kitman

A kitman, also called an equipment manager, is a staff member in athletic organizations responsible for the care, distribution, and management of players’ equipment and team apparel. The role centers on ensuring that the correct kit is available for every training session and match, with numbers, sponsor logos, and team crests properly applied, and that all gear is safe, clean, and in good condition.

Typical duties include maintaining inventory of uniforms, training wear, practice gear, protective equipment, and spare items; laundering and repairing clothing; preparing kits for travel and away games; organizing and labeling gear for players and staff; coordinating with suppliers and sponsor requirements; and supporting medical staff with braces, ice bags, and other equipment as needed.

The kitman works across various team sports, including football (soccer), rugby, cricket, basketball, and ice hockey, and is usually part of the broader operations or support staff under the head coach or club administrator. Work patterns often involve early mornings, long days around training and matches, and travel with the team, requiring reliability, discretion, and the ability to work under pressure.

Common qualifications are strong organizational and logistical skills, knowledge of equipment care and basic repair, attention to detail, and the ability to manage a busy workload. Many kitmen start in junior or volunteer roles within clubs or academies and advance through experience, sometimes supplemented by coursework in sports science, physical education, or industry-specific training.