Dover Athletic tickled pink to support cancer charity

The Conference South club have been working with their kit manufacturers since the beginning of the year to produce a great looking kit, with a retro undertone, inspired by Dover kits from the 80’s and 90’s.

Not breaking from tradition the home shirt will continue to be white, worn with black shorts and socks.

The away and third kit, however, have had a colour makeover.

The new pink away kit has been produced to recognise the fantastic job that Cancer charities do every year.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with 1 in 8 women at risk of being diagnosed. 

More than 49,500 woman were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, however, it is also a disease that effects a significant number of men, with 400 diagnosed in the same year.

In the 1970’s around 5 out of 10 women with breast cancer survived, now it is more than 8 in 10.

The fight continues and Dover Athletic will be donating 50% of all profits from the away kit this season to a breast cancer charity.

Dover’s third kit this season has been suggested by supporters on several occasions.  The yellow and green strip is bright and vibrant with a retro feel.

The club’s season ticket holders can purchase the strips with a £10 discount of their price.

Chairman Mr Parmenter told www.doverathletic.com: “We wanted to change things up a bit this season, while introducing some elements suggested by supporters.

“We hope people will enjoy wearing the new replica shirts.  In particular the away kit has a personal relevance and I hope supporters will be able to help support a wonderful cause.”

Staines Town goalkeeper Jack Turner wore a similar all-pink strip to show his support for breast cancer awareness last season.

Ryman League clubs Dulwich Hamlet (pink & blue) and Corinthian-Casuals (pink & chocolate) are two clubs that wear the colour, and Gillingham Ladies were the colour as an away strip.

Meanwhile, on-the-pitch, Tom Wynter, 22, is the first player this summer to commit to Dover Athletic, signing a new one-year contract.  The Lewisham-born left-back joined the club from Gillingham in 2010 and has been almost ever-present since then.

Skipper Ian Simpemba, 30, has opted to join Conference South rivals Eastbourne Borough after 18 months at Crabble.

The Dublin-born central defender joined the club from Ebbsfleet United and prior to joining the Fleet in 2011, he played for clubs near his home in Sussex – Crawley Town, Lewes and Havant & Waterlooville.

“Ian has now signed for Eastbourne Borough, a club located within a few miles of his home,” said a club statement.

“Dover Athletic would like to thank Ian for his service and wish him all the best for the future.”

Full-back, Tom Axford, meanwhile, says he is searching for a new club following his release from the club.  Axford made 16 appearances on loan at Ryman League Division One South club Ramsgate last season and also had a loan spell at Whitstable Town.

Visit Dover Athletic’s website: www.doverathletic.com