Allen Hall Seminary’s football team has unveiled a brand-new kit, thanks to the sponsorship of the Catholic Truth Society (CTS) and a generous anonymous donor. The updated design is a visual tribute to the seminary’s mission and heritage.

This season has already been a busy one on the pitch for Allen Hall, with matches against a range of Catholic teams including St Bede's Parish, Oscott Seminary, Newman House Chaplaincy, Farm Street Church, Oxford Catholic Dads, and Cor et Lumen. The initiative to update the team’s kit came midway through the season, led by the newly appointed head of sports, team captain, and seminarian, Makir Ahmed.

‘One of my teammates suggested we get a sponsor who could help us get us a new kit,’ Makir explained. ‘I got in contact with CTS and they were happy to oblige’

The result is a distinctive kit rich in symbolism and subtle tributes to Allen Hall’s history. Designed by Makir himself, the new kit features strips of red to represent the blood of martyrs and a white collar symbolising the priesthood. A special touch lies on the shoulder with the crest of St Thomas More, in honour of the seminary’s historic location on the site of More’s former estate.

‘We are proud to wear the red and black of the seminary and to represent such a great publisher,’ he said. ‘Football has been such a great way to connect and grow with in fraternity with other Catholic groups.’

Looking ahead, the seminary hopes to build on the connections that sport provides, with talks underway about the possibility of forming an official UK Catholic Football League.

Canon John O’Leary, Rector of Allen Hall, said:
‘Thank you very much indeed to CTS for their generous sponsorship. I am delighted with the new kit. It is both extremely smart and rich in symbolism. I look forward to it being worn by the Allen Hall team in their many future glorious victories – at least let us live in hope that there will be!’

Photo: Allen Hall