SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced its participation in a unique initiative with adidas, Major League Soccer and Parley for the Oceans designed to raise awareness around the harmful impact of marine plastic pollution. The effort centers around specially-designed MLS Parley jerseys that were unveiled via MLSsoccer.com earlier today and are set to be worn in a pair of games during Week 7.
The kits are created from technical yarns containing Parley Ocean Plastic – upcycled marine plastic that has been reworked into fibers that are repurposed for apparel. Seattle is one of four MLS clubs selected to take part in the Parley initiative, which is being featured in North America for the first time this weekend following a 2016 debut with adidas FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid C.F. Parley jerseys.
Sounders FC is set to wear its grey Parley kits this Sunday, April 23 as the team visits the LA Galaxy for a nationally-televised match on ESPN and ESPN Deportes, kicking off at 1:00 p.m. PT. The jerseys feature alternative colorway details and special neck-tape reading “For the Oceans” to commemorate the unique repurposing process that helped create the jerseys from marine plastic debris. The Galaxy is wearing white Parley kits.
In addition to the Rave Green’s match, Parley kits are also to be worn on Sunday by New York City FC and Orlando City SC at Yankee Stadium at 10:30 a.m. PT.
Since the announcement of the adidas and Parley partnership in April 2015, the focus of the collaboration has been the brand’s commitment to implement the Parley A.I.R strategy (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign). As part of “Redesign,” adidas is committed to increasing the use of eco-innovative materials such as Parley Ocean Plastic in its products as a replacement for virgin plastic, as well as setting new industry standards with a focus on creativity and collaboration.
ABOUT ADIDAS SOCCER
adidas is the global leader in soccer. It is the official sponsor / official supplier partner of the most important soccer tournaments in the world, such as the FIFA World Cup™, the FIFA Confederations Cup, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, the UEFA European Championships and Major League Soccer. adidas also sponsors some of the world’s top clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, Juventus, Chelsea and AC Milan. Some of the world’s best players also on the adidas roster are Leo Messi, Paul Pogba, Gareth Bale, Thomas Müller, Luis Suárez, James Rodríguez, Diego Costa and Mesut Özil.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 22 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about MLS, visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
ABOUT PARLEY
Parley for the Oceans is a collaboration network and organization that raises awareness for the beauty and fragility of the oceans and unites the creative industries in projects that can end their destruction. Led by the Parley AIR Strategy (Avoid, Intercept, and Redesign), the Parley Ocean Plastic Program drives locally tailored, global initiatives with a focus on communication and education, research and development, direct action, and eco innovation to end the cycle of pollution long-term.
