When the reigning Canadian Premier League champions took to the pitch for their first game of the 2022 season, it’s safe to say they caught the attention of other teams, the league and fans.
Not only did the club continue its winning ways from last season by ultimately defeating Forge FC by a score of 2-1, but it was Pacific’s new alternate kit that stole the show.
Pacific FC took the field at Starlight Stadium in Langford, not in the typical purple and teal colourway, but donning a black and white, eye-catching, Indigenous-designed kit that was instantly celebrated online and at the field.
The alternate print was created by Coast Salish artist Maynard Thii Hayqwtun Johnny Jr. and marks the first Indigenous-designed jersey in professional sports history in Canada, according to Pacific FC.
— Pacific FC (@Pacificfccpl) April 11, 2022
The design showcases a salmon and a child’s face integrated throughout the jersey. According to the artist, the salmon represents the rejuvenation and resilience of the Indigenous people while the child’s face is featured within the centre of the design and symbolizes “the future of a more positive life ahead.”
PFC says that, by donning these jerseys, it hopes it can leverage its platform to support and create more awareness of Indigenous culture throughout the country. Ahead of the match on Sunday, Pacific FC welcomed a land acknowledgement and an Indigenous performance, along with a moment of silence for the victims of Canada’s genocide against First Nations peoples.
To say that the new designs were a hit online would be an understatement as well. The moment the kits were revealed on Sunday, fans and members around the league took to social media to praise the new head-turning black-and-white jerseys.
Top 5 of current kits around the world for sure.
— Bradley Davis (@btdavis129) April 11, 2022
One Twitter user described the kits as being currently one of the top five designs in the world when it comes to soccer, while others implied they were ready to instantly buy one for themselves.
This is a @Pacificfccpl kit appreciation post #CanPL l 📝: @AlexGangueRuzic
— Canadian Premier League (@CPLsoccer) April 11, 2022
— Sasha Vukelic, NP (2022) (@sashmaster) April 11, 2022
Can we collectively promise to alert each other as soon as that Pacific kit hits the online store?
— Nicky (@NickyCottee) April 10, 2022
Pacific FC's new 2022 alternate kit has sold out in just under 20 minutes 😱🟣#CanPL | #ForTheIsle | 📸: CPL pic.twitter.com/vfcpAFmYrT
— CPL News ⚽️🇨🇦 (@canplnews) April 11, 2022
Pacific FC has unveiled one of the best kits I have ever seen.
White and black Indigenous design with a teal trim from the club's crest. The kit was designed by a local First Nations artist.
Just wow. Love it. pic.twitter.com/oCbJVYNhEw
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) April 10, 2022
Another Twitter user highlighted that the new PFC jerseys are “one of the best kits I have ever seen,” while another suggests that Pacific already “wins kit of the season.”
READ MORE: Late goal salvages 2-2 tie for Canada against Nigeria in Langford
Well, Pacific wins kit of the season.
— Allan (@offsidetwice) April 10, 2022
There are other kits in #CanPL. And then there is Pacific's alternate kit. Wow.
— Steven Sandor (@stevensandor) April 10, 2022
They've just unveiled Pacific FC's new alternate kit here, and let's just say: wow
White and black with teal accents, with Indigenous patterns drawn by a local First Nations artist – it's fantastic in every aspect
It should hit social media shortly#CanPL
— Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic (@AlexGangueRuzic) April 10, 2022
I’m a fan of Pacific because they have the sexiest kit in all of Concacaf.
But seriously I have to admit even as a Wanderers fan, they’ve become one of the coolest and most likeable CPL clubs.👍
— Pascal Pelletier (@Shovelthird) April 11, 2022
LOVE THESE!
What a jersey! Going to be buying these on the next order for sure.
Amazing what is represents too #ForTheIsle! 💜💜💜 pic.twitter.com/UBh1Ug20Nw
— T.O.P. (@TOP_Pacific) April 11, 2022
Pacific new jersey is so cool that even ESPN Mexico is tweeting about it. Congrats @Pacificfccpl for an amazing initiative. 👏🏽 https://t.co/OV7sFB8UWn
— David Nava Herrero (@davidnh182) April 11, 2022
It was evident the jerseys were an instant hit as they sold out almost rapidly once being revealed online. The club is now taking pre-orders for the next shipment of jerseys, noting that a percentage of the proceeds of each jersey will be donated to Thii Hayqwtun’s charity/s of choice at the end of the 2022 season.
To preorder Pacific FC’s Coast Salish alternate kit, fans can visit the team store here. The new jerseys retail at $119 and come in sizes ranging from youth-4XL
Graham Cox
