Marcus Copeland of the Exile Sportswear company has joined forces with a Rhyl junior football team to mark the eighth anniversary of a Royal Marine killed in action in Afghanistan.
Lance Corporal Michael Taylor was shot by a group of insurgents while manning a patrol base in the Helmand Province on June 22, 2010 and his widow Sonia Fleming has set up Rhyl Commandos Junior Football Club in memory of her partner.
After meeting with Marcus Copeland, managing director of Exile Sportswear, the pair created a brand new bespoke kit and club badge as a fitting tribute to the former Rhyl resident.
Mr Copeland, said: “We wanted the kit to look amazing and be something the kids would be proud to wear while at the same time giving a subtle nod towards Michael and the Royal Marines.
“I think we nailed the brief with a stunning camouflage kit that has the Royal Marines badge on one sleeve and Royal Marine Commandos dagger on the other. On the back just below the neck is a small dagger with a single poppy and the letters ‘MT’ as a lasting reminder of Michael’s connection to the club.”
The Rhyl Commandos currently run seven teams in the Rhyl and District Junior League and will enter their fifth season with more than 80 children on their books.
“The kids are going to look amazing and it’s definitely been one of my favourite kits to work on. All our football kits are individually designed and made in Wales which makes us unique in the market place,” added Mr Copeland.
A commemorative charity match will take place at Rhyl Football Club’s Belle Vue Stadium on Saturday, July 7 where the Royal Marines will take on a team captained by Mr Taylor’s eldest son, Ethan (7pm kick-off).
Sonia and her two other children, Charlton and Wesley, will also attend the match. Entry is £3 with all proceeds to Scotty’s Little Soldiers and the Rhyl Commandos Junior Football Team.
