautiful is the bespoke F1 circuit art of Graham & Leigh. Made by hand, these track layouts are cut from Baltic birch ply and are offset from their backing, appearing to hover above an etched background within a hardwood frame. Petrolheads will adore these celebrations of their favourite circuit, any of which in any configuration from around the world can be made – but order now to ensure it has time to be created for Christmas.
Nostalgic favourite Subbuteo, receives a rather fetching makeover in the form of a 9cm-high solid metal bottle opener. With the cap-remover concealed in the base, appropriately a small flick is all that is required to release the beer. Sturdily built too, a double ankle break divorcing player from stand is highly unlikely. There’s also slightly more prosaic nostalgia with the retro, but appealing, classic vintage rugby ball‑styled wash bag at notonthehighstreet.com.
Finally, stocking fillers for the sweet-toothed come in the form of designer handmade chocolates from the father and daughter team at Choconchoc. In a vast assortment of treats are the beautifully packaged footballs, golf balls and cricket bats, made from white and dark Belgian chocolate.
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