Want to design a sports jersey?
Why not ask the players who have to wear them? Or at least a former player.
Through a pro soccer career in Europe, and 43 games for Canada, defender Josh Simpson had jerseys he did and didn’t like. So when the call came to design the jersey for Pacific FC, club president Simpson decided who better than himself to do it?
“It’s always been my desire, but I never thought I would get a chance to put together my dream kit,” said Simpson.
When you co-own the team, however, you can do things like that.
The kit and colours for all seven teams in the new professional Canadian Premier League were unveiled Thursday in Toronto.
“For players, it’s the simplest jerseys — with the small details — that work best,” Simpson said.
“Players don’t like huge contrasts in colours or design. Players love very basic and very well fitted.”
Simpson doesn’t like collars, so designed the Pacific FC jerseys with a V-neck.
“As opposed to collars, the V-neck is simple and doesn’t get in the way,” he said.
Simpson said there will be a new jersey issued each season and that 2020’s is already designed by league sponsor Macron.
Considering the West Coast weather, and with apologies to Prince, it is perhaps appropriate Pacific FC has gone with a Purple Rain scheme for the inaugural home jersey and teal or “lagoon blue” for the away. Pacific FC will wear the logo on front of Volkswagen, one of the league sponsors.
“All our seats will be purple, and all season ticket purchasers get a jersey, so it’s going to look great,” said Simpson.
Speaking of seats, Simpson is adamant that 6,000 will be in place at Westhills Stadium in time for the franchise inaugural game April 28 against HFX Wanderers of Halifax. But he openly admits it’s going to be a race to the finish.
“There are a lot of logistics involved, but absolutely the stadium will be ready for play,” said Simpson.
“A lot of people are referencing the same situation as Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, where workers were working up to the last minute before the first event in 2005 [a Rod Stewart concert].”
Quipped Simpson: “There could be some wet paint signs.”
But they will be in purple.
Simpson said Pacific FC has surpassed the 1,000 plateau in season tickets and that more than 2,500 tickets have been sold so far for the inaugural game in the 28th.
