- Footy feverThe England team is winning, English clubs are challenging in Europe again (alright, apart from Liverpool for now) and the grass roots game is thriving. Zoe Foster looks at some of the latest football boots, balls, pads and glovesPublished: 19 November, 2009
2010 World Cup fever is beginning to brew already, as for the first time in quite a few years, England not only has an excellent squad of players, but also a coach who appears to be able to get the very best from the group. Superb results in qualifying, apart from that slip-up in Ukraine, have led to great confidence in Fabio Capello -or Don Fabio, as he is known in his native Italy - and a real feeling across England that maybe, just maybe, the hype will be justified this time.
Rucanor MacarioPublished: 19 November, 2009The Macario boot is aimed at younger players in search of a sound footing in the national game. The PU boots are fitted with a velcro closure and moulded stud outsole, and it is available in sizes 28-36.
Mizuno MoreliaPublished: 19 November, 2009Mizuno has made the iconic Morelia football boot 30g lighter than previous models for the 2009/10 season. This classically styled boot in K-leather is lined with a lightweight EVA sock liner to minimise the effect of stud pressure felt through the foot, thereby improving performance. It is also the boot of choice for England Rugby player, Nick Kennedy.
Mitre RafalePublished: 19 November, 2009Mitre has worked closely with Jimmy Bullard to develop a football boot that meets the requirements of the top-flight player. The Rafale is made with full Pittard soft grain leather, which is engineered to adapt to the shape of the foot. This boot is created to enhance speed, accuracy and feel for the ball. The lightweight upper and the outsole are intended to allow for total freedom of movement and quick turns.
Concave PT+Published: 19 November, 2009Concave is launching five new boots for 2009/10, in a range of colour ways and outsoles for both adults and children. Jim Grimes, CEO of Concave Holdings explains: "Not only does our technology give more power, control and accuracy, but the boots also provide added protection against metatarsal injuries." The top end boot made from premium K-leather is the PT+ designed specifically for the elite player.
Concave PT MiniPublished: 19 November, 2009The PT Mini is specifically designed for children with a focus on safety and protection. Concave CEO Jim Grimes says: "Retailer demand for the boots will come from the focus we are placing on online activity, targeting 14-25 year olds in particular". Concave is also supporting its retailers through promotions, Concave Kicker Tube events and publicity in local media.
LottoZhero LeggendaPublished: 19 November, 2009As worn by Liverpool and England defender Glen Johnson, the Zhero Leggenda is a professional boot made with water-repellent kangaroo leather upper, designed to provide a perfect fit and feel while playing. Shock absorbing cushioning in the heel and Lotto's innovative ‘Twist 'n' Go', which is a pivoting stud, are intended to improve performance and reduce injuries.
Under Armour Dominate Pro SGPublished: 19 November, 2009New colour ways for Under Armour football boots are due to hit retail stores in December 2009. The Dominate Pro SG is designed to blend technology with tradition to provide power, lightweight responsiveness, protection and comfort.
Under ArmourCreate Pro SGPublished: 19 November, 2009The Create Pro SG boot in Hi Viz Yellow/Indigo, offers lightweight and breathable performance that is intended to respond, support and protect the fast player. Players are encouraged to visit www.underarmour.com/UA11 to find out which style of boot is best for them.
HummelOld School StarPublished: 19 November, 2009Hummel says a timeless design has made its Old School Star boot one of the standout pieces of their 2009 boot collection. It has a super soft K-leather upper with leather lining available from stock in SG and FG options. An RRP of £50 has been set with a view to enabling retailers to achieve a very good margin. Hummel claims the collection has sold through very well to date.
Reusch Xosa Pro G1 GlovePublished: 19 November, 2009Reusch has built a fantastic heritage of goalkeepers winning the World Cup wearing their gloves. 2010 in South Africa will be another opportunity to add to that heritage, and all Reusch-sponsored goalkeepers will be wearing the exclusive and vibrant Xosa Pro G1 gloves, in the hope of gripping the World Cup at the end of the tournament!
Umbro SpecialiPublished: 19 November, 2009This is a boot associated with many players, but who can forget the goal scored by Michael Owen in the 1998 World Cup? He was wearing the Speciali. Umbro promises that the new 2009 version offers incredible comfort, improved control, increased accuracy and additional power. It's also the lightest Speciali Umbro have ever made.
Rucanor Genova+Published: 19 November, 2009Rucanor claims its Genova+ football is match-quality with IMS approval. The ball is made in ultra high-shine, soft-feel PU with 4-ply poly/viscose lining and 100% natural latex bladder. It is available in sizes 4 & 5.
Hummel PremierPublished: 19 November, 2009This entry-level match ball is suitable for both grass and artificial surfaces, providing clubs with what Hummel describes as an inexpensive quality ball. The company also claims it leaves the retailer with a fantastic margin in a competitive market.
Hummel ConceptPublished: 19 November, 2009This top-end FIFA-approved match ball is at a very competitive price point for a 100% hand-stitched item. Suitable for both grass and artificial pitches, the Concept Ball is decorated with Hummel's distinctive black and white graphics.
England 2 - Italy, France, Holland, Portugal and Sweden 0Football is one of the sports we in the UK 'invented' and took to the world; it is by far the most popular sport globally, despite the professional leagues not really taking hold in the US. But disillusionment grows among supporters of 'big' clubs as wages for player spiral out of control and ever-more ludicrous sums are paid for players - the £80m for Cristiano Ronaldo, recently announced, being the perfect example. Does this mean people are turning away from the playing the game, as well as watching it?Published: 29 June, 2009Doug Bedford, MD of Prostar says: "The men's game is getting stronger. This is being fuelled by the shorter five or six-a-side version of the game. As well as not requiring such a commitment of time, the shorter game allows us to play on for longer - well into our 40s and in some cases 50s. Meanwhile, 11-a-side typically covers the 6-35 age range. What's more there is no apparent reason why that should change."
How do you normally keep up-to-date with the latest news for the sporting goods business?


