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NEC Nijmegen x Mudguard

NEC Nijmegen x Mudguard

Together with N.E.C. Nijmegen, Mudguard created a safe and open space where young people could turn personal stories into powerful designs. Inside the stadium, creativity became a way to express identity, pride and confidence.

A warm welcome in Nijmegen

In May 2025, Mudguard partnered with N.E.C. Nijmegen through Community Champions, guided by Eva. From the first moment, the collaboration felt open and genuine. Two workshops took place in one day inside the press room of the stadium. Both groups brought strong energy, but the first group, made up of practical education students, was especially eager to start creating.

The sessions focused on showing participants that creativity is not about talent alone, but about daring to express yourself. From the start, the atmosphere encouraged openness, curiosity and confidence.

Winner one, Syria in full bloom

One of the most powerful designs came from a participant who had recently moved to the Netherlands from Syria. Her design featured the map of her homeland, filled with flowers, accompanied by the words “Syria is ready to reveal her true beauty.”

For her, the t-shirt was more than a design. It was a statement of pride, resilience and hope. Wearing it with confidence showed how fashion can become a tool for empowerment, turning identity into strength.

Winner two, family portrait

The second winning design was deeply personal. A family portrait, drawn in her own style, captured the importance of family as the foundation of identity. While the details remain private, the message was clear. Honest, raw and meaningful.This design showed that impact does not come from complexity, but from authenticity. By translating such a personal story into a Mudguard t-shirt, the workshop gave space to a voice that deserved to be seen.

Built for long term impact

This collaboration with N.E.C. Nijmegen is only the beginning. Mudguard will return later in 2025 to continue building on this partnership. Because these projects are not about one moment or one workshop.They are about long-term collaboration, empowering young people and unlocking creativity where it is often overlooked. Time and again, Community Champions proves that everyone is creative. Sometimes, they just need the right space to discover it.

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