A practical handbook for club presidents, team managers, and volunteers organising your club's next kit order

Let's be honest: organising team jerseys is one of those jobs that looks simple until you're in the middle of it. Then suddenly you're juggling artwork files, sizing spreadsheets, delivery deadlines, and fifteen different opinions on whether the collar should be round or V-neck.

I've been supplying local clubs for years, and I've seen every mistake, every last-minute panic, and every brilliant idea that worked perfectly. This guide pulls all that experience together—so your next kit order can be smooth, professional, and something your players actually love.

Part 1: First Things First – Do You Actually Need New Jerseys?

Before we dive into design and ordering, let's ask the hard question. New kit is exciting, but it's also a significant investment for most clubs.

You probably need new jerseys if:

• Current jerseys are faded, torn, or have peeling numbers
• You've gained/lost players and don't have enough match-ready sets
• The club is rebranding or updating its logo
• Your current supplier has let you down on quality or delivery
• It's been 3-4 seasons since your last full refresh

You might not need new jerseys if:

• The current kit is in good condition but you're just bored
• Your playing numbers are uncertain for next season
• The club budget is already stretched with other priorities

Smart approach: Can you phase it? Sometimes just refreshing training shirts or adding a special round jersey satisfies the desire for something new without the full cost of replacing match kits.

Part 2: The Big Decision – Sublimated vs. Screen-Printed vs. Embroidered

This is the most important technical decision you'll make. Let me break it down in plain English.

Sublimated Jerseys

How it works: The design is dyed directly into the fabric. The ink becomes part of the material itself.

Pros:

• Virtually indestructible: Never cracks, peels, or fades
• All-over designs: Your pattern, gradient, or complex artwork can go everywhere, including side panels
• Breathable: No layer of ink sitting on top of the fabric
• Professional look: Same process used by nearly all AFL clubs

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than basic screen printing
• Requires accurate artwork from the start
• White or light colours are difficult to achieve on dark fabrics

Best for: Match jerseys, long-term investments, clubs with distinctive designs

Screen-Printed Jerseys

How it works: Ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto the finished jersey.

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Especially for simple designs and larger quantities
• Good for solid colours: Bright, opaque results
• Quick turnaround: Often faster than sublimation

Cons:

• Can crack and peel: Eventually, especially with poor care
• Less breathable: The ink creates a slight barrier
• Design limitations: Each colour needs a separate screen, so complex designs get expensive fast
• Not ideal for all-over patterns

Best for: Training shirts, basic designs, clubs on tight budgets

Embroidered Elements

How it works: Stitched thread creates raised logos or details.

Pros:

• Premium feel: Looks and feels high-end
• Extremely durable: Proper embroidery lasts forever
• Great for crests and badges: Adds traditional club feel

Cons:

• Can be scratchy: May irritate players if placed badly
• Heavier: Adds weight to the jersey
• Slower to dry: Thread holds moisture differently than fabric
• Cost adds up: Full embroidery across multiple jerseys is expensive

Best for: Club polos, coach apparel, heritage-style match jerseys, or as a badge element on sublimated jerseys

Quick Comparison Table

Factor	Sublimated	Screen-Printed	Embroidered
Durability	★★★★★	★★★	★★★★★
Breathability	★★★★★	★★★	★★
Design complexity	Unlimited	Limited by colours	Simple only
Cost per jersey	$$	$	$$$
Lead time	4-6 weeks	2-4 weeks	3-5 weeks
Best use	Match jerseys	Training gear	Polos, badges

Part 3: The Design Process – Bringing Your Club's Vision to Life

Most clubs aren't staffed by graphic designers. That's completely fine. Here's how the design process should work.

Step 1: Gather Your Raw Materials

Before talking to a supplier, collect:

• Your club logo (vector format like .ai or .eps is ideal; high-res .png works if that's all you have)
• Any existing jerseys you love (take photos)
• Any existing jerseys you hate (take photos and note why)
• Inspiration images (screenshots of other clubs' kits, AFL designs, anything that captures the feeling you want)

Step 2: Define Your Non-Negotiables

Every club has them. Be clear upfront:

• Must include club colours (exactly which shades?)
• Must feature club logo (where?)
• Numbers needed (front, back, both?)
• Any sponsor requirements (size, placement, must be sublimated or separate?)

Step 3: Work With Your Supplier's Designer

A good supplier (like us) will offer design assistance. Here's what to expect:

• We'll send you initial concepts based on your brief
• You'll get to review and suggest changes
• We'll refine until you're happy
• You'll approve final artwork before production starts

Pro tip: Involve 2-3 key people in design feedback, not the whole playing group. Too many opinions leads to compromise designs that nobody loves. Get input from your most trusted players/committee members, then make a decision.

Step 4: Approve and Lock In

Once artwork is approved, changes become difficult or impossible. Double-check:

• Colours (view on multiple screens, request physical samples if possible)
• Spelling (player names, sponsor names, club name)
• Number fonts and sizes
• Placement of all elements

Part 4: The Practical Details That Matter

Sizing – The Nightmare You Can Avoid

Getting sizing wrong creates more headaches than almost anything else.

What works:

• Size runs: Order a sample set in various sizes for players to try on before the main order
• Size charts: Provide clear measurements (chest, length) not just S/M/L labels
• Consistency check: Different styles (match vs training) may fit differently
• Buffer stock: Order a few extras in medium and large, the sizes that always run short

What we do: We can send you sample jerseys in multiple sizes. Get your players to try them on during training, note their sizes on a sheet, and we'll use that data for the main order.

Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs)

This is where local clubs often get stuck with big suppliers. They want you to order 100 units. You need 22.

The reality:

• Sublimated jerseys: Usually 10-20 piece minimum per design
• Screen-printed: Often lower minimums, sometimes no minimum for simple designs
• Training shirts: Often can be ordered in very small quantities

Our approach: We specialise in local clubs. We understand you might need 18 match jerseys, 25 training shirts, and 4 polos for coaches. We make it work.

Budgeting Realistically

Here's what you should expect to pay (AUD, approximate):

Item	Basic	Good	Premium
Match jersey (sublimated)	$30-45	$45-60	$60+
Training shirt	$25-35	$35-50	$50+
Coach polo	$30-40	$40-55	$55+
Shorts	$30-40	$40-50	$50+
Setup/artwork fee	$0-150	$0-150	Often included

Hidden costs to ask about:

• Artwork setup fees (one-time cost per design)
• Shipping (get a quote before committing)
• GST (is it included in quoted prices?)
• Number printing (if not included)
• Player names (extra per jersey)

Part 5: Timeline – When to Order

Local clubs often underestimate how long this takes. Here's a realistic timeline:

8-10 Weeks Before Needed

• Start discussions, gather ideas
• Check budget, get committee approval
• Research suppliers

6-8 Weeks Before Needed

• Finalise design brief
• Request quotes and samples
• Choose supplier

4-6 Weeks Before Needed

• Approve final artwork
• Collect player sizes and names
• Place order, pay deposit

2-4 Weeks Before Needed

• Production in progress
• Arrange payment of balance
• Plan distribution (training night, presentation event)

Week of First Use

• Receive jerseys
• Quality check (count everything, check names/numbers)
• Distribute to players

Warning signs you're cutting it too fine:

• Less than 4 weeks until your first game/event
• Still collecting player names
• Artwork not finalised
• Supplier being vague about delivery dates

Part 6: Special Considerations for Local Clubs

The Volunteer Factor

Your club runs on volunteers. The person ordering kit this year might not be the same person next year. Set them up for success:

• Keep records of exactly what was ordered (supplier, design files, colour codes, sizing)
• Note what worked and what didn't
• Build relationships with suppliers who understand volunteer-run clubs

Player Turnover

Local clubs gain and lose players constantly. Plan for it:

• Order a few blank jerseys (no numbers/names) for mid-season recruits
• Keep a stock of training shirts in common sizes
• Have a clear policy on who pays for what (club provides match jerseys? players buy training shirts?)

Multi-Year Planning

Think beyond this season:

• Match jerseys: Plan for 3-4 year lifecycle
• Training shirts: 2-3 year lifecycle
• Coach apparel: Replace as needed
• Special rounds: One-off designs that can be reused or become tradition

Phased ordering example:

• Year 1: New match jerseys + coach polos
• Year 2: New training shirts
• Year 3: Heritage/Indigenous round design (optional)
• Year 4: Refresh match jerseys, cycle repeats

Part 7: Working With Your Supplier – Questions to Ask

Before committing to any supplier, ask these questions:

About the product:

• What fabric weight do you recommend for our climate?
• How should players wash and care for these jerseys?
• Can you provide samples before we order?

About the process:

• Who handles artwork? What format do you need?
• What's your typical turnaround time?
• How do you handle mistakes (wrong names, wrong sizes)?

About costs:

• What's included in the quoted price?
• Are there setup or artwork fees?
• What's your payment schedule?
• Can you provide a detailed invoice breakdown?

About experience:

• How many local clubs have you supplied?
• Can you put us in touch with a similar-sized club as a reference?
• What's your busiest season? (Avoid ordering during their peak if possible)

Part 8: After Delivery – Making Your Kit Last

You've invested in quality kit. Here's how to protect that investment.

Washing Instructions (Give These to Players!)

• Cold wash only: Heat damages fabrics and causes shrinking
• Turn inside out: Protects external prints and reduces pilling
• No fabric softener: Clogs fabric pores, reduces breathability
• Line dry in shade: Dryers destroy elasticity; sun fades colours
• No ironing directly on prints: If you must iron, do it inside out

Storage Tips

• Store jerseys flat or hung, not crumpled in kit bags
• Keep away from direct sunlight when not in use
• Consider separate bags for each player's kit to prevent lost items

End-of-Season Check

• Collect all club-owned jerseys
• Inspect for damage (can it be repaired?)
• Note which sizes are running low
• Plan for next season's needs

Part 9: Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: Ordering Too Late

Result: Jerseys arrive round 3, players frustrated, season starts in mismatched gear
Fix: Use the timeline above. Add buffer for shipping delays.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Sizing

Result: Half the team doesn't fit, jerseys unusable
Fix: Do a proper size run. Order samples. Get players to try them on.

Mistake 3: Complicated Designs on a Small Budget

Result: Design gets simplified to something nobody loves
Fix: Be realistic from the start. Simple done well beats complex done badly.

Mistake 4: Forgetting Sponsor Obligations

Result: Sponsor logos wrong size, wrong place, or missing entirely
Fix: Get sponsor requirements in writing before design starts.

Mistake 5: One Person Makes All Decisions

Result: Kit arrives, everyone has opinions, nobody's happy
Fix: Involve key voices early, then trust the process.

Mistake 6: Not Checking Samples

Result: Colour is wrong, fabric feels different, sizing off
Fix: Always request physical samples if possible. Photos lie.

Part 10: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many jerseys should we order?
A: Match jerseys: Squad size + 2-3 extras. Training shirts: Squad size + 5 extras (players lose them, new players join). Coach/off-field: Number of officials + 1.

Q: Should players keep their jerseys?
A: Your call. Some clubs own match jerseys and collect them end-of-season. Others let players keep them and pay a deposit. Both work if consistent.

Q: Can we add players mid-season?
A: Yes, if you order blank jerseys initially or your supplier offers quick turnaround on individual jerseys. Ask about this before ordering.

Q: How long do sublimated jerseys last?
A: With proper care, 3-4 seasons of regular play. The fabric will wear out before the design fades.

Q: What's the difference between "training shirt" and "match jersey"?
A: Match jerseys are typically lighter, more breathable, fully sublimated. Training shirts are often heavier, more durable, simpler designs—built for repeated washing and hard sessions.

Q: Can we mix sublimated and printed elements?
A: Absolutely. Common combo: Sublimated base with screen-printed sponsor (easier to change if sponsor changes) or embroidered club crest on sublimated jersey.

Ready to Start Your Club's Custom Jersey Project?

I've written this guide to be practical, not salesy. But if you've read this far and thinking "we need someone who actually gets local clubs"—that's us.

What happens next:

1. Get in touch – Email, call, or use our club enquiry form
2. Tell us about your club – Numbers, budget, timeline, ideas
3. We'll send options – Product recommendations, pricing, samples if needed
4. Design phase – We'll work with you on artwork (no design experience needed)
5. Order and delivery – We handle production, you focus on your season

We work with:

• Australian local footy clubs (all states, all divisions)
• International clubs starting AFL programs
• School and junior programs
• Clubs of all sizes (12 players or 120)

Contact us:

• Email: sales@southernapparel.com.au
• Website: www.southernapparel.com.au

Or fill out our quick enquiry form and we'll send you a club kit pack with samples, pricing guide, and case studies from other clubs your size.