Why EFL kits will look different during the Play-Offs as subtle change is revealed

EFL clubs will sport a slightly altered kit should they feature in the upcoming Play-Offs for promotion this month. 

A number of sides have already booked their place in the end-of-season clashes for the chance of moving up a division, including Sheffield United, who are champing at the bit to return to the Premier League on the heels of a strong season, and Sunderland in the Championship. 

In League One, Stockport, Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton are all confirmed to challenge for a chance at joining already-promoted sides Wrexham and Birmingham City in England’s second tier. 

But while a number of aspects about the Play-Offs will be familiar to teams that have challenged for promotion in previous seasons, the club’s kits will feature a subtle difference to the norm. 

Sky Bet will be raising awareness for their partnership with the British Heart Foundation, and the challenge’s ‘Every Minute Matters’ campaign by adding a new sleeve badge to the strips of all of the teams featuring in the post-season campaign. 

The badges will aim to draw attention to the lifesaving importance of CPR, and will feature a unique heart logo emblazoned with the slogan at the centre of the campaign. 

In addition to the sartorial move, EFL partner Sky Bet will be adding to the campaign’s impact by pledging £10,000 to the British Heart Foundation for every goal that is scored across the 15 fixtures between Championship, League One, and League Two clubs. 

Sunderland star Luke O’Nein, who is set to feature for the Wearside club in their quest for a spot at England’s top table, has stressed the importance of football fans across the country improving their CPR skills. 

‘It’s a huge honour to represent your club in the Play-Offs and something I’ve been fortunate to do several times in my Sunderland career,’ O’Nien told Sky Bet .This year will be extra special because we’ll not only be playing to win, but we’ll be also helping to raise awareness of the life saving power of CPR.

‘I’ve spoken to friends, family and Sunderland supporters about the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign and what’s clear is that too many people still don’t realise that anyone can learn CPR – you don’t need medical experience or any special skills. 

‘The reality is you can learn in just 15 minutes. So, my message to fans is simple – step up and learn CPR because it could make all the difference.’

Luton captain Tom Lockyer, who suffered a cardiac arrest while featuring for his side during last season’s campaign has been an important advocate of the campaign, and while he will be watching from the sidelines, Lockyer admitted that seeing the badge would prove ’emotional’. 

‘The Sky Bet EFL Play-Offs have provided some of the most dramatic and compelling moments in football,’ Lockyer said. ‘For me personally, the Play-Offs are a massive part of my own story, and it’s fitting that I’ll be back at Wembley later in May to raise awareness of the vital importance of CPR.’

‘It will be emotional for me watching the players competing in the Play-Offs quite literally wearing hearts on their sleeves. It’s hard to get my head around just how the EFL community – fans, players and the clubs – have come together and united behind the Sky Bet Every Minute Matters campaign. 

‘It’s surreal what we’ve collectively achieved in such a short space of time, but I’m calling for one final effort from the fans because every extra person we inspire to learn CPR could one day go on to save a life.’

The year-long campaign, which was launched at Wembley last year, is within touching distance of its goal to inspire 360,000 people to start learning CPR by reaching a target of £3million raised.