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MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Vancouver 86ers Collection Launched as Part of Retro-Inspired Since '96 Collaboration

April 6, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Major League Soccer announced a retro-inspired apparel collaboration on Tuesday with global fashion licensees Mitchell & Ness, the nation's leading nostalgia company, and New Era. Included in the throwback collection is 90s inspired Vancouver 86ers apparel.

The Since '96 collection is a celebration of the clubs that laid the foundation for the league's growth. While MLS began play in 1996, the 86ers were keeping professional soccer alive in Vancouver and carrying on the legacy of the club that plays in MLS today.

"We are really excited to be working with the league, Mitchell & Ness, and New Era to be reintroducing this part of our history," said Mikkel Strojer, Whitecaps FC vice-president of brand & fan engagement. "We are very proud of our club's tradition and we know that our fans are too."

Following the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) folding in 1992, the 86ers continued playing in the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) with a new black and red look. The 86ers would play eight seasons in the APSL (later A-League) during the 90s before returning to the Whitecaps name in 2000, and then joining MLS in 2011.

"I'm thrilled to see the 86ers celebrated in this collection," added Carl Valentine, Whitecaps FC club ambassador and legend. "As both a player and coach during the 90s, seeing these brings back a lot of fond memories at Swangard Stadium."

The collection is now available at the 'Caps Official Store in Gastown and online at whitecapsfc.com/shop. For more information go to whitecapsfc.com/86ers.

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