It won’t be a walk in the park for New York City FC’s Major League Soccer opponents when they wear their new third kits in the remainder of the 2023 season.
NYCFC unveiled the new third kits, made by Adidas, on social media on Wednesday, August 16. It’s the club’s first-ever third kit, and it honors “the civic backyard of New Yorkers,” according to the club.
“The parks are the metaphoric and literal lungs of the City, providing critical clean air and places to relax and play in the City That Never Sleeps. It’s where many people learn, apply and hone their soccer skills on a daily basis.”
— NYCFC.com
The kit itself has a dark green base with a mottled pattern across the front and sleeves that was “designed using a customized layering of different textures of Central Park — the foliage, roots, rock outcroppings and grassy lawns.” NYCFC’s signature shade of light blue appears as trim on the sleeve cuffs, collar and side/hem taping. The Adidas shoulder stripes are light green.
The back of the jersey is solid green, allowing for legibility of names and numbers printed in white. The jock tag features the NYC Parks logo of a leaf inside a circle, while the back collar has a design “inspired by the floral patterns of Central Park’s Bethesda Arcade and fountain.” The club crest is rendered in green and white.
“The Parks are a great representation of New York City itself. On any given day, you’ll see people from all different backgrounds coming together to enjoy them, playing soccer or other sports or hanging out with their friends and family,” said aptly named NYCFC midfielder Keaton Parks. “Our parks are a place for everyone, and I’m honored to wear a kit that celebrates this commonality for New Yorkers.”
“New York City Football Club has been a longstanding partner of NYC Parks, helping to create brand new soccer pitches for New Yorkers, and I’m excited to join them once again to reveal our latest collaboration – the first-ever Parks jersey,” added NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Our public parks are important oases providing all groups of people, sport teams and other patrons with healthy greenspaces to connect with their environments. We’re proud of this latest collaboration with NYCFC, and we look forward to giving New Yorkers yet another chance to show their NYC Parks pride.”
NYCFC didn’t say in their announcement when the kits would be worn in a match for the first time. Their next home match is against Minnesota United on Sunday, August 20.
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