American Challenge is a family business founded by Bob and Ida Laker in 1973 after Bob’s experience coaching youth soccer exposed a need for better equipment. The company grew from the Laker basement into an international mail-order operation, with all three children later joining its Canadian and New York offices. Today it supplies soccer programs across North America, including teams, clubs, schools and camps.
Soccer Band-Its LLCFounded by brothers Scott and Chris Knox after a 2015 charity fundraiser, Soccer Band-Its LLC makes customizable soccer accessories for youth clubs, teams and players. The company began with logo-printed lace keepers to help fund AEDs for youth sports and now offers personalized gear with no minimum order, while continuing to support charitable causes. Since 2015, Soccer Band-Its says it has donated more than $50,000 and partnered with dozens of youth soccer clubs.MERRICK, NY
ECD LacrosseBorn in a college bedroom from Greg Kenneally’s work as his team’s “stick doctor,” ECD Lacrosse makes lacrosse equipment, custom pockets and training gear. The Towson company began developing its own East Coast Mesh in late 2011, then grew from a basement operation into a 21,000-square-foot headquarters with a custom turf testing area and more than 20 employees. Founded with Greg’s twin brother Mike, ECD now supplies every major lacrosse retailer while continuing to develop products such as its U.S.-made MINT lacrosse ball.TOWSON, MD
Rajco USA IncFounded in Sialkot in 1935, Rajco USA Inc. manufactures custom athletic sportswear and team apparel for brands, organizations, and bulk buyers worldwide. The family-owned business is now in its third generation, with a manufacturing operation described as spanning more than 100,000 square feet and employing more than 6,000 people. Its USA branch pairs online design tools and customer support with in-house production, including a sublimation operation of more than 50 machines.BROOKLYN, NY
Athletin Be SportyFounded by Malik Shamsuddin after seven years in Sialkot’s sportswear factories, Athletin Be Sporty makes custom team uniforms and sports gear from its U.S.-based operation in Celina, Texas. Shamsuddin began his own manufacturing business in 2010 and later introduced Athletin at the 2016 American Football Coaches Association convention, bringing factory-direct, fully sublimated team apparel to American teams. The company also makes ready-to-ship equipment such as its soft-shell Halo flag-football helmet, with no minimums or design fees for custom orders.CENTEREACH, NY