Forward Madison FC today unveiled its full Pride Merchandize Capsule. This collection marks the sixth year of Forward Madison’s charitable commitment during Pride Month. The merchandise line will consist of the 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top, t-shirts and sweatshirts. During the month of June, 25% of all proceeds from the collection will be donated to OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center.
For the second year Forward Madison commissioned a local queer artist to design a warmup top. This year’s artist is Bernie Witzack of bernie and zuzu. Bernie Witzack is an artist, art educator, and the entrepreneur behind bernie & zuzu. She earned a BA in Studio Art from Beloit College, a MA in Public Service from Marquette University, a MFA in Fine Art from the University of Michigan, and an AA in Graphic Design from Madison College. Bernie launched bernie & zuzu in 2021.
At bernie & zuzu, they design unique, one-of-a-kind goods with bold, bright color and exuberant patterns that inspire playfulness, creativity and joy. bernie & zuzu is named for Bernie Witzack, founder and artist, and her brilliant cat Zuzu. bernie & zuzu is run out of a studio in the Madison Enterprise Center at 100 S. Baldwin Street in Madison, Wisconsin on ancestral Ho-Chunk land.
“As a local, queer artist, it was such an honor to be asked to design the Forward Madison Pride Jersey,” Witzack said in a statement. “Now, more than ever, the LGBTQIA+ community needs all the visibility, love and support we can find. As a maker who is committed to handmade screen prints, but also interested in licensing my patterns and designs in the future, I was excited to see how my work would translate into an all-over pattern printed garment. I also love that the Forward Pride Jersey sales are a fundraiser for the Magic Pride Festival put on by the Madison OutReach LGBT Community Center!”
The 2025 Pride Pre-Match Top will be worn by the players before every match during the month of June, starting with the June 7 Pride Night game against Union Omaha. Other home matches in June include June 18 versus Westchester SC, televised on CBS Sports; June 25 for an international friendly against Mexican team Tigres; and June 25 against One Knoxville in the third round of the Jagermeister Cup tournament.
Team issued tops will be auctioned off at the end of the month along with exclusive player signed merchandise, one of a kind ticket packages and game experiences.
“The Pride Top design was inspired by the team mascot, the flamingo, in combination with a juicy pumped-up version of the Pride rainbow flag colors,” Witzack said in a statement. “I wanted the jersey design to have a lot of movement and energy, much like a soccer field, with a combination of rainbow arches, detailed layers, and more defined shapes. I also wanted the design to feel like the perfect home for a hot pink flamingo – tropical, colorful and dreamy! I hope the bright colors and fun design bring joy to those who wear it.”
The Pride Top is available for purchase here, and the rest of the collection is on sale now. Merchandise pieces can be purchased either online or in the Flamboyance Team Store starting Saturday, June 7th, at Pride Night during the Forward Madison match at 7pm CT. Starting at $28, fans can purchase a ticket to the match and a Pride Scarf with the Pride Night Ticket Package. $5 from each pack sold will be donated to OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center.
