Forest Green Rovers, recognised as the “world’s greenest football club” by FIFA, have unveiled their striking new third kit for cup games.

Inspired by and raising vital funds for Sea Shepherd – the international marine wildlife conservation organisation - the kit was launched this afternoon.

The design of the new strip, created using kit partner PlayerLayer’s 50 per cent bamboo material, is inspired by the camouflage paint job on Sea Shepherd’s flagship vessel, the Steve Irwin – devised to bamboozle on the high seas.

Established in 1997, Sea Shepherd’s mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the world’s oceans in order to conserve and protect ecosystems and species.

They use innovative, direct-action tactics to investigate, document and take action when necessary to expose and confront illegal activities on the high seas.

By safeguarding the biodiversity of delicately balanced ocean ecosystems, Sea Shepherd works to ensure their survival for future generations.

Forest Green Rovers will be wearing the kit in cup matches this season – and all proceeds from sales worldwide will go directly to Sea Shepherd – continuing a decade-long relationship between FGR chairman Dale Vince and the charity, of which he is a patron.

Forest Green’s kits have proudly displayed the iconic Sea Shepherd skull and crossbones since 2014 – while its flags fly at The New Lawn ground.

The new kit’s maiden voyage will be FGR’s Carabao Cup game against Charlton Athletic on August 13 - raising awareness of Sea Shepherd’s ongoing whale defence campaign in the North Atlantic.

Dale Vince, Chairman, Forest Green Rovers said: “Sea Shepherd are an amazing organisation, they’ve dedicated so much, often taking great risks - been shot at, had boats rammed and sunk - in the fight to save the lives of whales and marine life more generally. They prove that peaceful direct action, with emphasis on the action - gets results. This new shirt is to celebrate and support their work.”

Rob Read, Chief Operations Officer, Sea Shepherd UK, added: “I can’t thank Dale and Forest Green Rovers enough for this hugely generous support for Sea Shepherd's marine conservation campaigns. This striking new FGR shirt launches during our latest campaign in the Faroe Islands, exposes to the world the continued barbaric hunting of over 800 Pilot Whales and Dolphins each year and our work, with targeted new pressure tactics to end these hunts.

“Back here in the UK the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will also be used to both upgrade our fleet of small boats used in particular on our rapidly developing 'Ghostnet Campaign' and on equipment for our 'Marine Debris Campaign'. So, many thanks to all FGR and Sea Shepherd supporters who buy one of these shirts. Your support really will help protect the oceans - and you’ll look very cool too!”

Available to pre-order from 6pm today, the kit will be sold exclusively on the Forest Green Rovers website at fgr.co.uk

The new kit will begin shipping worldwide from August 19, with personalisation adding time to any order. Proceeds from the sale will go directly to Sea Shepherd.