Cave carvings inspire football club's new shirt

The new kit will be worn by both Royston Town FC's women's and men's teams

A football club has unveiled a new home shirt featuring a design inspired by cave carvings believed to be linked to the Knights Templar.

Royston Town Football Club said the kit - to be worn by its men's and women's teams - showcased the "captivating pattern" found by accident in 1792 in Royston Cave.

The semi-professional Hertfordshire club, whose men's team plays in the Pitching In Southern Football League Premier Central, the seventh tier of English football, said it was to pay "homage to a local landmark steeped in mystery".

Royston Cave said it was a "wonderful way" to celebrate its unique heritage.

The white shirt is printed with a grey pattern, replicating the cave's carvings

Steve Jackson, chairman of the club, said: "It's not just about looking good on the pitch, it's about celebrating what makes Royston special.

"We believe this shirt will not only be a source of pride for our players and fans but also spark interest in the town's fascinating history."

Emma Shaw, the cave's manager, said: "We were thrilled when Royston Town FC approached us about the proposed shirt design.

"It is a wonderful way to celebrate the unique heritage of Royston Cave."

Royston Cave is a man-made chamber located beneath Royston’s ancient crossroad, Ermine Street and Icknield Way

The shirt "pays homage to a local landmark steeped in mystery, sparking conversation and igniting curiosity about Royston's rich heritage", the club said.

The exact origins and the date of the cave remains unknown, but it is believed to have been carved from chalk bedrock sometime in the medieval period.

It is thought it was used by the Order of the Knights Templar - which had a mission to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land - as a secret meeting place.

Cave carvings, that show a face, have been printed on the football shirts