Introductions
In a heartwarming fusion of football and history, Dutch football club SC Cambuur has captured international attention—and hearts—by launching a commemorative shirt honouring the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the liberation of Leeuwarden during World War II. The tribute shirt, released to mark the 80th anniversary of the city’s liberation, sold out within an hour, with overwhelming demand pouring in, particularly from Canada.
“It was a huge surprise,” admitted Ruben Sijtsma, the club’s marketing manager, speaking to Dutch News. “We’ve already sold over 2,500 shirts, and the reaction has been nothing short of emotional.”
CA Inspired by History: A Shirt with a Story
The design of the special edition shirt draws directly from the original Royal Canadian Dragoons uniform—a striking red coat with a black collar, complemented by black trousers with bold yellow stripes. Proudly emblazoned with the Maple Leaf, Canada’s national symbol, the shirt pays homage to the bravery and sacrifice of Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation in 1945.
As soon as the shirt went live, social media and email inboxes were flooded with heartfelt messages, especially from Canadians—many of them veterans or the descendants of soldiers who served in Europe.
“Our reception staff basically had to learn English overnight,” Sijtsma joked. “We were taking nonstop calls from Canada.”
Veterans, Emotion, and International Pride
The most touching response, according to Sijtsma, came from 100-year-old veteran Jim Parks, the last living Canadian soldier who was present at the liberation of Leeuwarden. Parks, who also featured in a promotional video for the campaign, sent a simple but powerful WhatsApp message:
The emotional weight of the project has spurred Sijtsma and the club to immediately order more stock, even though the delivery may take up to three months. “You just can’t say no when you hear these personal stories,” he said.
NLCA From Jerseys to International Unity
The story has sparked interest beyond football. Sijtsma has received interview requests from Canadian media, and even the Canadian Army offered to arrange a friendly match against Cambuur—a gesture of camaraderie across borders.
When asked why the campaign resonated so deeply with Canadians, Sijtsma suggested the emotional response could also be tied to a renewed sense of patriotism. “Some say this is how patriotism should look,” he noted. “There’s this shared pride and a powerful bond between Canada and the Netherlands. The message of celebrating freedom—it’s landing there too.”
April 25: A Match to Remember
SC Cambuur will proudly wear the Liberation shirt during their upcoming match against Vitesse on April 25—a game that will double as a powerful tribute to the Canadian heroes of WWII.
Sijtsma hinted at additional surprises:
“I won’t reveal everything, but expect vintage military vehicles, special tributes, and the Dutch national anthem to honour the courageous souls of that era.”
This campaign has proven that football isn’t just about goals—it’s about stories, history, and unity. SC Cambuur’s Liberation shirt has not only become a viral sensation—it’s become a symbol of gratitude and remembrance across generations and continents.
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