Football Team Colours Introduction

Most football clubs' colours were chosen gradually during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The basic colours have remained but are often used in a variety of different designs. The patterns of the strips frequently change from season to season though always presenting the basic colours. These colours, the equivalent of the heraldic colours of armies meeting on the field, when they appear, bring forth the fervent passions and emotions of their supporters.

Teams have chosen their colours for a variety of reasons. Some have taken the colours of their town heraldry. Others have acquired their colours by accident, and it would be interesting for supporters to research the subject and pass on their information to us. For example, as explained by Derek Jewell, Arsenal were so short of funds in 1886 under the name of Dial Square that their goal keeper asked his old club, Nottingham Forest, for some shirts. Forest made the gift and Arsenal adopted their colours, red and white.

Above all, once the ball is in play it is essential that players are instantly identifiable to each other and their followers.

Lilian Blake

Sources:
BUKTA SOCCER JERSEYS (1964)
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (season 1997-8) Directory
JEWELL, D. (1963) League of Fashion. London: Sunday Times. Dec-Jan. 1963.

Copyright © 1998 Lilian Blake. All Rights Reserved.