Spain is once again talking about the fate of children who were forced by war to seek refuge abroad. The story of Basque youngsters rescued from the horrors of civil war and sheltered in Wales has gained new resonance thanks to a football initiative. The unusual kit of Newport County has sparked discussion not just within sports circles, but also among those interested in history and the legacy of the tragic events of the 20th century.
This season, a jersey appeared at San Mames stadium that immediately caught the attention of fans. Instead of the familiar Athletic Club insignia, it features the emblem of a modest Welsh club. Most striking are the 56 names embroidered on the stripes and the Basque inscription “37ko Haurrak” (“Children of ‘37”). These are the names of those who, in 1937, were forced by war to leave their homeland and found themselves in Wales.
Memory in the details
The idea for the commemorative kit came from designer Neal Heard, who was struck by how little the British know about this chapter in history. The shirt quickly became Newport County’s best seller in Europe, and interest in it outside the UK far exceeded domestic demand. Inspired by the style of the 1990s, the design was brought to life through collaboration with Athletic Club.
In May 1937, around four thousand Basque children left Bilbao aboard the Habana. This was the result of complex negotiations between the Basque government and British humanitarian organizations following the bombing of Gernika. Upon arriving in England, the children were sent to various cities, with 56 of them ending up in the small town of Caerleon near Newport.
Fates and integration
Among these children was Andrés Benavente, who stayed in Wales, started a family, and became part of the local community. His children recall that their father rarely spoke about the past, preferring to integrate and become a full-fledged British citizen. Football played a significant role in his life: he was a goalkeeper for the Basque Boys team, formed from refugee children, and even played at Newport’s old stadium at the invitation of the mayor.
Today, the Newport County jersey has become a symbol linking the two peoples. The kit tells this story in three languages—Basque, English, and Welsh. The club has already taken to the field in this kit several times, and the fans’ response has been overwhelmingly warm. The Benavente family hopes that such initiatives will help keep alive the memory of events that remain little known to the wider public.
International response
This year, Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, visited Bilbao and presented a commemorative jersey to the Athletic Club leadership. She emphasized that Wales and the Basque Country share much in common, including their own language and traditions of hospitality. According to her, it is important not only to remember the past, but also to build new connections between clubs and communities.
The Basque Children of ‘37 Association, which brings together descendants and researchers, notes that Newport County became an exception among British clubs by paying attention to historical memory. According to its representatives, football has the power to unite people and remind them of forgotten chapters of history, and such projects can be more effective than traditional memorial plaques.
Memory and Modernity
In recent years, initiatives dedicated to the memory of children affected by wars and forced migration have been appearing more frequently in Spain and across Europe. Memorial signs are being installed in various cities, with exhibitions and educational programs also taking place. Special attention is paid to preserving personal stories and family archives so that new generations do not forget the tragedies of the past. Projects like those of Newport County serve as examples of how sport and culture can work together to preserve historical memory.
