Spanish La Liga club Valencia CF will pay tribute to victims of flooding in their home area through their kits next week.
Valencia players will wear their black away kits at home on Saturday, November 23, when they host Real Betis. The all-black uniform is meant as “a sign of respect for those who died due to the DANA catastrophe and in solidarity with all those affected.”
More than 200 people in the Valencia region died in late October when a destructive weather system known locally as DANA — the Spanish acronym for high-altitude isolated depression — moved through the area, causing torrential rainfall and massive flooding.
Valencia’s usual front-of-shirt sponsor has given up their space for the November 23 game, and their logo will be replaced by the motto “AMUNT VALENCIANS” (“Come on, Valencians”). Printed on the back, below the player number, will be another motto: “UNITS CON SEMPRE” (“United as Always”).
The black away kit, made by Puma, features an embossed pattern that reimagines the city of Valencia’s flag and its “distinctive blue band filigree as a subtle background pattern on a sleek black shirt with elegant gold accents.”
Game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off online afterwards through MatchWornShirt. Proceeds from the auction will go to “help resume sporting and educational activities for children affected by the DANA crisis.”
The game against Real Betis will be Valencia CF’s first match since the DANA tragedy. An away match against RCD Espanyol scheduled for Sunday, November 9, was postponed.
Puma and Valencia CF have also teamed up to offer a solidarity T-shirt for sale, with proceeds again going toward sports and educational activities for children affected by the storm. It features the “UNITS CON SEMPRE” motto on the front and a list of cities and towns affected by flooding on the back. The shirt is available through Valencia’s online store and through Puma.com.