Adidas and Stonewall FC, they've been doing this thing for four years now, yeah? Building bridges, breaking down walls, making football a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. And this year, they've dropped some fire new kits, dripping with meaning and purpose.
First up, the home kit. Classic blue, like a wave crashing on the shore, representing the strength and resilience of the community. But it's the away kit, the "Unity 2.0," that really gets me. It's a camo design, but not your average camo, nah. This one's a kaleidoscope of colors, the colors of the transgender flag, bold and unapologetic. It's a statement, a shout-out to the trans and non-binary community, saying, "We see you, we hear you, we stand with you."
This ain't just about looking good, though. It's about sending a message, about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, where everyone can be themselves without fear or judgment. Football, it's supposed to be a game for everyone, right? But for too long, it's been a space where people have been excluded, marginalized, made to feel like they don't belong. Adidas and Stonewall FC, they're saying, "Enough is enough."
They're using their platform, their influence, to challenge the status quo, to push for change. And it's working. The first "Unity" kit, back in 2021, it sold out in a flash. People were hungry for something different, something that reflected the changing face of football.
This new collection, it's even more powerful. The home and away kits, they're joined by vibrant yellow and pink goalkeeper jerseys, each one a celebration of individuality. And on each sleeve, you'll see the LGBTQ+ flag and the Kick It Out badge, a reminder that we're all in this together, fighting for a more inclusive future.
Alex Baker, the Chair of Stonewall FC, he said it best: "Our partnership with adidas has been pivotal in supporting our work. It has highlighted the power of community football as a vehicle for positive change, helping shine a light on the fantastic work we and many others are doing to make football a more welcoming space for all.
“Our first kit launch in 2021 saw the sale of over 600 Unity shirts, reaching supporters in countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and the U.S. We're excited for this new collection and hope it helps to inspire people to be proud of who they are."
And Steve Marks, from adidas, he echoed that sentiment: "We're delighted to continue our partnership with Stonewall FC. We aimed to create a symbol of unity and belonging to reinforce the message that football is truly a game for everyone. We hope these jerseys inspire players, fans and allies, to champion inclusivity on and off the pitch."
So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself a kit, show your support, and let's make football a space where everyone feels like they belong. Because, at the end of the day, football is about more than just the game. It's about community, it's about belonging, it's about love. And that's something we can all get behind, yeah?
