A young Forest Green Rovers supporter was given the honour of unveiling the club’s brand-new away kit to the world before the players themselves.
Nine-year-old Louie, from Gloucestershire, won a competition to become the face of the launch, enjoying an exclusive first look at the 2026/27 away shirt before taking part in the official photoshoot alongside new signing Oli Ewing.
Accompanied by his dad Damian, Louie was the first fan to wear the new strip as Forest Green revealed the design inspired by the work of Fish Net Zero, an organisation dedicated to recovering lost and abandoned fishing gear from UK waters.
The youngster was full of praise for the new look.
“It’s definitely better than the old away shirt. I’d give it a solid 9.5 out of 10,” said Louie.
The shirt’s striking pattern takes inspiration from Nemesis, the high-speed patrol vessel operated by Fish Net Zero, an initiative of the Green Britain Foundation.
Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said the kit celebrates the work of volunteers helping to protect Britain’s seas.
“This season’s away kit is inspired by the ocean protection work of The Green Britain Foundation. It’s a nod to the team of volunteer divers who recover old fishing nets and lobster traps as part of our Fish Net Zero campaign.
“The shirt follows the livery of our high-speed patrol ship closely – the Nemesis. FGR will wear it for the next two years as part of our approach to shirt sustainability and fan affordability.”
Mark Muschamp, skipper of Nemesis, added: “Seeing FGR design their new away kit around Nemesis, taking inspiration from her striking paintwork, is an unbelievable honour. As her captain, I can’t wait to see the team take to the pitch wearing the colours of a vessel dedicated to cleaning up and protecting our seas.”
Supporters will see the new strip in action for the first time when Forest Green face Cardiff City in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, July 25.
Made by technical partner Reflo, the shirt is produced using recycled and recyclable materials through the company’s Reloop process, continuing the club’s commitment to sustainability.
Reflo Marketing Director Ben Stoney said involving a young supporter in the launch was an important part of the campaign.
“To prove it’s not just a green win, we’ve enrolled Louie.
“We can’t fake the enthusiasm of a nine-year-old boy. If they love it, then we know we’re doing things the right way. If they don’t, you’ll see it on their face.”
