Chris | Co-Founder
Chris founded Y1 with a simple idea while in his first year at university: creating the original Y1 onesie. What started as a student project quickly grew into a global sports brand, driven by Chris’s passion for community, storytelling, and innovation.
An ex-international hockey goalkeeper, Chris earned 44 caps for the USA, with his career highlight being a BUCS Gold medal with Exeter University. He has since led Y1’s marketing and brand development, building one of the strongest communities in modern hockey and padel.
Today, Chris continues to shape Y1’s vision, combining performance-driven products with a strong focus on culture, creativity, and athlete connection.
Tom | Co-Founder
Tom Carson was the driving force behind turning Y1 from an idea into a business. With a natural go-getter mentality, he pushed the brand forward from day one and remains the engine behind its innovation.
A former international hockey player, Tom earned 77 caps for England and Great Britain and represented his country at the 2014 World Cup. Known as the stronger hockey player of the two founders, he brings elite-level insight into everything Y1 creates.
Tom is the brand’s lead innovator, constantly developing new products and performance solutions. After discovering padel while playing in Belgium, he introduced Y1 Padel to the UK market, helping to establish the brand as a major player in the sport.
