p4,6 News MARCH:SGBGolf_NEW_template 24/03/2009 09:59 Page 4
SGB Sports
Linebreak teams up with Prostar
OPRO becomes
In an extremely positive move, Prostar is now approached us to see if we could work together.
STAG supplier
distributing Linebreak's excellent compression "They bring us much wider access to retailers
base layers from their Wakefield base of than we currently have, plus greater exposure to OPRO have been manufacturing custom-fit
operations. The non-exclusive deal kicks off with retailers and clubs through the catalogue. It's a mouthgaurds for over 10 years for the home
the launch of Prostar's new catalogue at the end mutually beneficial agreement." nation’s rugby teams as well as all the
of March, though customers can contact Prostar For customers, this shouldn't mean any Guinness Premiership teams.
immediately about product if they wish. changes, as Gladwin elaborates: "Prostar will be With the launch of OPROshield, OPRO’s
The move will help raise Linebreak's profile holding stock, so they'll be fulfilling the orders in first self-fit mouthgaurd aimed specifically at
through Prostar's distribution and retail the same way as they would for a Prostar order. the retail market both STAG and OPRO felt it
penetration and expand their customer base, The finer points are still to be agreed, but we're was a perfect time to join forces.
hopes Linebreak's Mark Gladwin, who explained moving forward." OPRO will be offered throughout the 440
to SGB why the move made sense: "Prostar has Prostar MD Doug Bedford is very enthusiastic retail membership of STAG with preferential
always run their own brands, they've never about what this means for Prostar: "From our discount terms.
carried anything outside of that. What they were perspective, it has raised the bar for us. There's a The unique product that OPRO offer has
looking for, after the success of their entry-level genuine market for a high-end garment such as had an excellent response from STAG’s
base layer, was something more technical in the we have in the Line Break portfolio, and it will independent sports and outdoor retailer base.
base layer market. It's a growing area, and they help Prostar move forward as well."
In memoriam: David Spensley,
1948 - 2009
The sports trade is mourning the loss of David Spensley who passed away on Saturday, March 7th
after a short illness. David, who held senior sales and marketing posts with a number of sports
brands, died peacefully at home, aged 60. David’s career in the sports trade began at Brooks and
continued at Gola, Umbro, Ligne 7, uhlsport and most recently Power Bar.
Paying tribute, Chris Mills, product director at Sports Factory Consulting, said: “Dave was the most
outstanding salesman and marketeer I have come across in the 25 years that I have been involved in
the sports trade. His ability came from the passion he had for sport and the sports industry. He would
speak with passion and conviction about brands, products and people – the three most important
components of our business.
"He gave me my first break in the sports trade and I will never forget his unbridled enthusiasm for
life, his guidance and his compassion. Like all of the people lucky enough to have known Dave, I will
miss him greatly.”
A talented footballer, David was an apprentice at Hull City, continuing his playing career in Norway.
His sporting interests included cycling, distance running and following his beloved Leeds United.
He is survived by his wife Jane, son Frank and daughter Natalia.
Rugby needs
Aqua Sphere Official Swim Kit
YOU!
partner for Great Swim Series
Innovative swim brand Aqua Sphere has been chosen as the Official Swim Kit Partner to The Great
Swim Series, a breakthrough series of outdoor swims which include The Great North Swim, the biggest
Ultimate Rugby Sevens, the most open water mass participation swimming event in Britain. The inaugural event in 2008 proved so
comprehensive media channel for the successful that event organiser Nova is extending the event over two days for 2009, providing up to
game of Rugby Sevens, is spearheading the 5000 swimmers with the chance to take part over the weekend of 12th and 13th September. Other
bid to get rugby into the 2016 Olympics for Great Swims are being planned
the first time since the 1924 Paris Games. across the UK to create an
Rugby needs the public to show their exciting series.
support to add substance to the IRB’s bid in Aqua Sphere is offering
June 2009 and before the final decision is participants wet suit hire as well
announced in October 2009. as generous discount vouchers
To show your support visit which can be used against wet
www.ur7s.com and help make rugby an suit or goggle purchases.
Olympic sport again – and encourage your For more information about the
customers to do the same! event visit www.greatswim.org
4 SGB SPORTS MARCH 2009
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48