Pink football shirts once came with baggage.

Too bold. Too different. Too difficult to sell. A colour more likely to appear as an occasional goalkeeper shirt than something an entire team would run out wearing.

Does anyone really think like that anymore?

Real Valladolid are the latest club to embrace pink, but there’s considerably more behind the colour choice than simply wanting an eye-catching third shirt.

Their latest Reebok creation brings together the waters running through Valladolid and the courageous women who take to the Pisuerga River as part of the Regata Nacional de Barco Dragón BCS.

Known as the Vallkirias, the breast cancer survivors use dragon boat racing as both a form of physical rehabilitation and a celebration of strength, recovery and solidarity.

It’s their story that provides the meaning behind the pink.

The shirt itself carries another part of Valladolid within it.

A delicate all-over pattern represents the ripples of the rivers that meander through the city, including the Pisuerga where the Vallkirias compete. It’s subtle enough that the two shades of pink remain the dominant feature, creating something that can appear gentle while still being incredibly striking.

Even the silvery Estrella Galicia logo feels well judged. It’s clearly visible, as a sponsor inevitably needs to be, without immediately fighting against everything surrounding it.

The result also brings us back to pink football shirts more generally.

For years, pink felt like one of those colours clubs needed a particular reason to use. Even when it appeared, it was often confined to an away or third kit where experimentation was considered safer.

Football has changed considerably since then.

Pink shirts have become far more commonplace, football fashion has moved well beyond traditional club colours and supporters are increasingly wearing shirts as clothing rather than simply matchday uniform.

Yet would every fanbase embrace one?

Would pink still be considered a risky choice for a home shirt? Does it only really work when there’s a story or cause behind the colour? Or have we reached the point where pink is simply another football shirt colour?

Valladolid certainly have a reason for theirs.

The shimmering waters of the Pisuerga provide the pattern. The Vallkirias provide the inspiration. Their strength and solidarity provide the meaning behind the pink.

A beautiful setting and a cause worthy of celebrating.

Credit; @realvalladolid @reebokeurope

#valladolid #pinkkit #vallkirias #regatta #footballkits #thekitsman

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