Forest Green Rovers, recognised as the world’s greenest football club by FIFA, have unveiled a striking new third kit for their cup games, inspired by and raising vital funds for Sea Shepherd – the international marine wildlife conservation organisation.

The design of the new strip, created using kit partner PlayerLayer’s revolutionary 50 per cent bamboo material, is inspired by the razzle dazzle camouflage paint job on Sea Shepherd’s flagship vessel, the Steve Irwin – devised to bamboozle on the high seas.

Established in 1997, Sea Shepherd’s mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species. They use innovative, direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas. By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

Forest Green Rovers will be wearing the kit in cup matches this season – and all proceeds from sales worldwide will go directly to Sea Shepherd – continuing a decade-long relationship between Forest Green chairman Dale Vince and the charity, of which he is a patron.

Forest Green’s kits have proudly displayed the iconic Sea Shepherd skull and crossbones since 2014 – while its flags fly at The New Lawn ground.

The new kit’s maiden voyage will be Forest Green’s Carabao Cup game against Charlton Athletic on 13th August - raising awareness of Sea Shepherd’s ongoing whale defence campaign in the North Atlantic.

Dale Vince said: “Sea Shepherd are an amazing organisation, they’ve dedicated so much, often taking great risks - been shot at, had boats rammed and sunk - in the fight to save the lives of whales and marine life more generally. They prove that peaceful direct action, with emphasis on the action - gets results. This new shirt is to celebrate and support their work.”