In 1886, fifteen workers at the Royal Arsenal in Woolwich met at the Royal Oak pub, and each agreed to contribute sixpence to go towards the founding of a football club – Arsenal is now 125 years old, and to celebrate that milestone, they’ve released this special 125th anniversary home kit. Featuring the Gunner’s signature red body with white sleeves, the shirt features a new special crest that is wrapped with fifteen laurel leaves the left side, representing the the fifteen founding members, and fifteen oak leaves on the right, representing the Royal Oak pub.
The shirt is made using Nike Dri-Fit technology, made from reclaimed water bottles, and 13% lighter than last year’s model. The design itself is inspired by the successful Arsenal sides of the 1970s, such as Bertie Mee’s 1971 double winning side, and Terry Neill’s 1979 ‘five minute final’ FA Cup winners.
The crest also features the club’s first motto ‘Forward’, while the club’s current motto, ‘Victoria Concordia Crescit’, is on the inside of the shirt, beneath the crest. Or right over your heart, if you prefer. The kit is up for pre-order online now, and will be released on June 9th, 2011.
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