Long gone are those days of “going for the burn” and whilst achieving

Our new regular showcase for some of the hot “spots” and happening things emerging in the sports market. From product launches to marketing and promotional campaigns this is the perfect review

British sports brand UK Gear has announced a major deal with top US retailers to supply its range of high performance training shoes across the States.The deal will see the company’s specialist running shoes supplied to one of America’s largest sporting retailers, Dicks Sporting Goods, as well as independentoutlets throughout the country.

After nearly a decade of providing technically advanced products engineered with its superior fabric construction, exlusive moisture management, and proven innovation, Under Armour (NASDAQ: UARM) has just revealed its highly anticipated cleated footwear line. The retail launch begins June 3 2006, with availability only in the US and Canada at this stage SGB UK were advised. April 15th marked the first time that consumers could view models and pre-register to buy the footwear at Dick's Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, and Hibbett's Sports locations, or on-line at www.underarmour.com/click-clack For each pre-order, customers will receive a

New Balance accelerated their rate of growth in the EMEA region by posting a creditable 22% revenue increase for 2005 (with reported worldwide sales of $1.54 billion) whilst continuing the upward trend for 2006 by running growth at 25%, well in line with expectations.

Nike filed a legal complaint against adidas- Salomon in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Texas identifying several

With the EU imposing trade restrictions on footwear from China and Vietnam.

The adidas Group and the National Basketball Association have signed an 11- year strategic global merchandising partnership that will make the adidas brand the official uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the NBA Development League (DLeague) beginning with the 2006-07 NBA season.

This month figleaves.com links up with Speedo to host the brand's first online shop giving Speedo fans from over 170 countries access to the largest selection of Speedo products online.

Roger Wyett, 49, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Nike’s Hurley International brand, has been named Vice President of the Nike brand’s approximately $4 billion global apparel business.

Dave Watkins has been promoted to Head of Sales covering all divisions of Grangers International.

‘At Zoggs we care deeply about what we are doing, for us its more than just designing highly innovative, quality swimming equipment and swimwear, it’s a passion!’

And what an insight into the ups and downs of chance our business can provide.

Woodland Organics Distribution has launched Built NY a range of bottle totes made from neoprene.

With an increase in visitors of 15% on last year.

Last month Merrell launched a national taxi campaign featuring key products from its Spring Summer 2006 Outventurre and Transit collections.

Anatom has announced it will be supporting the new Martin Currie Rob Roy Challenge event in June this year.

Haglofs has introduced a new range of soft shell garments for spring using a fabric called FlexAble.

Ultimate Outdoors, White Mountain, Outdoor World, High Peak and Camperlands took part in AMG’s first ever, two day training course for retailers in Snowdonia.

Silva has won the ‘Best Compass’ category for its popular Field 7 compass in Walk Magazine’s reader awards, as voted for by members of the Ramblers Association.

Worldwide sales of PrimaLoft rose by 35% in 2005.

Modern day adventurer, Joff Summerfield, is set to fulfil a lifetime ambition to cycle around the world.

April’s Trail magazine included the important spring/summer footwear review, where once again Scarpa came up trumps, with no less than two first places!

Spring is well and truly here with typical variations in the weather - although I have to say the snow took me by surprise earlier this week, just as I thought the worst of the weather had passed.