The 2023-24 European football season may still seem a long way off, but in terms of shirt design, it's practically around the corner. And German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund is involving fans in the jersey design process in a way the club has never done before. Last week, the club launched a competition for fans to design the 2023-24 home kit. Aspiring designers from around the world can download a template from the competition website, fill out their design - "crochet, dye, 3D animated or potato print" - and submit it for a chance to win a trip with the team to an international competition during the 2023-24 season and 10 VIP tickets to the first Bundesliga match wearing the new kit. “In 112 years of our club's history, we have seen countless jerseys: from true classics to simple, flashy, modern or wild jerseys to - yes, you have to admit that - some fashion escapades and total mistakes. But what about all jerseys? have in common is that they represent our BVB community in the world, that we connect indescribable memories and stories with them, and they have always found critics and lovers. taste we came up with something special. That's why we want to join you this time all will design our kit for the 2023/24 season.”— Borussia Dortmund Kit Design Contest Website Fans can submit their designs online until February 6, 2022. A jury will then select nine finalists, who will be made public between February 25 and March 18, 2022. The jury consists of: Club legend DedéProf Dirk Gebhardt from Fachhochschule DortmundBVB Women's player Gina GlänzerBVB Museum manager Sarah HartwichActor/BVB-f an Frederick LauBVB Merchandising Team Member Denis OthmaniBVB Team Captain Marco ReusPuma Graphic Designer Lucia WalterBVB Fans Department Board Member Tobias WesterfellhausGraphics Courtesy BVB.deFans can be submitted by hand or digital designs must be submitted digitally meaning all hand-drawn designs must be scanned. The entry form also includes an opportunity for designers to explain their inspiration, in text or a YouTube video. Designers may submit multiple designs each. The template only shows the front of the shirt. The club notes in the match FAQ that “the back of the jersey (including the print) and the rest of the match day outfit (shorts and socks) cannot be designed. They will be completed for legal reasons by PUMA/BVB based on the design of the front.” “Any shirt design will be accepted as long as it complies with the ground rules (eg sponsor areas) and is also in good taste. For example, no political or religious messages or symbols should be used.” — Borussia Dortmund design competition website The website also notes that “due to technical manufacturing or regulatory guidelines, we may eventually need to make some changes to your design. In that case, we will contact you in advance to finalize.” Photos of supporters in some of Borussia Dortmund's classic kits were posted by the club as inspiration for potential contestants in the kit design competition. (Photos courtesy of BVB.de) Entrants must be over 18 years of age to submit a design. However, the club states that legal guardians may submit designs on behalf of minors. For more information about this competition, visit kit.bvb.de. Feature photo courtesy of BVB.de