Skindred And Newport County FC Unite To Celebrate City’s Diversity

Skindred have joined forces with Newport County AFC and creative streetwear powerhouse Lovers FC to unveil a vibrant one-off away kit. Celebrating Newport’s multicultural spirit, the kit will debut on December 7th during Newport County’s football match against Carlisle.

The kit, designed in collaboration with VX3, Newport County’s kit supplier, takes inspiration from Newport’s vibrant West Indian and ethnic community.

Frontman Benji Webbe, a Newport local, expressed his pride in the collaboration. “Whether you’re Black or White, the colour of your skin doesn’t matter,” he told us. “It’s your attitude that counts. Music and football bring people together, and this kit represents that unity while showcasing Newport’s spirit.”

For all involved, this is personal. Neal Heard is a lifetime Newport County supporter, local lad and the leader of Lovers FC. Benji Webbe hails from the Newport suburb of Pill, while players of West Indian descent from Newport County, Courtney Baker Richardson, Kyle Jameson, and Kyle Hudlin, seized the opportunity to participate in the kit launch.

“We want to explore the city’s creative stories and creative storytellers,” Heard said. “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.”

Huw Jenkins, Newport County chairman, welcomes the partnership. “We’re delighted to team up with Skindred,” he said, “a band that truly represents the spirit of Newport. This collaboration underscores the power of community and shared pride in the city.”

It has been an epic 18 months for Skindred, with their album Smile falling agonisingly short of the No. 1 spot in the album charts with “less than 150 chart units separating” them and the top of the pile. More shows in 2024, including  OVO Arena Wembley and Steelhouse Festival, have seen them continue to go from strength to strength. The EFL League Two will hope that the Metal magic rubs off of them,

“Skindred and Newport are joined at the hip,” Webbe said. “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.”

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