West Ham United, MCC Foundation and ECB News
- West Ham United has entered a strategic partnership with the South Korean streetwear brand NIVELCRACK to launch a collaborative fashion collection.
- The capsule collection is described as east London meets Seoul and draws aesthetic inspiration from the industrial heritage of both cities.
- The range features a variety of apparel and accessories, including tees, a sweatshirt, a scarf, socks, a cap, and a bag.
West Ham United has entered a strategic partnership with the South Korean streetwear brand NIVELCRACK to launch a collaborative fashion collection. This initiative represents the first time a Premier League club has established a licensed fashion collaboration with the Seoul-based brand, which focuses on the intersection of football and fashion.
The capsule collection is described as east London meets Seoul
and draws aesthetic inspiration from the industrial heritage of both cities. The designs integrate the club’s crossed Hammers symbol with the monogram logo of NIVELCRACK.
The range features a variety of apparel and accessories, including tees, a sweatshirt, a scarf, socks, a cap, and a bag. Notably, the collection includes a workwear jacket, marking a first for the NIVELCRACK brand.
Following a launch event attended by the club’s official South Korean supporters’ club, the collection is now available for global order through the online stores of both West Ham United and NIVELCRACK.
The apparel and fashion space has become synonymous with football culture around the world, so this collaboration marks a strong opportunity for West Ham United to be at the forefront of the space to engage new supporters and our ever-growing global fan base.
Nathan Thompson, Executive Director, West Ham United
MCC Foundation Expands Youth Cricket Initiatives
The Marylebone Cricket Club Foundation (MCCF) has announced the official trophy for the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup, a national hard-ball T20 competition designed for state secondary schools. The competition’s official trophy partner is Thomas Lyte, a Royal Warrant holder known for producing The Emirates FA Cup and The Hundred trophies.
Thomas Lyte has produced two identical trophies for the competition. As part of the tournament structure, the MCCF confirmed that a Test venue will host a semi-final fixture for the first time, with the winners advancing to the Finals Day at Lord’s.
We see incredibly exciting to be so near to the start of the first matches in the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup. It is important that all schools see the ambitions we are setting for this competition, exemplified by a magnificent trophy. Like the FA Cup, we want anyone to dream of competing in this tournament and walking out onto the hallowed turf at Lord’s.
Angus Berry, CEO of MCCF
In addition to the domestic competition, the MCCF has expanded its Cricket Unites initiative in India with support from Barclays. This expansion includes the establishment of six new cricket hubs in Pune and Mumbai, which provide equipment and free coaching to hundreds of young girls. The launch of these hubs was celebrated with a cricket festival for approximately 100 beneficiaries.
Cricket is a great passion for the business, and for many of our colleagues. So the opportunity to be involved in such an inspirational competition like the Barclays Knight-Stokes Cup was too good to miss. Providing talented youngsters with the opportunity to thrive – be it in the workshop or on the cricket pitch – is vitally important to us at Thomas Lyte and wait for the Finals Day at Lord’s.
Neil MacLaurin, Non-Executive Director of Thomas Lyte
ECB Appoints New General Counsel
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed Catherine Beloff as its new General Counsel. Beloff is scheduled to join the governing body in September, where she will be a member of the ECB Executive Leadership Group.
Her role will involve providing expert legal guidance on regulations, governance, litigation, and commercial matters affecting the ECB. Beloff brings a decade of experience from the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), where she served as General Counsel. Her previous professional background also includes a role as a Senior Associate at the global law firm DLA Piper and serving as Chair of the British Association of Sport and Law.
We’re delighted to be able to bring in someone with Catherine’s expertise and experience. She will play an integral role in protecting our sport from legal and reputational risk and in advising our Board and Executive on strategic legal decisions. Her experience within sport means she is superbly placed to lead our legal team, and we look forward to welcoming her to the ECB.
Richard Gould, Chief Executive Officer, ECB