A new sports hygiene brand founded and backed by former Preston North End goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan is hoping to attract users across a range of sports.
Funk Off PRO, developed in Lancashire and co‑founded by Andrew, his wife Jennifer, and Longridge-based podiatrist Sarah Carroll, has grown quickly since launching last year.
And the trio say the idea came from a problem they saw repeatedly in both professional football and clinical practice, namely that of sweaty boots, smelly gloves and skin irritation, but no product specifically designed to tackle both the athlete and the equipment together.
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By spraying footwear and kit regularly, Funk Off PRO works to break down and eliminate the bacteria, mould and fungi responsible for persistent odour, its founders claim.
Andrew, who came through the ranks at Deepdale before a long professional career, said: “I’ve spent my whole life in football and the same problems never really changed, sweaty boots, smelly gloves, skin irritation and infections spreading around dressing rooms. We realised nobody was properly targeting both the athlete and the equipment together.”
Sarah, who treats sports‑related skin conditions in her clinic, added: “As a podiatrist, I regularly see fungal infections, athlete’s foot and skin irritation linked to sweaty footwear and sport. What stood out to me was that there was no product really bridging the gap between sports hygiene, skin health and equipment care.”
The Preston‑developed formula uses hypochlorous technology, which is a disinfecting approach and is designed for use on everything from football boots and shin pads to gym bags and running trainers.
Jennifer said: “We’re incredibly proud of the brand we’ve created because this wasn’t a quick process. We’ve spent the last couple of years developing, testing and refining the product to make sure it genuinely works and helps solve problems so many households deal with day to day.”
