Mumsnet calls for an end to Premiership kit rip-off

[KatieMumsnet]

As you might have seen we're writing to Premiership clubs, asking them to stop ripping off young fans with their replica kits. When we did our Family Friendly survey back in February 80% of you who responded said they thought football club merchandise ripped off families. We've now done the maths and the average Premiership kit for an eight year old retails at almost £60, rising to £80+ if you include getting the latest logos and player names. We know a similar (non-branded) kit at M&S costs £27, so are asking (very nicely of course) if the Premiership clubs couldn't produce a more affordable kit for their junior fans as they do for their toddlers.

As JustineMumsnet said in our press release "it's really hard to be the parent who says 'no' to the requests for the latest kits but these days you need a small fortune to buy a complete replica."

We'll keep you updated as the clubs respond to our letter, but let us know your thoughts, and of course if you want to tweet your club in support, that would be fine and lovely.

Football mad household here. Named my DS after a football player (how's that for working class and tacky)?

Still think this campaign is unnecessary...

'don't buy it - no-one's forcing you to'

You don't say

Can't see a need for a campaign. Buy it. Don't buy it. No one is arm twisting either way. That said, I've bought England shirts in the past and on a cost per wear basis in a child that wants to live in them I don't think they're bad value. The quality is good and any new design has a reasonably long shelf life.

I'd like an answer to the question:

Why is football kit being expensive any more "ripping off children" than any other luxury good being expensive? Why the focus?

I am genuinely shocked that somebody believes football kits to be good value

I never used to think that I was a tight-fisted so and so but now I am not so sure...

I am genuinely shocked that somebody believes football kits to be good value

If you mean me, I said 'shirts', not 'kits' and specifically England shirts.

How anybody who has handed over hard-earned cash for this disproportionately (compared to the adult sizes) expensive clothing and not care is beyond me.

FionaFriend.

I was referring to you. The England shirts are imo too expensive for what they are. And yes, nobody has to buy them. I do understand that.

It's like designer clothing or shoes though, especially for kids. If someone has enough money to buy Nikes for their 8yo and wishes to do so that's up to them. But it would be daft for those parents who can't afford it to ask Nike to reduce their prices because they can't say no to little Johnny.

I don't think that's a fair comparison flowery. Football clubs have a different relationship with their consumers because they rely upon them as fans.

Having said this (and more) I can see that I am in the minority in arguing that clubs should stop this practice. Fair enough. But don't expect me not to roll my eyes at you lot who think it's perfectly OK to charge their young fans these prices The Premiership clubs will be laughing all the way to the bank when they read these comments.

What about the extortionate price of a SkySports subscription? £35 a month, is it?

Also: are designer clothes, etc, "better" than non-designer ones? Or are we being "fans" of Boden, etc, too, when we buy their "merchandise"? Is it really that different to football? Genuine question. Got me thinking now.

I don't think my children would ever feel an emotional attachment towards Boden

But would you?

Er no...

I was just trying to think what fans did before football became quite so lucrative. They bought scarves! Seems quaint now...

outrageous interference by mn.i dont think its mn business or remit to preach to businesses about merchandise they sell,or cost of merchandise

quite frankly,clubs are a business and marketing branded merchandise is lucrative and makes them money.the clubs aren't altruistc charities or knockabout clubs.they are for profit business.much the in the same way innocent, and boden and mn are

will you start an indognant campaigbn that some mums cant afford boden for the kids?how very dare boden price clothes out of some folk remit

really it isnt mn remit to get all indignant and harrumphy about "complete rip-off and a massive mark-up" items.spare us the heartfelt indignation

if i wanted to be on a lentil munchers site who wax on about consumerism and rips offs id log onto indignant mammies of north london.com

if some parents are too fuckwitted or weak to say no to endless requests for pricy items they dont need a mn campaign,they need to grow a spine and get a life.as they practise the words no its too expensive.chose something else

My MIL still knits scarves and also did balaclavas, with a team patch sewn on this winter too.

How about children's toys then? Lots of those are aggressively marketed especially at Christmas. I know DS1 has a strong emotional attachment to Fireman Sam for example.

I'll stop now.

scottishmummy.

I buy my dc the occassional piece of football clothing because it is on their wish lists at special times (Christmas etc).

I am neither 'fuckwitted' or 'weak'

this is paternalistic interfering froth
save your ire for something that matters mn. really

marimo.

If you can find me a nine year old boy who begs his mother for Boden clothing you obviously live nowhere near me.