FC Groningen
DEFENDING
In 1672, the city of Groningen faced an attack by the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen, also known as ‘Bombing Berend’. On August 28, after fierce defense by the citizens of Groningen, his army was forced to retreat. This historic event is commemorated annually in Groningen. For the 2024 celebration, I designed a special FC Groningen shirt, inspired by historical prints from 1672. The shirt is a tribute to the spirit of teamwork and resilience that has defined the city and its football club through the centuries.
Role: Design & Art Direction
Photography: Ewoud Rooks
Year: 2024
DEFENDING
THE CITY
In 1672, the city of Groningen faced an attack by the Bishop of Münster, Bernhard von Galen, also known as ‘Bombing Berend’. On August 28, after fierce defense by the citizens of Groningen, his army was forced to retreat. This historic event is commemorated annually in Groningen. For the 2024 celebration, I designed a special FC Groningen shirt, inspired by historical prints from 1672. The shirt is a tribute to the spirit of teamwork and resilience that has defined the city and its football club through the centuries.
Role: Design & Art Direction
Photography: Ewoud Rooks
Year: 2024
6500+
shirts sold2.6m
online impressions+400%
increase in third kit sales
FIGHTING FOR THE CITY OF GRONINGEN
The shirt features several design elements that pay tribute to Groningen's rich history. The Groningen coat of arms is proudly displayed on the chest within a shield, while the collar and cuffs are decorated with a pattern inspired by the shapes of 17th-century bastion forts. The central visual element is an illustration, based on a 1672 print, running across the full shirt. With colors adapted to suite the modern design.
We made sure the launch visuals and presentation reflected the design’s historical depth. Photographer Ewoud Rooks captured the new shirt in the Aa Church, a historic building that survived Bombing Berend’s attack. In these photos, with painterly-like light, the shirt is worn by the modern-day fortification line of the city: FC Groningen’s defenders.
The kit sold out within hours, making it one of the best selling kits in club history.
The shirt features several design elements that pay tribute to Groningen's rich history. The Groningen coat of arms is proudly displayed on the chest within a shield, while the collar and cuffs are decorated with a pattern inspired by the shapes of 17th-century bastion forts. The central visual element is an illustration, based on a 1672 print, running across the full shirt. With colors adapted to suite the modern design.
We made sure the launch visuals and presentation reflected the design’s historical depth. Photographer Ewoud Rooks captured the new shirt in the Aa Church, a historic building that survived Bombing Berend’s attack. In these photos, with painterly-like light, the shirt is worn by the modern-day fortification line of the city: FC Groningen’s defenders.
The kit sold out within hours, making it one of the best selling kits in club history.
