Canadian Premier League side Valour FC are drawing two very different but very important sources for the inspiration for their 2024 kits, made by Macron.
The Winnipeg-based club unveiled both their primary and alternate kits for 2024 during an event on Thursday, April 4, at the Trans Canada Brewery. “The two jerseys offer a salute to Winnipeg’s professional soccer history as well as honouring the rich Indigenous cultures of Manitoba in the Anishinaabe, Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, Lakota, Nakota, Deene, Inuit and Red River Métis people,” Valour’s website states.
While Valour has gone for predominantly maroon primary kits throughout its history, that color takes a backseat to white for the 2024 primary kit. The white base has maroon shoulders and a maroon stripe across the chest as a tribute to the Winnipeg Fury, the city’s first-ever professional soccer club. The Fury played in the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1993, winning the league title in 1992.
Three members of the title-winning Fury squad were on hand for Thursday’s unveiling: Constantine Ignat, Ralph Cantafio and former captain Tony Nocita.
“They’re phenomenal,” Nocita told the club website. “I thought I had a game later on and had to be ready to put it on. It brought me back. It was so close to the real thing, and it brought back a lot of memories. I just pictured myself wearing the jersey and it brought me back instantly.”
Valour’s away kit, meanwhile, draws heavily on Indigenous art and culture. A large maroon and gold sunflower dominates the front of the black shirt, while Prairie Crocus flowers are found in each of the four corners. The rest of the shirt features patterns and lines that recognize “the dynamic and deep contributions to art, science, and knowledge by the first peoples to our home province.”
“I love it,” midfielder Raphael Ohin said. “As soon as I saw it, I recognized the Indigenous themes. My girlfriend’s background is Indigenous. I had seen it earlier and told her, ‘As soon as you see it, you’re going to love it.’ When I showed her a pic her first reaction was, ‘Oh my God, this is lovely.’
“It’s so important for us to get the Indigenous community involved in what we’re trying to build. This jersey helps in that.”
Valour FC kick off their 2024 CanPL season on Sunday, April 14, when they visit Vancouver FC. They actually play their first seven games on the road due to the turf being replaced at their home stadium, IG Field. Their home opener won’t come until Sunday, June 2, when they host Vancouver FC.