GAME-CHANGER - AUSTRALIAN FIRST FOR WOMEN’S BASKETBALL AS FBL ANNOUNCES SHYLA HEAL SIGNATURE SHOE

Despite enormous participation rate, Australia's female basketballers have had little choice in shoes made just for them - until now

'You Can' - Shyla Heal's personal mantra - emblazoned on her new signature shoe as message to all young women that they can do anything

Sydney - Friday, August 16, 2024 - FBL Sport, an Adelaide-based and Australian owned basketball footwear and clothing brand, has today unveiled an extensive partnership with Australian basketball star Shyla Heal that will see it launch Australia's first ever signature shoe named after a female Australian basketball player. Growing up with very limited choices in women's basketball shoes despite the huge local participation rates, Heal aims to inspire the next generation of Australia's female basketballers with a clear message - 'You Can'.

Turning down traditional endorsement offers from well-known multinational brands to instead partner with an emerging Australian company that shares the same vision, the Shyla Heal signature shoe is designed for peak performance and forms part of the new Shyla Heal Collection that includes basketballs, caps and socks that blend basketball and fashion, and embody Heal's competitiveness and unmistakable sense of style.

Despite being just 22 years old, Heal has been a professional basketball player since she was 14, and has so far won a WNBL Championship, been drafted into the WNBA, represented Australia and played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. 

The Shyla Heal signature shoe reflects a personal passion by Heal to deliver a shoe that has been developed especially for Australian women in mind. She personally designed the shoe in close collaboration with FBL to ensure an on-trend, high-quality, pro-game worthy product.

It also represents an important step in the next phase of Heal's career, as she looks to inspire young female basketballers and show them that anything is possible in their journey, as her own journey also continues. "You Can" - a mantra tattooed on her arm for her own motivation and reflection, forms an important component of her signature shoe.

"I remember vividly as I was growing up, every time I needed a new pair of basketball shoes, I was either trying to find a small pair of men's shoes or had to buy netball shoes. Speaking with young families all around the country, this is still happening today. That's just crazy to me when you see how many women and young girls are playing basketball," said Shyla Heal.

"It's also important for me to use my profile and these shoes to deliver a message of motivation. Anytime someone looks down at their shoe, or bends down to do up their laces, I want them to be reminded that they can do anything, be it on the court or in life. I've had my detractors, I've experienced setbacks, and it's something I say to myself every day to keep me moving forward."

An Australian first, Heal joins an exclusive list of global players to have their own shoe, including superstars Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, though Steve Rolton, founder of FBL insists this collection serves a much-needed purpose locally.

"The growth in interest around women's sport in Australia, highlighted most recently by the success of our female athletes in Paris including our amazing bronzed Australian Opals, shows that young Australian girls can look up to the best in the world, right in their own backyard."

"From our very first conversations through to today, Shyla has proven to be an incredible collaborator and partner, with a strong vision for her signature shoe and what it can represent in inspiring young women across the country. Shyla is more than just a phenomenal athlete; she is a symbol of empowerment and resilience. In a sport traditionally dominated by taller athletes, she has carved her own path, inspiring countless young girls to dream big and reach for the stars. Her impact transcends the boundaries of the court, as she uses her platform to advocate for equality and inclusivity in sports and beyond."

The Shyla Heal shoe will retail for $120 inclusive of delivery anywhere in Australia and is available for pre-order from today via www.fblsport.com (delivery first half September). It will go on-shelf at select retailers from September 5, with details available through the website.

About The Collection

The Shyla Heal Collection:

- Signature Shoe - $120 including free delivery anywhere in Australia

- Signature Basketball - sizes 6 and 7 - $39.95

- Signature Cap - $29.95

- Signature Socks - pack of 3 - $19.95 per pack

Basketball in Australia

Research shows that there are more than 1.3 million people playing organised basketball in Australia, including more than 400,000 women, with many hundreds of thousands more who play socially. Australian schools have shown record interest in basketball, the second highest participation sport in Australia, and it is estimated that approximately 750,000 6-13 year olds play regularly.

IMAGERY - Available upon request

Media Contact: David, Wolf Closer Sport

About FBL

FBL is known for quality, comfort, stability and most important extremely competitive prices. FBL Sport has always been driven by a proud business model. All of our suppliers and Manufacturers are visited and verified prior to any business taking place. Our manufacturing and supply partners must hold all of the licenses and creditable certificates in order to be authorised to produce product for FBL Sport.

www.fblsport.com