Jameson Irish Whiskey and VERSUS have come together to support football from the ground up and creatively reinvent five-a-side bibs forever; solving one of grassroots football’s oldest problems in the process.

Anyone who’s ever laced up a pair of boots for a training session or a small-sided match knows that playing in a bib is like drawing a short straw. They’re too large or too small, unwashed and unloved. But the truth is that whether you’re a pro player or grassroots GOAT – everyone deserves to feel good when they take to the pitch. Everyone’s a baller.

Jameson and VERSUS have linked up to drop a limited-edition run of two bibs that will finally give the grassroots game the sartorial respect it deserves. The bibs will be available at select Powerleague locations across the UK, as part of Jameson’s ongoing sponsorship of the biggest small-side pitch supplier in the UK.

Drawing inspiration from Jameson’s Irish roots and the traditional hi-ves aesthetics of football bibs, the two vests drop in ‘Emerald’ and ‘Lightning’ green colourways. Both models feature sublimated ‘V’ patterns to symbolise the VERSUS brand, while the iconic Jameson logo adorns the front in the style of football’s traditional shirt sponsors.

The reverse of the bibs are blessed with a motif of ‘Everyone’s a Baller’, in recognition of VERSUS and Jameson’s desire to make football a more diverse and inclusive space.

Some of British football culture’s most influential personalities – from the pro game to grassroots – came together to front the new release and symbolise the extent to which football brings people together in so many ways. The craic can be as good off the pitch as the football on it.

Premier League legend and ex-England international Jermain Defoe stars alongside Charlton Athletic player and freestyle star Freda Ayisi, semi-pro baller and international DJ, Monki, and much-loved content creator Moses Duckrell.

Speaking on the importance of inclusivity in grassroots football and why it matters so much, Jermain Defoe said: “Driving around London and seeing five-a-side pitches like the ones here today, or football cages, I think it’s amazing. I know there are people – no matter how old they are or where they’re from – going out at some point in the week using those spaces to make themselves feel better.”

The Jameson and VERSUS partnership follows the brands’ ongoing drive within the football space, having previously partnered with Lovers FC to create four limited edition jerseys, as well as its ‘Home Fixtures’ campaign with Micah Richards.

The VERSUS and Jameson bibs are available for players at select Powerleague locations from June 5.

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