Newport County, in collaboration with fresh creative partners Lover’s F.C. and local Ragga Metal icons Skindred, have dropped a debut collaboration kit that takes inspiration from the city’s rich West Indian and ethnic heritage.
In partnership with local Ragga Metal icons Skindred, Newport County – with help from new creative partners Lover’s F.C., have released a special edition kit that’s set to be worn one match, on 7 December against Carlisle. The one-off match-worn jersey is a bold celebration of Newport’s vibrant Caribbean community, blending culture, music, and football into one electric design. Why does there appear to be two shirts here then we hear you ask? Black is the outfield shirt, while that vibrant yellow number is the keeper’s.
This isn’t just another kit release though – it’s personal. Lover’s F.C., led by local boy and lifelong County fan Neal Heard, and Skindred frontman Benji Webbe, a proud son of Newport’s Pill suburb, have brought their own roots into this collaboration. Newport County players of West Indian descent—Courtney Baker-Richardson, Kyle Jameson, and Kyle Hudlin—were eager to be part of this celebration, joining the shoot in a kit that feels as much like a love letter to the city as it does to football.
In true Lover’s F.C. fashion, the team has teamed up with VX3 to document this release with authenticity at its heart. And where better to capture the essence of Newport than in the beating heart of the city’s multicultural Pillgwenlly area? The shoot took place at Kriminal Records, the local independent music store, and The Ship and Pilot, the iconic dockside pub. It’s a nod to the spirit of Newport’s independent, tight-knit community—where music, culture, and football collide in perfect harmony.
Local boy and lead singer of the band, Benji Webbe said of the collaborative drop: “Whether you’re Black or your White, the colour of your Skin don’t matter, it’s your attitude…that’s what draws Newport Together’ Skindred and Newport are joined at the hip…we have flown the flag for the city from day one…for us to be part of the official strip for my home town club, especially telling the tale it does, is something dreams are made of. Music and football bring both people together and give them the freedom to be themselves and this kit celebrates that.”
Neal Heard, the club’s Creative Director and Lover’s F.C founder added: “We want to explore the city's creative stories as well as its creative storytellers. With lover’s working with VX3 punching above our weight on and off the pitch is what the clubs kit offerings will be all about, and through taking design and history seriously we intend to appeal to fans across the globe as much as those in the city itself. The Skindred kit is the perfect way to kick this off."
The Newport County Skindred ’shirt is available now at shop.newport-county.co.uk/
