Canadian Premier League side Vancouver FC have a little spring in their step after unveiling their new alternate kits for 2024.
The club launched the kits, manufactured by league-wide supplier Macron, on their website and social media channels on Wednesday, April 3. They’re inspired by one of the true harbingers of spring in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia: cherry blossoms.
The kits have a pale pink base with a pattern of cherry blossom petals in various darker shades of pink cascading down the shirt.
With a slight change in temperature comes the explosion. Of white. Of pink. Of spring. Of hope. The streets of the Lower Mainland are suddenly lined by the delicate buds of pastel blooms. The dreariness of winter is gone, and our community comes alive among the range of pink hues. The return of the cherry blossom trees, a phenomenon that has graced the area for more than 60 years and is a must-see for us locals and visiting tourists alike, marks a fresh start for us all.
— Vancouver FC
Vancouver FC’s crest sits on the left chest in black and grey. Sponsor logos on the chest and sleeve are printed in one-color black, as are names and numbers on the back. The crew neck collar and sleeve cuffs are black with a broad white stripe through the middle.
“The blossoms symbolize new beginnings and vitality, aligning perfectly with our club’s renewed aspirations as we line up with a newly-assembled squad for the 2024 Canadian Premier League season,” Vancouver FC said in their announcement.
The cherry blossom shirt don’t just look good, though; they’ll raise money for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds from each jersey sold will be donated to the Pink Shirt Day campaign, which aims to combat bullying in sports, schools and all aspects of life for young people.
“This kit is our very own pink shirt for 2024, and we hope people wear it with pride to support their club and contribute to a greater cause,” said VFC vice president of marketing and business development Stephanie Wood. “Not many people know the story of how Pink Shirt Day originated. It started here in Canada, and we hope to keep that spirit alive by using our platform for positive change.”
Vancouver FC open their 2024 CanPL regular season on Sunday, April 14, when they host Winnipeg-based Valour FC at the Willoughby Community Park at the Langley Events Centre. Their first away game — and possibly their first chance to wear the cherry blossom kits — comes on Friday, April 26, when they visit York United.