Everton’s attempt to trademark a version of the iconic 1980s badge worn by Howard Kendall’s title winners has been explained by the launch of an American Football merch range.
The club, under the stewardship of new American owners The Friedkin Group, have launched a new range of clothing that features the shield-less badge on hoodies and tracksuit bottoms.
The range has been produced in a collaboration with US sports brand Mitchell & Ness, which makes kits for NFL, basketball and ice hockey teams with a strong focus on retro gear. The American Football Everton range features two oversize t-shirts with large Everton badges and ‘1878’ numbering, a ‘Champ’ hoodie fleece featuring a total of four historic Everton badges, and tracksuit bottoms to match the hoodie.
The range is not cheap. The t-shirts, marketed as ‘jerseys’ are £90 each – more than a brand new Everton home shirt – while the hoodie is priced at £75.
It is not the first time Everton has focused on America for a range of merchandise. The club has previously launched a baseball-inspired range with caps and striped shirts. The Everton third kit is inspired by baseball and a match played at Goodison Park in the 1920s.
Meanwhile, Castore has also revealed a new training range set to be worn by the players in the second part of the season. The turqoise range features prominent Castore winged logos and a pattern across the lower part of t-shirts and jackets.
The American Football and new Castore ranges are on sale now on the Everton store.