Welsh ragga metal icons Skindred have teamed up with their hometown soccer club, Newport County AFC, to create a vibrant new "Exiles" away kit. The collaboration, which also involves the club’s kit suppliers VX3 and creative partner Lover’s FC, celebrates Newport’s rich cultural diversity, particularly its West Indian and Caribbean influences.
The eye-catching kit is a tribute to the city’s vibrant community spirit and its connection to music and football. Skindred’s frontman, Benji Webbe, expressed his pride in being part of the project, saying, “Whether you’re Black or you’re White, the colour of your skin doesn’t matter, it’s your attitude… That’s what draws Newport together. Skindred and Newport are joined at the hip. We’ve flown the flag for the city from day one. For us to be part of the official strip for my hometown club, especially telling the tale it does, is something dreams are made of. Music and football bring people together and give them the freedom to be themselves, and this kit celebrates that.”
The collaboration aligns with Newport County’s broader vision of embracing creativity and history. Neal Heard, the club’s creative director and founder of Lover’s FC, said, “We want to explore the city’s creative stories and storytellers. Punching above our weight on and off the pitch is what we’re all about. The Skindred kit is the perfect way to kick this off.”
Huw Jenkins, Newport County’s chairman, also praised the partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to team up with Skindred, a band that truly represents the spirit of Newport. This collaboration underscores the power of community and shared pride in the city.”
The jerseys are available for purchase at Newport County AFC’s shop in Friars Walk, at their stadium on match days, and online.
This isn’t the first time music and football have joined forces. British trancecore band Enter Shikari recently sponsored St Albans City FC, demonstrating how music can amplify the stories and causes behind soccer clubs. In a similar vein, Irish band Fontaines D.C. worked with Dublin’s Bohemians FC to design a jersey supporting Palestine aid.
