Harriers unveil new 'home made' kit

Kidderminster Harriers today started the countdown for next season by taking the wraps off their new 'home made' kit for the 2011-12 campaign.

The club's new home and away strips will be made and sold in the town, while shirt sponsors OGL Computer has offices in Kidderminster.

MG Sportswear, whose shop is situated on the Horsefair, have their company emblem on the shirt, replacing Nike after five seasons.

Company owner Gino Ruffinato, from Bewdley Hill, made the kit personally, which boasts the latest 'Clima Cool' technology, designed to absorb sweat but stay dry.

The 54-year-old is a familiar face on match-day at Aggborough and has provided strips for the club before.

When Ruffinato first made kits for the club in 1987, it was for their first-ever appearance in the FA Trophy final, in the club's centenary year.

Harriers drew with Burton Albion at Wembley but won the replay at the Hawthorns, which remains their highest honour in cup competition.

Ruffinato has seen the club win the Conference title twice since then, before dropping back into non-league football six years ago.

Today, Harriers are again chasing promotion from the Blue Square Premier and England C internationals Lee Vaughan and Nick Wright, who modelled the new kit today, are among the talent on offer.

Off the field, the club are trying to build relationships with local businesses and MG Sportswear - who, along with the club, will sell the kit from tomorrow afternoon - is the latest link.

Ruffinato said: "The club want support from local business people and it's nice that they are putting it back into the community.

"Being a local manufacturer as well, I have got the club at heart. We are one of the last local manufacturers in the country, there are not many of us left now as it's all imported.

"That's the difference, having someone on your doorstep."

Harriers will wear the kit for the first time in Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Albion at Aggborough.

The team will use last season's trip in tonight's friendly away at Stratford and Saturday's trip to Leamington.