SUNDERLAND'S match shirts will display a unique crest this weekend as the Black Cats attempt to use the power of football to highlight the devastating effects of climate change.
To mark Green Football Weekend, the club's iconic crest has been altered to demonstrate the potential impact of rising sea levels.
A club statement said: "Since 1880, global average sea levels have risen 21-24 centimetres and predictions estimate that parts of the English coastline could be submerged by 2050, including the iconic Roker Pier and Sunderland Marina.
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"The highest temperature in any year since 1850 was recorded in 2024 (Met Office) and the speed at which the temperature is increasing is having devastating impacts on our planet, including heatwaves, flooding, droughts, wildfires, rising sea levels and health risks.
"Those increasingly volatile weather conditions are also impacting the here and now in the North East, with 2023’s Storm Babet leading to significant structural damage to Roker Pier, which remains closed.
"120,000 football matches, including fixtures on Wearside, are cancelled each year due to flooding, and in 25 years, it's predicted that a quarter of club stadiums will flood annually.
"This latest club initiative forms part of its Ready Eco sustainability strategy, which underlines our aspiration to become energy sufficient from renewable sources by 2028 and achieving net zero by 2040."
The match-worn shirts for this weekend's game at Coventry City will then be auctioned off to raise valuable funds for the EFL's Green Football Initiative and the Foundation of Light’s sustainability projects.
To champion the Green Football initiative, Fanatics are also offering an exclusive discount to fans who visit the club's store and donate an item of old kit, including boots.
Available on adult and kids away kits until Friday, March 28, fans can pick up an adult away shirt for £28 and junior sizes for £23 following their donation.
