A new independent sportswear shop is opening on the outskirts of Bolton town centre.

Pro Baller will have their grand opening on Monday, April 18 from 12-6pm.

The shop will be on St. George’s Road, near to the junction with Chorley New Road, and stocks jeans, tracksuit bottoms and hoodies, with children’s sizes and caps coming soon.

There will be a DJ set and guest appearances from celebrities, footballers and boxers. The shop will be decked out with a red carpet and balloon arch, as well as complimentary champagne.

The Bolton News: Mark says the shop is "what I set out to achieve"Mark says the shop is "what I set out to achieve"

Mark Welsh, 42, from Horwich, owner and CEO of Pro Baller, spoke to the Bolton News about the venture.

Mark, who is a property investor, has been involved in clothing brands for four years now, but Pro Baller has only been going for 18 months.

It is something of a passion project, he says, from the design to the quality: “I could be sleeping, I could be in the shower, all of a sudden I’ll get an idea for a design, and I have to do it.

“The standard is what I set out to achieve. I’ve travelled to various countries to find the right manufacturer.

“Some manufacturers try to dictate what the product will be over the phone, but when you get in person, they realise you’re not someone who’s messing around.”

The Bolton News: The shops stocks a range of items, including tracksuit bottoms, hoodies and jeans.The shops stocks a range of items, including tracksuit bottoms, hoodies and jeans.

Mark wants to make sure to be “hands on” with the clothes, checking the material to make sure it’s right.

He’s also very happy with the shop: “It’s my first time having a physical shop. It’s been more than a years work, but it’s what I set out to achieve.

“The idea has evolved, but it’s come together how I expected it to.”

Pro Baller was heavily inspired by football, Mark says: “It was inspired when spending time with my sons, who are both football mad.”

Mark won’t be doing it all on his own, however. His wife will be helping with the shop, and they will be employing another staff member.

If you’d like to get in touch with Pro Baller, you can email them at Info@proballerclothing.co.uk or call at 01204427772.