FC88: Giving Football Shirts A Second Life
FC88 is rethinking what it means to value a football shirt. Founded by Nicole Bekkers, the brand gives discarded kits a second life through design and craft. Each creation carries memories, heritage, and emotion, turning fabric into something fans can treasure.
The Origins
The idea for FC88 began in 2018, when Nicole Bekkers was working at the KNVB. She saw entire lines of football clothing destroyed, some still in their packaging.
“That was the eye-opener,” she recalls. For Nicole, shirts had never been just material. Instead, they carried the emotions of a generation. By naming her brand after 1988, the year the Netherlands became European champions, she wanted to prove that kits could live on long after the final whistle.
Crafting Memories
From the start, FC88 was built on one belief. “A shirt is not just fabric, but a memory,” Nicole explains. Since its launch, the brand has given more than 55,000 items a second life, from jerseys and jackets to stadium banners and event materials. Moreover, many arrive with deep personal stories.
“We sometimes receive shirts that families have worn for decades and passed down with pride. To turn those into something new feels like a responsibility.”
In addition, collaborations with Juventus, UEFA, the KNVB, and even the LA Rams show how the mission has grown. These partnerships prove that football culture and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Future Vision
The path has had challenges. Producing locally and sustainably meant experimenting with patterns, stitching, and recycled materials until the quality matched the story. Today, FC88 works with studios across Europe and in Los Angeles, always keeping craftsmanship central. As a result, the vision for the future is ambitious.
“My dream is that old football clothing can be recycled into new football clothing,” Nicole says. She also imagines tournaments giving their materials a second life as a standard practice. Ultimately, her inspiration is clear. “Something once written off can return unforgettable.” That line captures what FC88 is about, turning forgotten shirts into lasting memories.
To read the whole story about FC88, take a look at our new magazine! Issue 86: Legacy & Leadership
Find out more about FC88 and their initiative here!
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