# Virtual Rainbow Soccer Kits The FIFA 2017 Rainbow Kit Raises Awareness for Gay Athletes By Joey Haar | Published 2016-12-06 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-kit References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2016/12/05/fifa-17-rainbow-kit/?utm_campaign=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial&utm_cid=Mash-Prod-RSS-Feedburner-All-Partial&utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [twitter](https://twitter.com/EASPORTSFIFA/status/802474506346516480/photo/1) Special uniforms, or "kits" as they are known in the world of soccer, are a popular addition for many the legions of fans who play the [FIFA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ea-sports-fc) video game franchise, and the FIFA 2017 [Rainbow Kit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-railroad) was designed to do more than add a snazzy kit to the game's stock. The kit, which features a vertical rainbow stripe design, was designed to raise awareness about [LGBT participation in soccer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/european-diversity-month). Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, with literally billions of fans around the world. Despite that large number, professional sports organizations as a whole, FIFA included, have been slow to acknowledge and accept LGBT athletes -- despite the increasing number of athletes coming out. The FIFA 2017 Rainbow Kit is a welcome gesture of inclusiveness from the massive gaming franchise. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 19% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Inclusive Sports:** Creating sports kits and initiatives to promote inclusion and acceptance of LGBT athletes. - **Virtual Activism:** Utilizing virtual platforms and video games to raise awareness and support for social causes. - **Fan Engagement:** Developing interactive fan experiences through customizable virtual sports kits. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming:** Leveraging the popularity of video games to promote social causes and inclusivity. - **Sports Apparel:** Designing and producing inclusive and diversity-focused sports kits for various sports leagues and teams. - **Sports Marketing:** Utilizing virtual fan engagement and interactive initiatives to promote social activism and inclusivity in sports. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bespoke Jersey Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-kit-collection.md) - [Next-Gen National Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2026-home-kit.md) - [Soccer Structure-Inspired Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ea-sports-fc.md) - [Vegan Football Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-football-kit.md) - [Sports-Inspired Game Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lionel-messi-2.md) - [Trans-Inclusive Soccer Facilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pitch-please.md) - [In-Game Pride Month Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/league-of-legends-pride.md) - [Football-Focused Esports Worlds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifa-world.md) - [Survivor Donated Fabric Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fabric-of-the-community.md)