07/09/2022
It is with great sadness, that we have to announce that sadly after 47 years in Business, Balan Sports will be closing its doors this Friday 9th September. It really is the end of an era!!!! But, It truly has been a tough decision for the Directors to make, especially after the past couple of tough years!
Our amazing Founder & Managing Director Balan came over to this country as a Queen Scout. He later became an excellent Welsh Badminton coach & after being approached by a very well known Badminton Racquet supplier, Balan opened his very 1st shop in Pontypool in 1975!! He later opened the warehouse in 1989, whereby he extended the services to supply Football Kits, Workwear, School Wear, Rugby kits, Honours caps, etc as well as providing Embroidery/Printing services. A further shop was added on Albany Road, Cardiff at a later date.
Due to changes within the Sports trade, whereby Sports became more about fashion, both retail shops had closed by 2003. However, the Warehouse/Head office continued to provide Football Kits, Workwear, School Wear, Trophies, Honours caps etc, as well as providing Embroidery/Printing services until now.
It has been so lovely to hear all the stories from our customers about their trips to the shop in Pontypool during their childhood.... some described it as an aladdins cave, some still remember the smell of the leather of their football/rugby boots & buying the Dubbin to protect them, some remember that trip buying their school uniform or cubs/brownies uniforns, some remember buying their darts/stems & some still remember having their rugby/football balls repaired or even their racquets being restringed!! Like many said..... Aladdins cave & The way sports shops used to be all about 🙂
All of Team Balan (so many to mention over the years), have thoroughly enjoyed helping everyone with their Club Clothing/equipment, School Wear, Trophies & Work Wear etc & we would therefore like to take this opportunity in thanking all our amazing customers for their loyal custom & support over the past 47 years & we wish you all the very best in the future.
Please take care everyone, from all at Balan Sports 💙💙💙
Please see below some pictures of our Amazing Founder & Managing Director Balan over the years...... an absolute true gentleman 💙💙💙
