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An amateur football club’s new away strip has scooped £75,000 worth of orders after its anti-fascist message spread to Spain.
Clapton Community Football Club (CFC) – formed by fans boycotting Forest Gate based Clapton FC over its ownership – launched its away strip at a friendly against Wanderers FC on Saturday.
The kit uses the red, purple and yellow colours of the International Brigades, paramilitary units of volunteers from across Europe set up to defend the left-wing government battling forces led by General Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War.
Much of the demand for the £30 kit – with the rallying cry “No pasaran”, Spanish for “They shall not pass”, on the back and 2,500 orders made so far – came from Spain.
“I wanted to make something that marked the importance of the sacrifice of those who fought against fascism.
“We have always been known as fans who are outspoken on fascism and racism, so it made total sense,” he added.
Sales took off after the Spanish media, including sports daily Marca, spotted the Italian made kit.
“We’re totally pleased by the exposure,” Thom, from East Ham, said.
The fan-owned club will spend some of the money on itself while funds are also earmarked for the International Brigade Memorial Trust, that keeps the memory alive of those who fought.
Jim Jump, the Trust’s national secretary, said: “We’re delighted that the shirt highlights the sacrifice made by those who joined the International Brigades and excited that some of the income from the shirts will enable us to work with Clapton CFC on education and memorial initiatives.”
The Middlesex Counties League Division One club has seen new fans joining from Spain, increasing its official fanbase to 400. The team plays its next match against Hutton FC on September 22 at Wadham Lodge Sports Ground, Walthamstow.
“I hope we can welcome some of our new friends to a game in the near future,” Thom said.
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