Herne Bay Football Club invite children to design a new crest for the 2020/21 season
10:29, 25 March 2020
updated: 10:38, 25 March 2020
An Isthmian League football club are inviting children to design a new badge for them.
Herne Bay, who play in Isthmian South East, want the badge in place by the time the 2020/21 season starts – whenever that might be.
Chairman Stuart Fitchie has thrown down the challenge to youngsters playing for the club's youth teams, and schools.
The club's existing badge features a heron, the town's clocktower and the bandstand.
Writing on the club website Mr Fitchie said: "It (the badge) has been a topic of discussions internally for a while.
"No one can deny the club has history. Formed in 1886 and active in Kent ever since, football has been a constant in Herne Bay.
"Football as a sport and as a business has and is evolving rapidly, even over the last few years there has been significant movements.
"The introduction of new technologies and affordable solutions have meant clubs have the ability and platform to create a brand.
"The current badge has been the same for quite a while now, so with all the new changes, in a new chapter of Herne Bay FC, a new badge seems natural and apt.
"So I can confirm, for the 20/21 season (whenever that may be) Herne Bay FC will have a new club badge.
"I am opening this up to the children of all youth teams and schools of Herne Bay to create their design of the new Herne Bay FC badge.
"We will look through all submissions and if inspiration is taken from your design, we will invite you down to the club for the exclusive unveiling, some fun media stuff as well as picking up some new branded merchandise.
"With the schools closing it’s something creative the kids can get their teeth stuck into.
"The new badge will allow us to be a more commercial viable brand and will bring us up-to date in this modern era."
Mr Fitchie offered guidance on what the young designers should bear in mind when creating their badge.
He added: "The badge is a reflection not just of the football club, but of the town. It must have meaning and be a true representation of Herne Bay.
"With your help, we hope to create something special, that makes a statement about Herne Bay FC."
Bay, managed by Ben Smith, were fifth in Isthmian League South East, before play was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis.
On Monday the Isthmian League said they supported ending the 2019/2020 campaign but discussions are continuing over the fairest way to determine how points for unplayed games are awarded, if at all.
Read more: All the latest sports news in Kent
