A new kit and new memories are coming as Nike have just released their very clean, yet bold, recycled and updated Matildas gear.
Made from 100% recycled bottles, this is the kit which accelerates Nike’s move to “zero future” – zero carbon and zero waste, a blend of innovation, sustainability and design.
It doesn’t feel that long ago when we saw the release of the ‘old’ graffiti-inspired kit, and now Caitlin Foord is already keen to play in the new revision.
“We’ve gone back to our traditional green and gold which is how you see Australia when you look at national teams,” Foord said.
“It’s a bit of a change from last year’s one, but it’s nice to go back to the plain, clean look.
“The away kit I really like. That colour is something we haven’t had before and it’s something different and I’m looking forward to hopefully playing in both.”
While it might take you a few moments to digest the latest kit, the jacket is immediately striking with an understated embossed design which Foord describes as an ‘indigenous pattern’.
The science behind the kit evolved from researching 300 athletes to deliver comfort.
“I haven’t played in it yet, but if it’s anything like our kits previously, it has always been very comfortable and it gives you the freedom that you need be able to play,” Foord said.
“There’s nothing worse than having something uncomfortable on when playing and just not feeling right. These kits definitely give you that feel.
“With the environment, made of recycled bottles, I think that’s a really cool touch. I feel proud to wear a jersey like this.”
Our kits are constructed with 100% recycled polyester from plastic bottles 💪https://t.co/vZu1BnqwF4
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) September 17, 2020
Foord also reflected on Nike’s commitment to social justice and corporate social responsibility, including #blacklivesmatter and sustainability.
“It’s huge to see Nike pretty much as one of the first ones to step up and support that and kick off a campaign.
“We all believe in that and to have their support as an athlete it’s huge to know … they’re a driving force for us and giving us a voice.
“Nike [is a] huge brand that grabs attention from the whole world and are the first ones to be at the front.
“I just feel privileged to be a part of a company like that.”
The focus for Foord is a complementary split between playing club football for Arsenal and preparing for the Olympics in 2021.
“With everything that’s going on, it’s a bit tougher to be in the national team,” Foord said.
“Normally we would be prepping a lot in every FIFA window, whereas that’s taken away at the moment.
“For all of us, our club team is our environment right now. I think selfishly a bit, you have to focus on your own development, when you look at the national team and just get yourself in the best possible place you can and best form.
“It’s only nine months away so this is definitely the start of that building block. We’ve been delayed but you just want to be ready for that next camp, whenever that is.”
For many of the Matildas and Foord herself, playing club football in the FA WSL bridges the gap between the Socceroos and the Matildas, in that club football becomes the backbone of their preparation.
“Coming to Europe, we’re in one club now, in a full season and a professional environment. It’s very similar to how the men’s game is and that’s a massive step for us moving forward and pushing the game forward,” Foord said.
The Matildas group and Arsenal are also providing the best environment for the players’ physical and mental wellbeing, as they’re removed from the support networks of their family and friends.
“Without a doubt, if you needed support in any form, they’re [the Matildas group] definitely there,” Foord stated.
“With COVID-19 and not being able to play football and being away from home, Arsenal have been next level with making sure everyone is ok. They made you feel at home away from home.
“A lot of girls got to go back to their families in their home countries if they wanted to. That option was there but if you did decide to stay, which most people did, which is showing in itself that everyone didn’t feel that they had to run off home.
“You feel like you’re at home here and you know you have the support. It has just been massive to know that you have that within the game. Just feeling it makes you feel at ease at the start.”
Foord finishes up by reflecting on the co-hosted FIFA 2023 Women’s World Cup with Australia and New Zealand.
“Obviously we have a lot of history with New Zealand. We’ve played them a lot of times,” Foord highlighted.
“From the start of the Matildas, I would say they were the games you always got and we grew together with them.
“So to now to share a World Cup, I think that’s huge for both nations. It’s nice to be able to share that.”
Football Federation Australia Chief Executive Officer, James Johnson, believes the launch of the new kits is timely for the sport.
“Australia’s new Nike kits – which will be worn by the Socceroos throughout their qualification path to Qatar 2022 and by the Matildas at the next Women’s Asian Cup in India – have been unveiled at a time when our senior national teams are readying to reboot post-COVID,” Johnson said.
“Both the Matildas and the Socceroos will have significant schedules of activity over the next two years, so these kits – both home and away – will feature in an array of significant matches in 2021 and 2022 as our players and teams aim to excel on the global stage.
“With a new Matildas head coach arriving soon, the Socceroos on top of their qualification group for Qatar, and a host of important national team fixtures and tournaments coming up over the next 24 months, the launch of these new kits represents another important milestone in the history of our national teams.”
Matildas Captain Sam Kerr said, “I’m a big fan of the classic design of this new home kit. It’s an honour to play in green and gold and we can’t wait to get back on the pitch as a team.”
“The next few years are so important for Australian women’s football, and we intend to do everyone proud in the lead up to a huge 2023.”
If you’re ready to part with your money, the jersey is available from Friday, 18 September at rebelsport.com.au.
Read more about the kit launch here, as well as the official release.
