Gola is a
sporting goods
Sports equipment, sporting equipment, also called sporting goods, are the tools, materials, apparel, and gear used to compete in a sport and varies depending on the sport. The equipment ranges from balls, nets, and protective gear like helmets. ...
brand based in
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe ...
. It was founded on 22 May 1905. It used to be known as the Bozeat Boot Company, and was based in the Northamptonshire village of
Bozeat. Gola was purchased by the Jacobson Group and has since expanded its range.
The company produces mainly track suits and trainers, of which the models known as "Harrier" and "Chase" are particularly popular, especially in continental Europe. During the 1970s, Gola's licensing was held under Electronic Rentals Group and its principal chairman, Maurice Fry and Leisure Group Managing Director Alan Christopher Cowell who also ran Camping Gaz. ERG PLC pushed several million pounds into Gola and developed the Gola Bag of 1972 which created an international craze.
Recently, in the early 2000s, Gola sportswear was re-launched in the UK as a 'retro' sports fashion brand, selling to the same people, now grown up, who fondly remembered the brand from their childhood – but at premium prices.
Gola sponsored the
Alliance Premier League
The National League (named Vanarama National League for sponsorship reasons) is an association football league in England consisting of three divisions, the National League, National League North, and National League South. It was called the ...
, the highest level of English
non-League football
Non-League football describes association football, football leagues played outside the top leagues of a country. Usually, it describes leagues which are not fully professional. The term is primarily used for football in England, where it is s ...
, from 1984 until 1986, during which time the league was known as the Gola League.
References
External links
Official website
Sportswear brands
Shoe companies of the United Kingdom
Sporting goods manufacturers of the United Kingdom
English brands
Manufacturing companies established in 1905
1905 establishments in England
Manufacturing companies of England
Companies based in Lancashire
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