Middlesbrough FC Shirts to Feature Foundation Logo Against Bristol City
Middlesbrough FC will sport a special-edition kit for their Championship fixture against Bristol City on Saturday, March 14, 2026, with the club’s affiliated charity, the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation, taking center stage. Principal partner FDJ United has generously donated its front-of-shirt sponsorship for the match, replacing the usual Unibet logo with the Foundation’s branding.
Supporting the Middlesbrough Football Club Foundation
The decision to showcase the MFC Foundation on the first-team shirts aims to raise awareness of the charity’s vital work across Teesside. FDJ United, the parent company of Unibet and 32RED, has been a partner of Middlesbrough FC since 2018 [Sport Industry Group]. The initiative extends to the Middlesbrough Women’s team, featuring the Foundation’s logo during their recent National League Northern Premier Division home match against Loughborough Lightning.
Neurological Football Sessions and Community Impact
FDJ United’s support directly benefits the Foundation’s programs, including neurological football sessions designed for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. These sessions provide not only physical activity but also crucial social interaction and mental stimulation. Adrian Wrigley, a participant diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease over four years ago, emphasized the positive impact of the sessions, stating the mental stimulation from connecting with others is “invaluable” [El-Balad].
Recent Kit Variations
This planned shirt change follows a recent, unintentional kit variation during a match against Birmingham City. Striker David Strelec briefly wore a shirt with the under-21 sponsor Utilita due to a misprint, requiring a change at halftime [Filmogaz]. Still, the switch to the MFC Foundation logo is a deliberate and purposeful effort to highlight the charity’s contributions.
Statements from Key Figures
Charlotte Dinsdale, Head of Foundation, Middlesbrough FC, expressed gratitude for FDJ United’s ongoing support, stating that the increased visibility will help the Foundation reach more people in necessitate and inspire hope within the community [Sport Industry Group]. Sam Mead, UK General Manager of FDJ United, also highlighted the company’s proud and supportive relationship with Middlesbrough FC and its Foundation [MSN].