The Sweden women’s national team have decided to drop their names in favour of plastering inspirational messages across their shoulders.
The shirts are being produced for the upcoming Algarve Cup, with each player selecting their own quote of choice from fellow prominent Swedish women.
Team captain Lotta Schelin has opted for a quote pinched from the Twitter feed of politician Gudrun Schyman that reads, “Never look down on someone unless it is to help her up”…
Never look down on someone unless you’re helping her up. #IDittNamn #Adidas #SweWNT @gudschy pic.twitter.com/T9sfZbszXB
— Lotta Schelin (@L8schelin) February 28, 2017
Explaining the importance of the initiative, Schelin told the Swedish FA website:
The national team shirt is an important symbol and it constantly reminds us that we can win, whatever game, whatever competition.
I think it is great that we can join forces with other strong women and that we together can show that everything is possible.
Veteran midfielder Lisa Dahlkvist has opted for a slightly less refined message, choosing a punchy tweet from Zara Larsson (the Swedish pop star responsible for the Euro 2016 anthem we all know, love and remember so fondly)…
Meanwhile, full-back Magdelena Eriksson echoed the words of radio host Agnes Lo Akerlind to show her support for women playing football under oppressive conditions.
“I have chosen to highlight a quote from Agnes Lo because I play football for all those women who cannot,” Eriksson tweeted.
Jag har valt att lyfta ett citat från @agnes_lo_ eftersom att jag spelar fotboll för alla de som inte kan. Eller får. #IDittNamn pic.twitter.com/4coFpE3Thi
— Magdalena Eriksson (@MagdaEricsson) February 28, 2017
Niklas Bodell, communication director for the Swedish FA, had this to say:
With the help of the national team, the initiative is first and foremost to highlight the power that comes with doing things together and the women’s team’s success is a good example of that.
We also hope that it can inspire people to stand up for each other, notwithstanding who you are or where you come from.
Smashing stuff.