05/02/26

FC Twente x Mudguard

In collaboration with FC Twente Scoren in de Wijk, Mudguard brought creativity, storytelling and self-expression to the heart of Enschede. Through a series of workshops, young people discovered that fashion can be more than clothing, it can be a way to express who you are and what you stand for.

A natural connection from day one

The collaboration started through close contact with Bart Hampsink from FC Twente Scoren in de Wijk. From the first conversation, it was clear that both sides shared the same vision. FC Twente wanted to offer young people something different from the usual activities, and Mudguard brought a workshop format they had never seen before. A creative process that combines inspiration, design and personal storytelling, all within the trusted environment of the Grolsch Veste in Enschede.

The first workshop

On December 11, Mudguard hosted the first workshop for a group of practical education students from a college in Enschede. The group, aged around 14 to 15, consisted of both boys and girls and brought a lot of energy from the start. The session opened with an inspiration talk by Mudguard founder Kik, who shared the full journey of the brand. From reselling sneakers in 2021 without a clear plan, to the rebrand into the label Mudguard is today.

He spoke openly about early collections, marketing choices, mistakes, growth and why Mudguard now sells more in countries like France and Germany than in parts of the Netherlands. The session was interactive and honest, and the group engaged immediately, asking questions and reacting openly.

From sketch to story

After the talk, it was time to create. Each participant started sketching their own design on paper. When some students said they could not draw, Kik made one thing clear. Sketching is not about drawing skills, it is about translating an idea. Even within Mudguard, sketches are a tool to clarify placement, concept and message, not to create perfect artwork.

The winning design was selected based on the strength of the story and concept, not on technical drawing skills. Everyone had an equal chance. The Mudguard design team later refined the winning concept and sent it to the factory in Portugal. One single t-shirt was produced for the winner, a unique piece made just for them to wear and keep.

Building momentum

Due to the success of the first workshop, Mudguard returned on January 16, 2026. This time, two workshops were hosted for practical education groups in Oldenzaal, close to Enschede. Once again, the sessions created space for creativity and self-expression. Teachers and supervisors saw sides of their students they had never seen before. Confidence, focus and pride came forward, exactly why Mudguard runs these projects.

A day inside the collaboration

On January 28, Mudguard returned once more, this time with a videographer to capture a full day inside the project. The day started early, leaving Breda at 7:00 in the morning. The first moment was the official handover of the winning t-shirt to Kayleigh, the winner of the December workshop. Her reaction said everything. She now wears the shirt with pride and proudly shows it to friends.

After that, a new workshop followed with a fresh group of participants. The day ended with a meeting with FC Twente first-team player Thomas van den Belt, who connected with the Mudguard story and became part of the extended Mudguard family, wearing the brand with pride. The full video of this day can be viewed here.

More than a one-off

This collaboration is built for the long term. Each workshop shows how quickly young people open up when they are given the space to create and be taken seriously. The energy, enthusiasm and confidence that come out of these sessions are the reason Mudguard continues to invest in community projects.

Together with FC Twente, Mudguard proves that creativity, culture and self-expression belong everywhere. Not just in studios or classrooms, but right in the community where young people grow, learn and shape their future.