Established by a young Sohale Abbas back in 1992, it’s fair to say that, over the course of its thirty-year history, Boundary Sports has seen it all: two recessions, one pandemic, and an internet revolution to boot. So how is it that this family-run business, specialising in the sale of hockey and cricket equipment, has managed to outlast each and every hurdle, coming to be regarded (almost undisputedly) as an ‘institution’ of the Kings Heath area?
Having been trading from the nearby Pershore Road for several years, it was in the early 2000s that Boundary Sports moved into its current premises on Station Road, just a stone’s throw away from where Sohale had lived as a child. Indeed, Sohale was quick to build upon his existing relationship with the area, winning over locals with his honest tradesmanship, expert advice and an unrivalled passion for sport. The rise of online shopping was seen not as a threat, but as an opportunity, by Sohale, who adapted his approach accordingly, all while continuing to deliver the in-person service that so many of their competitors had been forced to abandon. Before long, Boundary Sports had become the provider of choice for two thirds of the country’s first-class counties, with visits from A-listers such as Virat Kohli, Wasim Akram, Nick Owen and Ian Bell an almost regular occurrence.
But life is not without its trials, as unpredictable as they are indiscriminate, and on Christmas Day 2022, Sohale suffered a life-changing heart attack, leaving his two sons, Kasim and Asad, to assume the mantle of their father’s business – his life’s work.
Despite being thrust into the position unexpectedly, both Kasim and Asad had been quietly supporting Sohale for many years, equipping them with a strong understanding of the business, as well as the community that it served. With professional experience in a variety of fields: marketing; graphic design; video editing; sports coaching: and a love of sport to match their father’s, the two brothers were committed to sustaining the legacy that Sohale had left behind.
Although successful, and much-valued by its customers, Boundary Sports was not immune to the challenges being faced by independents across the city, and beyond. Kasim and Asad soon found themselves vying for a place in a rapidly changing local landscape, while rising costs came frighteningly close to putting them out of business. Yet, little by little, the brothers began to find their feet, culminating in a version of Boundary Sports that speaks to their own, distinct character and style, as well as those of its founder.
Since then, thanks to the hard work and dedication shown by both Kasim and Asad, the shop has been granted a new lease of life, though still delivering the quality of stock and depth of expertise that its customers have come to expect. And the brothers won’t be stopping there, either. In fact, with ambitious plans to further expand their father’s business – including the introduction of their own repairs service – it looks as if Boundary Sports will be kitting out the sporting stars of tomorrow for generations to come.
Favourite Kings Heath business(es)?
Like so many of the business owners we speak to, Kasim and Asad found it very difficult to single out just one, but both were quick to shout out Ruprai Food & Wines (now Nisa Local), which they described as a staple of their weekend trips to the High Street as children. They also couldn’t go without mentioning High Street legends, Hare & Hounds and Fletchers, as well as Air Nation, Coffee No. 1, Kings Heath Computers, Repairology, Sakamoto Hair and Sylhet Spice: for Bangladeshi favourites that can be beaten only by their mother’s cooking.
You can find Boundary Sports online or at their Kings Heath location: 206 Station Road, B14 7TE.
by Evie Wynne