A football shirt commemorating the liberation of Leeuwarden by the Royal Canadian Dragoons 80 years ago was sold out within the hour, with requests from Canada pouring in, the club has confirmed to Dutch News.

The success of the shirts, worn by Leeuwarden football club SC Cambuur, came as “a huge surprise,” SC Cambuur marketing manager Ruben Sijtsma told broadcaster NOS. So far, sales have totalled over 2,500, Sijtsma told DN.

The shirt takes its inspiration from the uniform of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, which featured a red coat with a black collar and black trousers with yellow stripes. The Maple Leaf, the symbol for Canada is also part of the design.

Reactions started pouring in as soon as the shirts went online, via social media and e-mail, Sijtsma said. “Our reception staff had to do a quick English course because they had to field so many calls from Canada,” said.

Many of the callers were veterans, or relatives of soldiers who fought in Europe and Canadians who feel proud. “People tell us they are grateful, because their father or grandfather fought in the Netherlands,” Sijtsma said.

Sijtsma quickly ordered more shirts once the stock had vanished. “When you hear these emotional stories you can’t say no. So we ordered more, it’s just that delivery time is three months, a bit longer than we’d hoped,” he said.

Sijtsma’s favourite among the reactions came from 100-year-old veteran Jim Parks, the only living veteran present at the liberation of Leeuwarden and who featured in a video about the shirts. “He sent a WhatsApp message to thank us, saying, “Good job!”

Sijtsma also fielded numerous requests for interviews from Canadian media, and the Canadian army offered to play a match against Cambuur.

Asked if Canadians were more enthusiastic because of the rise in patriotism boosted by the actions of Donald Trump, Sijtsma said he wouldn’t be surprised. “I see reactions on social media that say: this is how it should be done. People feel pride and a connection with the Netherlands. We want to celebrate freedom and that message is being felt there too,” he said.

SC Cambuur will be wearing the shirt in their game against Vitesse on April 25. The event will feature other events linked to the Liberation, “I’m not going to tell all but there will be old army vehicles and the Dutch national anthem will be played to honour the heroes of that time,” Sijtsma said.