No more new jersey every year, Union Saint Gilloise rewrites the rules of modern soccer

Brussels – Champions on the field, exemplary off it: Union Saint Gilloise continues to make waves, first of all for its victory in the Belgian Super Cup, the first in its history, and then for its commitment to sustainability. Lifting the second trophy in just a few months, off-camera, the team is working to rewrite the way to experience soccer, seen as too consumer-focused and, thus, unsustainable. The agreement with Nike for the new jersey includes a special clause: the team will keep the home match kit for two seasons, breaking the well-established tradition of new versions of t-shirts for each championship.

The club attributes the option to “our sustainability goals” as it is determined to move forward with the ‘green’ policy for professional soccer. Yellow jersey, blue sleeves, with the tops of the t-shirts the same color as the sleeves, blue shorts, yellow socks: this is how Union Saint Gilloise will dress for the next two years to reduce waste, avoid supporting a clothing sector ended up in the crosshairs for its eco-friendliness, so much so that it prompted the EU to run for cover. 

Fans have not seen the new jersey USG yet since the July 20 Super Cup match against Bruges that the players played and won (1-2 was the final score, ed.) was with the away jersey, white with yellow-blue horizontal band. But starting with the championship, kicking off on Saturday (July 27), we will see the new Nike two-year kit.

Impact on and off the pitch.

As a part of our Union Inspires sustainability strategy, the new home kit will be worn by our men and women’s team and U23s for two consecutive seasons. Our main aim is to reduce waste and minimise production. pic.twitter.com/xsIn9NxUFM

– Royale Union Saint-Gilloise (@UnionStGilloise) July 15, 2024

It is not Union Saint Gilloise’s first initiative in official products and merchandising. Last season, the compromise reached with the technical material supplier included a third jersey for just the players with no products sold to the public. Why? The same reason related to the sustainability of modern soccer: to avoid potential waste of clothing and textile material.

Sustainable and responsible soccer from Union Saint Gilloise: a unique model in this regard. USG does not only teach the game to opponents, supporters, and football lovers but much more. C’est l’Union!