Together with Fortuna Verbindt, Mudguard stepped into a community where connection comes before visibility. Inside the heart of Fortuna Sittard, creativity became a tool to build confidence, expression and trust. This collaboration showed how powerful it is when culture, youth and real attention come together.
A club that moves differently
Fortuna Verbindt is the social heartbeat of Fortuna Sittard, and you feel it immediately. From the first meeting with Jorg, it was clear this wasn’t a standard community program. He knows the city, the youth and the energy of Sittard inside out. Mudguard works with many professional clubs, but Fortuna has its own rhythm. Tighter bonds, different activities, deeper involvement.
After months of conversations in early 2025 to get to know each other and shape the collaboration, the first workshop finally took place at the stadium later that year. Earlier that same day, the group had already experienced things most kids only dream of. A press conference with the head coach and first team players, designing captain armbands, choosing a winner, and seeing that armband actually worn in an Eredivisie match. When Mudguard stepped in, the bar was already high. Luckily, the fit was right.
Inspire first, create after
As always, the workshop started with an inspiration session by Mudguard founder Kik. An honest story about building a brand at a young age, finding your direction, and understanding how fashion and marketing really work outside textbooks. The group listened closely. No noise. No distraction.
Then came the creative part. Moodboards to capture feeling and direction. Sketching to translate ideas. Not focused on perfect lines, but on meaning and story. During this process, something special happened. One participant, usually quiet and barely visible in the group, completely switched on. He didn’t just design a t-shirt. He built a full outfit. Shirt, pants, cap. He even created his own brand name and story behind it. That moment captured exactly why Mudguard runs these workshops.
A workshop with family energy
The reaction from Fortuna Verbindt said it all. Seeing someone grow in confidence in real time filled the room with pride. The Mudguard design team selected his work as the winning concept, and the choice felt natural. These sessions were warm, open and genuine. Built on trust, not performance. A collaboration with long term potential.
To close the day, Jorg gave a private tour through the stadium and museum. And in true Sittard style, the session ended with fresh vlaai on the table. A simple moment, but one that perfectly reflected the spirit of Fortuna Verbindt.
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