USL Championship side Oakland Roots SC are living up to their name, showing just how deep their roots in their home city with their new set of kits for the 2024 season.
The club unveiled its home, away and goalkeeper kits for 2024 on Friday, February 23 — their first kits with new supplier Charly. All three pay homage to local culture and landmarks in Oakland.
The home kit retains the Roots’ usual black base color, but puts a new spin on it with three vertical stripes down the front. The stripes contain “a striking mosaic of geometric shapes,” similar to that found in the bottom half of the club crest. “This kaleidoscope of colored shapes symbolizes diversity and unity, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the club and community,” according to a press release.
The mosaic pattern is also visible under each arm of the jersey. White trim adorns the sleeve cuffs and the V-neck collar.
The design suggests a sense of forward motion and growth, much like the vertical advancement the club aims to embody. The geometric shapes are seen as building blocks, representing the foundational strength and structure of the club, each block a step in its upward journey. The overall aesthetic of the jersey is modern, bold, and energetic, aiming to resonate with fans and players alike and to make a statement both on and off the field.
— Oakland Roots SC press release
The away kit, meanwhile, is an homage to the Tribune Tower in Oakland, which is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. The mosaic stripes carry over from the home kit, but are rendered in shades of grey that are “inspired by the Tower’s architectural hues.” The teal and copper accents on the collar, cuffs and sides are “reminiscent of the oxidation and brickwork found on the historic building.”
The Roots’ goalkeeper jersey is a tribute to former Mexico goalie Jorge Campos, who was known in the 1990s for his flamboyant neon kits. The green base with enlarged yellow mosaic outlines on the front “give a sense of movement and energy,” according to the club’s press release. “The patterns are angular and intersecting, reminiscent of Jorge Campos’ memorable fashion sense. This jersey combines the spirit of Oakland’s colors with a flair for the dramatic, much like the legendary goalkeeper it pays homage to.”
Charly is a Mexico City-based sportswear company that has been producing kits for Liga MX teams for years, but recently has started making inroads in the U.S. soccer market, including new 2024 kits for Oakland Roots’ USL Championship compatriots, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC.
“Dropping a new jersey to the world is my favorite time of year. Our club is about telling stories and paying homage to the iconic people and places that make ‘The Town’ the greatest city in the world. So much of our lives are spent together, and we are excited to release jerseys that commemorate this special community.”
— Oakland Roots SC chief marketing officer Edreece Arghandiwal
Oakland Roots SC opens their 2024 USL Championship season at home against Indy Eleven on Saturday, March 9.
