Latest news with #BasqueChildrenof'37
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Newport County to honour Basque refugee children with kit
Newport County AFC will wear a red-and-white striped away shirt for the 2025-26 season in tribute to the Basque refugee children of 1937, who found sanctuary in Wales during the Spanish Civil War. 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.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Newport County collaborates with Athletic Bilbao for away jersey dedicated to refugee children
EFL League Two side Newport County on Friday released its away jersey for the 2025-26 season — a collaboration with La Liga outift Athletic Bilbao and dedicated to refugee children. 'The red and white Athletic-inspired kit will celebrate the historical ties of friendship, humanity and generosity with the La Liga club that stretches back nearly 100 years,' the Welsh team said in a statement. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓-𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐊𝐢𝐭 🔴⚪️ Designed by @VX3apparel, Inspired by @AthleticClub and the memory of the Basque Children of '37#OneClubOneCounty# — Newport County AFC (@NewportCounty) July 18, 2025 During the Spanish Civil War in 1937, thousands of Basque children were evacuated from Bilbao to Britain. Out of these, 56 children found refuge in Newport. 'Many of the Children of '37 have remained in Newport and have brought up their own families in the area as firmly part of the local community,' the club added. Neal Heard, Newport County's creative director, was behind the ideation of the kit concept and collaboration. Newport begins its League Two season with a home against Notts County on August 2 before visiting Crawley Town on August 9 for its first away match of the campaign.
