Behind the Kit: Notts County Manager Inspires Sports Students
Behind every matchday at Notts County FC, Kit and Equipment Manager Ewan Coleman works tirelessly to ensure everything runs seamlessly. During a recent visit, he gave Sports students a rare glimpse of the precision and hard work that go into preparing for games.
Founded in 1862, the club proudly stands as the world’s oldest professional team, inspiring generations of supporters from its enduring home at Meadow Lane. Over the decades, Notts County FC has witnessed the evolution of football in England, from its earliest days of amateur competition to the high-paced professional game fans know today.
Speaking with warmth and honesty, Ewan shared what it’s really like to work behind the scenes at Notts County. He spoke about the intensity and pressure of football, but his passion for the game and commitment to his team keep him motivated. Living with autism, Ewan has turned structure, focus, and attention to detail into key strengths. While loud environments and last-minute changes can be challenging, careful planning, routines, and clear communication help him stay calm and in control.
Reflecting on his role, Ewan said:
“Every shirt, every boot, every bit of kit counts. My job is to make sure the players can focus on the game, and knowing I play a part in that is what drives me every day.”
Far from a simple laundry job, the role of a Kit and Equipment Manager is the heartbeat of any football club. Every fixture depends on preparation, from washing and folding kits to organising boots, managing stock, and setting up dressing rooms. His days often start before sunrise and finish long after the final whistle, with no two days ever the same.
Joining Ewan for the visit was his daughter Tilly, an Early Years and Education student, who helped set up the session. Through initiatives like This Girl Can, she promotes inclusion and awareness while encouraging others to get active and take part in sport. Her efforts highlight the wider impact of family, education, and community working together to promote participation and wellbeing.
Students were inspired by Ewan’s openness and determination, gaining a real understanding of the hard work and heart that go into professional sport. His visit was a reminder that success in football isn’t only measured by goals scored on the pitch, but also by the dedication of people like Ewan who make sure every game can happen.