The Minnesota Stars unveiled their all-new primary and alternate uniforms on Thursday night at the Brit’s Pub in downtown Minneapolis. Forwards Amani Walker and Simone Bracalello modeled the new home uniforms and defenders Brian Kallman and Justin Davis modeled the new away kits made by Admiral the official team uniform supplier. Goalkeeper Matt VanOekel showed off the new GK kit. Stars Director & Assistant coach Kevin Friedland introduced the players before they unveiled the uniforms.
The home jersey bears the woven Stars logo, embroidered Admiral logo, and AdmiralSoccer.com across the front. There’s a miniature Stars logo showing that the jersey is the 2012 authentic home jersey by Admiral. The NASL Soccer Bowl champions patch is front and center, with the NASL patch on the sleeve. The back features custom lettering and numbering and a script “L’Etoile du Nord,” which means “The North Star.” To cap it all off, “Nessie,” the mascot of the Stars (after the monster of the same name) patrols the bottom right of the jersey front this season. Admiral also developed new away and custom training kits for the team too.
“This season you’ll see Admiral on the soccer field across the NASL, USL and teams throughout America,” said Admiral CEO Paul Hamburger. “Admiral is launching some really unique kits this season because we engage the coaches, players and fans in developing our team-wear so we deliver something they want to play in. We’ve paid tribute to Minnesota and to Stars fans with this unique kit featuring their photos on the jerseys, it’s first for Admiral.”
“They are unbelievable,” Stars FC CEO Djorn Buchholz stated. “The away kit that we’ve done this year is something that I don’t think anyone else in the country, maybe even in the world has done before.”
The 2012 authentic away jersey features a full-color photographic number on the back. Every digit is different and features photographs of the “Dark Clouds” Supporters Section at NSC Stadium during the 2011 North American Soccer League playoffs. Stars fans carried the team through thick and thin last season and eventually to the ultimate prize, the championship. Those fans are recognized with their pictures on the numbers of their Stars players so they are now literally following their legends everywhere they go. In addition to the features of the home jersey and the photographic numbering and custom lettering, this jersey carries the Dark Clouds logo, and the text “Everywhere we go…Dark Clouds follow” on the shirttail.
“Last year, we paid tribute to the Kicks with the sky blue and orange,” Kevin Freidland declared. “That just got my mind going that custom is the way to go. I’m sure Admiral would tell you that I give them many headaches. But I think it’s important because it’s not just our jerseys, it’s not just our fans, but I want the guys who are wearing them to feel comfortable and confident in what they’re wearing. I want them to take pride in wearing the uniform.”
