Newport County to honour Basque refugee children with kit
Inspired by Athletic Club and marking a collaboration between the two clubs, the kit commemorates the 236 Basque children given refuge in Wales following the bombing of towns including Durango and Elorrio by Francisco Franco's forces.
Of those children, 56 stayed in Caerleon, just five miles from Newport.
Johana Ruiz-Olabuenaga, head of Athletic Club's communities department, said: "Newport County's initiative is wonderful and goes beyond football.
"It is related to two fundamental aspects for Athletic Club: identity and memory.
"The Basque people were indebted to the Welsh people for their hospitality in times of war.
"This red and white shirt is a tribute to the 'Basque Children of '37' and strengthens the ties between Euskal Herria [The Basque Country] and Cymru [Wales]."
The refugees initially stayed at Cambria House in Caerleon from 1937 to 1939 before moving to Pendragon House.
During their time in Wales, the children formed Basque Boys FC, a team that rarely lost a match and became known in the press as the 'Basque unbeatables' and the 'Basque wonder team.'
Football offered comfort and raised funds during their exile.
On May 10, 1939, Basque Boys FC played Moorland Road School at Cardiff's Ninian Park, then the Welsh national stadium, in front of thousands.
The new Newport County kit features the names of the refugee children and their caregivers, with a label on the back reading: "In 1937, when the Basque people needed help, Wales responded."
The Basque and Welsh flags appear alongside the words "Children of '37", while "37ko haurrak" (Basque Children of '37) is printed on the collar.
Newport County AFC, based at Rodney Parade, currently compete in England's League Two and are one of four Welsh teams in the English football league system, alongside Swansea City AFC, Cardiff City FC, and Wrexham AFC.
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