If you happen to like both soccer and that ragga ragga goodness of Welsh metal band Skindred, then you happen to be in a somewhat niche realm of luck. The band has teamed up with their hometown soccer club Newport County Association Football Club (AFC, and don’t forget they call soccer the more appropriately named football), and Lover’s Football Club to design new shirts, jerseys, and shorts that nod to how diverse the city of Newport, South Wales is when it comes to its West Indian population and its Caribbean influences.
Skindred frontman, who also happens to basically run Newport with his coolness, had this to say on the new merch launch:
“Whether you’re black or you’re white, the color of your skin doesn’t matter, it’s your attitude… That’s what draws Newport together. Skindred and Newport are joined at the hip. We have flown the flag for the city from day one. For us to be part of the official strip for my hometown club, especially telling the tale it does, is something dreams are made of. Music and football bring both people together and give them the freedom to be themselves and this kit celebrates that.”
Neal Heard, NCAFC’s creative director and founder of Lovers FC, added:
“We want to explore the city’s creative stories and creative storytellers, punching above our weight on and off the pitch is what we will be all about, and through taking design and history seriously we intend to appeal to fans across the globe as much as those in the city itself. The Skindred kit is the perfect way to kick this off.”
Newport County chairman Huw Jenkins is also excited about the collaboration. “We’re delighted to team up with Skindred, a band that truly represents the spirit of Newport,” Jenkins said. “This collaboration underscores the power of community and shared pride in the city.”
You can shop the Skindred line at the Newport County AFC’s shop in Friars Walk, at their stadium on game days, and online here.
