The A. A. Embroidery company began in the 1930's and in 1936 supplied the tracksuits worn by the Great Britain Olympic team. After the war the assciation with the Great Britain Olympic team continued and they supplied tracksuits right up to the 1980 Moscow Olympics. They also supplied tracksuits to all the major football teams before the big firms of Umbro and Nike.

Being based in Leicester the company had strong ties with Leicester City football club and provided goalkeeper jumpers right up to the time of Peter Shilton.

Sportswear in those days was not a big money spinner as it is today though A. A. Embroidery were successful with their sportswear range under the Copdale brand

For the 1966 World Cup Umbro supplied the kit and tracksuit to the England team. However A.A. released a World Cup Willie tracksuit and also a World Cup Insignia tracksuit.

A.A. Embroidery ceased trading in the early 1990's.

Leo Hoye wearing his Copdale tracksuit