Parisa Burton 
New Jersey’s first official state soccer kit is finally coming home thanks to a statewide design competition held ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The NJ Soccer Kit project invited local designers to submit their vision for a kit that represents the Garden State, and the winning design was revealed at the Launch Fest + Jersey Unveiling on May 30th at Mulberry Commons in Newark, NJ. Read on to learn more about the official NJ soccer kit competition and launch event.
About The NJ Soccer Kit Project
The NJ Soccer Kit Contest is an open design competition for New Jersey-based designers over the age of 16 to submit their original vision for a soccer jersey that represents the Garden State. The winning designer received a $3,000 cash prize, and their concept will become New Jersey’s first official soccer kit. The initiative is in partnership with the New Jersey State Board of Tourism, sponsors, and local manufacturer Brown Mill company, among others.
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This competition is part of a greater effort to create a marketable asset that promotes New Jersey to a global audience before, during, and long after the World Cup while keeping talent, production, and revenue in-state and supporting small businesses in the process.
As stated on The Official NJ Soccer Kit website, “This initiative turns a global movement into a local opportunity, spotlighting NJ talent, pride, and cultural impact.” It also says, “We believe that soccer is more than a sport — it’s a way to bring communities together…designed by New Jerseyans, for New Jersey.”
Over one thousand designs were submitted, and 23 judges narrowed the competition down to the final five. The judges represent a diverse mix of New Jersey leaders across sports, entertainment, politics, business, and community development, each bringing their own perspective to the selection process. See the full lineup here. The five finalists were chosen by public vote, which closed on May 1st.
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A portion of proceeds from purchases will benefit the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation to help advance higher education across New Jersey. This effort was recognized by Queen Latifah, who said in a statement, “Thank you to the NJ Soccer Initiative for your generous contribution toward advancing higher education through the Lancelot H. Owens Scholarship Foundation. Your support is truly appreciated and makes a meaningful difference.”
The Launch Event
While the winner of the Official NJ Soccer Kit was alerted ahead of the event, the information was revealed to the public at Mulberry Commons, right outside of Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on May 30th.
The unveiling of the official NJ Soccer Kit took place at 3PM, following several notable speeches. The family-friendly event also brought together culture, DJs, community, food trucks, vendors, and soccer activations as the winning design was officially announced and celebrated.
See More: Where to Watch the World Cup in Hoboken + Jersey City
According to judge and presenting sponsor David Echevarria of NJ Pride Football Club, New Jersey is one of the top soccer talent-producing states in the country, alongside California, Texas, Florida, and New York, yet it has historically been overlooked, with local professional teams continuing to represent New York.
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“New Jersey deserves to have a kit that its people can wear and represent with pride,” David said. “This is a historic moment for New Jersey soccer. It’s a moment of coming together to celebrate the state that we all call home.”
Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell highlighted the artistic talent in New Jersey that often goes overlooked.
“This kind of competition is so critically important for artists, to celebrate folks, sharing their extraordinary talent,” Dale said. “We are making history today. The World Cup will not just be large…this will be the largest sporting event in the history of the world right here in New Jersey so we need to celebrate that and make sure that we’re ready for it…this New Jersey soccer kit is going to be one of the first levels of pride for the state.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said he can’t wait for Newark to shine during the World Cup, noting that while New Jersey is beautiful, “the greatest thing about it is that Newark is here.”
During his speech, David announced plans to address a question he’s been asking himself since moving to New Jersey 17 years ago: “why doesn’t the state have a professional soccer team that represents New Jersey?”
“Don’t get me wrong we have soccer in New Jersey, but those teams have NY on their chest,” David said. “I believe that New Jersey should have a professional soccer team that represents us…this is what needs to be represented out there on the pitch at the highest levels of the greatest game on Earth and we’re going to make that happen,” David said.
The winning design was titled, “Jersey Proud,” created by Artiana Janeé. The Lieutenant Governor presented her a letter on behalf of Mikie Sherill, and the kit was made available immediately, with customization available. (See photo of winning design below).
You can still purchase the winning kit online here.
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