New Portsmouth shop is the first in UK to stack all 32 NFL teams' merchandise

Victory Sports '“ stocking NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL headwear and apparel '“ opened earlier this month in Cascades Shopping Centre. 

The store, run by Vicki Coombs, has already caught the attention of the growing army of American football fans in the city. 

Vicki, 23, said: '˜All the lads who work here play American football and we sponsor the Portsmouth team. It's our passion. Every year interest in it grows, new products are brought out and there's so much going on with the sport. It is non-stop.' 

The store, which has opened in the former Christmas Shop unit opposite With-it, also stocks a wide range of baseball and basketball merchandise. 

Vicki said: '˜It is not like British football, we have people following all the teams. Most of the time it is just a laugh, the fans are not as intense as some of the British sports, and the community around it is really nice '“ and that's what we enjoy.' 

The business originally started out called Capkandi, set up by Vicki's dad Steve Coombs, from Havant. It started from a small unit in Albert Road, Southsea, before growing to a larger premises in Cascades. 

As the business evolved, and more interest was taken in merchandise other than hats, the new Victory Sports store was secured, kitted out and opened. 

Vicki said: '˜Every year it seems to get better. The fan base grows as does interest in the products. Some larger stores just stock certain teams, so we are unusual as we are the only licensed shop with everything under one roof. We are the only one in the UK  giving so much choice and we are proud of that.' 

The shop is official stockists for brands including New Era, Riddell, Wilson Football, Majestic, Spalding, Stance, KING and many more.