NikeInc.com

Nike Unveils First Manchester City Home Kit on New York Tour

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:15:00 -0700

Manchester City will play in their first ever Nike home kit next season – a kit that pays homage to their heritage while reflecting the club's modern style.

Manchester City revealed the kit against the backdrop of the dramatic Manhattan skyline at the start of their week-long New York Tour. A supporting cast of City fans from Manchester and the surrounding five boroughs performed the 'Poznan', as City stars James Milner, Matija Nastasic, Carlos Tevez and Pablo Zabaleta showed off the 2013-14 home kit.

The new home shirt is a classic football design, and unmistakably Manchester City, featuring a sky blue body with a white ribbed crew neck and white ribbed cuffs on the sleeves. The collar and cuffs also feature dark blue trim to represent the color of the socks City wore as a part of one of their first ever kits in 1892.

The Manchester City club crest is placed inside a shield shape on the new jersey. This is inspired by the city of Manchester’s coat of arms, which City used as their own club crest for special occasions including the 1956 FA Cup final. Inside the neck is a bonded woven label featuring "Pride in Battle, the translation of the Latin phrase “Superbia in Proelio."

The new home shorts are white with a thin sky blue stripe along each side, and the socks are white with a sky blue band with dark blue trim at the top to represent the socks the club wore for more than half a century from 1892.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Recycled Polyester

The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-FIT

The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.
Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.

Fit and construction

The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike Unveils New FC Barcelona Home and Away Kits

Tue, 21 May 2013 01:00:00 -0700

FC Barcelona next season will play in new Nike home and away kits combining the club’s renowned tradition with their modern and progressive approach, creating a distinctly Blaugrana appearance.

HOME KIT

The traditional FC Barcelona red and blue stripes boldly return to the new home shirt with a modern graphic fade stripe featured on the sleeves. The shirt reflects the sublime simplicity of FC Barcelona’s style of play, which at first glance appears simple, but is in fact masterfully complex.

The jersey also features a vibrant yellow V-neck collar to represent the Catalan flag, the Senyera, which is also fully integrated in to the back of the collar. The red and yellow stripes of the Senyera also feature inside a side vent on the hem of both sides of the shirt. Inside the back of the neck is a woven label featuring the club’s motto “Mes que un Club” (More than a Club).

The new home shorts are blue, and the socks feature a thin yellow stripe at the top and a graphic red-and-blue stripe repeated from the sleeves.

AWAY KIT

For the first time, FC Barcelona will play in an away kit featuring the red and yellow of the Catalan flag — the Senyera — as the club’s traditional stripes.

The away shirt features a yellow-ribbed crew neck with red trim, amplifying the design of the home shirt. Bold yellow and red appears as the traditional stripes on the body and in the fade stripe on the sleeves. Inside the back of the neck is a luxury woven label featuring the club’s motto “mes que un club” (more than a club).

The new away shorts are red, and the new away socks feature a thin red stripe at the top and the same yellow and red fade stripe from the sleeves fully engineered into the sock.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Recycled Polyester

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-FIT

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.
Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts' waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

Fit and construction

It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike unveils new England Home Kit

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:00:00 -0700

The new England kit was unveiled today, with the first official sighting via a picture posted on Twitter by England midfielder Jack Wilshere of a pupil at his former school wearing the jersey, demonstrating that the kit belongs to the nation, not just the players lucky enough to represent England. Following its reveal via social media, Nike has created a campaign emphasising that while the kit may feature technical innovation and performance benefits, it cannot win games by itself, and it is what the players do in it that counts.

Wilshere arrived to watch a training session at The Priory School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, before picking out lucky student Jason Kelly to wear and reveal the shirt for the first time .

“This is where my dream of playing for England started and it’s great to be back here to see a new generation playing with the same passion," Wilshere said. "I gave Jason the shirt because his commitment and work-rate really impressed me today, he showed that it’s what you do on the pitch that matters — from your first match as a nine year-old all the way up to the international stage.”

A clean, distinctive design takes the kit back to its roots with its traditional colors of white and dark blue to celebrate the Football Association’s 150th anniversary. The iconic three lions crest was prominently featured in dark blue on the team's first kit, and once again, the crest is the proud focus - now with a gold border, a gold star above it signifying England’s World Cup win, and a gold ribbon graphic below inscribed with "150 years" and the dates 1863 and 2013, marking the Football Association’s anniversary.

The blue on the new kit is the same dark blue colour that featured on England's first kit. Embodying the clean lines and understated style of the best of English fashion, the white shirt features a dark blue classic crew neck collar, while two side vents on the hem of the shirt subtly feature the St George’s cross. The shorts are entirely dark blue and the socks are white with a thin dark blue band at the top.

The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Recycled Polyester

The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-FIT

The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.
Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.

Fit and construction

The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.

Like this kid, my England dream began here, so he was first in #theshirt – England’s new kit from @nikefootball twitter.com/JackWilshere/s…
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) May 20, 2013

French Champions Paris Saint-Germain Celebrate new Nike Home Kit

Sat, 18 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Newly crowned league champions Paris Saint-Germain today unveil their new home kit on-pitch at their last game of this victorious season. The new look for the 2013-14 season comes the club embarks on a new chapter after a 19-year quest to reclaim the French league title.

The navy blue home shirt boasts a modern new graphic on the front of the shirt starting with a white block at the top, blue in the center and red at the bottom. The color-blocking evolved from the distinctive vertical and historical stripe design, which has traditionally appeared on the shirt.

This dominant combination of colors reflects the dominance Paris Saint-Germain seek on the football pitch, while each color reflects a different club value: blue for grandeur, red for passion and white to represent respect. The shirt also has a blue ribbed crew neck collar and contrasting red ribbed cuffs on the sleeves.

The new home shorts are blue with a thin red stripe along each side. The socks are blue with a white-and-red band at the top, along with the more traditional red-and-white stripe on the back to give players greater visual acuity on the pitch.

The bold new kit showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Recycled Polyester

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-FIT

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.
Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts' waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

Fit and construction

Nike embarked on an innovative program creating 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a more athletic fit tailored to the contours of their bodies.
It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

New Galatasaray Home Kit Features Perfect Half and Half Design

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:06:00 -0700

For the last game of one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history, Galatasaray players will take to the pitch wearing a new home Nike kit that merges the club's heritage and state-of-the-art technology.

Nike has created the ultimate half-and-half home kit for Galatasaray. The body and sleeves are in the traditional design of red and yellow halves, but for the first time the cuffs and the crew neck collar are also divided equally in these distinctive Galatasaray colors.

The new Galatasaray kit is inspired by similar designs worn in the 1950s and 1960s by Metin Oktay, one of the club’s greatest players hailed by fans as the “uncrowned king.” The kit also reflects the club’s status as the charismatic avant-gardes of European football, who seek to be both stylish and innovative on and off the pitch.

Inside the neck of the shirt is a woven red label featuring a club symbol representing Galatasaray’s entire sporting club beyond just football. The new home shorts are white with a thin yellow stripe along the side. The socks are red with a thin yellow band at the top and on the back is a yellow block to give the players greater visual acuity on the pitch.

The bold new kit showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Recycled Polyester

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-FIT

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.
Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts' waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

Fit and construction

Nike embarked on an innovative program creating 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a more athletic fit tailored to the contours of their bodies.
It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike Cup 247 Brings Mobile Innovation to the Pitch in Korea

Fri, 10 May 2013 14:25:00 -0700

Nike Korea kicks off the fifth annual Nike Cup five-a-side tournament by adding a new technical innovation to the playing experience.

Renamed Nike Cup 247 to highlight the opportunity for footballers to play “Anytime, Anywhere,” this year’s event debuts a mobile application platform that enables players across Korea to register teams, select opponents and arrange match dates with venues. The app, available on various platforms, also features real-time updates, match result reporting and live chats for team updates.

The month-long Cup has grown into a prestigious stage for young and aspiring footballers. Regional preliminaries begin May 13 and will be managed using the Nike Cup 247 application, arranging match schedules, and sharing game results and league standings of the first-round matches. The app will also serve young footballers by recording points for wins, draws, losses and matches played. Social media engagement will be rewarded with team crest personalization, custom kit printing services and through various football product giveaways.

Successful teams will move on to regional finals held in Seoul, Daegu and Busan. Winners of the regionals will be invited to compete for the national championship title in June.

Since 2009, the Nike Cup has been Korea’s premier five-a-side football tournament for young footballers. Previous winners participated in the Nike Cup England Tour where they watched English Premier League matches and received coaching from Manchester United football school coaches.

For more information on Nike Cup 247, visit Korea’s Nike Football blog. The app will be available on the App Store and other platforms on May 13.

Nike Maxim Ball to be used for FA Cup Final

Fri, 10 May 2013 10:00:00 -0700

Nike’s most technologically advanced football, the Nike Maxim FA Cup ball, will be used at Wembley this weekend for the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic.

As supporting partner of England's FA Cup, Nike began supplying match balls this year for the semi-final fixtures and has produced a limited edition ball emblazoned with the team names and match date for the Final on Saturday. The partnership between Nike and The Football Association, the oldest football association in the world, was announced in September 2012.

Featuring design and performance innovation that offer superb responsiveness, touch and ball flight, the Nike Maxim ball is enhanced with Nike RaDaR (Rapid Decision and Response) technology, a lab- and field-tested standard of visual performance that allows players to better see the ball and make split-second, game-changing decisions.

Five-layer ball construction guarantees optimal first touch while a 360° sweet spot provides consistent response off the foot to maximize distribution. Aerodynamic textured casing called Geo II Balanced Technology delivers an accurate and powerful strike, no matter where you hit the ball.

New Juventus home kit by Nike features tailored fit, 1980s aesthetic

Fri, 10 May 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Juventus Football Club stays true to its roots with a traditional home kit for next season. The sleek fitted jersey features the club's famous black and white stripes, this time in a thinner style reminiscent of the kits Juventus wore during its dominant run in the 1980s.

The shirt has a lowered white V-neck collar — also inspired by the 1980s kits — a black stripe print on the cuffs, and two side vents on the hem with a flash of black. The bold, bonded black tape at the bottom of the V-neck is a nod to Turin, home to Juventus and the industrial capital of Italy.

Inside the neck is a woven label featuring a shield with the club’s founding year of 1897. On the back of the shirt is the familiar black panel unique to Juventus to hold the players’ names and numbers.

The home shorts are black with a printed stripe along each side, while the socks are white with a black block on the back to give players greater visual acuity on the pitch.

The kit showcases Nike’s inherent belief in style, craft and strong aesthetics, while aiding the performance of players with key technological features.

Recycled Polyester

The kit is made from recycled polyester in accord with Nike’s commitment to produce athletic wear with a low environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process plastic bottles are melted down to form yarn that is spun into recycled polyester, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfills through the use of recycled polyester.

Fabric and Nike Dri-FIT

The kit is made of fabric weighing just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric is integrated with Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body to keep players cool and dry.
Updated and improved ventilation zones consisting of tiny laser-cut holes on both sides and across the entire back of the shirt, as well as at the shorts' waistband allows more air inside the kit for additional comfort and cooling.

Fit and construction

Nike embarked on an innovative program creating 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading footballers to produce a more athletic fit tailored to the contours of their bodies.
It has been crafted with bonded T-bars at the junctions of the shirts to support the seams and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance while also increasing comfort and performance.

Nike Celebrates 15 Years of Mercurial with Recreated '98 El Fenómeno Boot

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:00:00 -0700

In 1998 Nike launched the first Mercurial football boot — a shoe inspired by and designed for an athlete who was playing an entirely new brand of football. The player was Brasilian football phenomenon Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, popularly dubbed "El Fenómeno," but more commonly known as Ronaldo.

The tagline for the Nike Mercurial launch ad campaign, “Ultralight, so your legs can be as fast as your imagination,” spoke to Ronaldo's unbelievable creativity and speed. Ronaldo not only captured the imagination with his style, speed, skill and instictive eye for a goal, but he also helped reignite the reputation of Brasilian football. His influence continues to guide exceptional players like Neymar as they follow in his footsteps.

Ronaldo is closely associated with the original silver-yellow-blue Nike Mercurial he wore in France during the summer of 1998. Among a field of black and white, the Nike Mercurial stood out for it's sleek shape and colourful, speed-inspired visual design. To celebrate 15 years of the iconic boot, Nike has created a Mercurial Vapor IX inspired by the 1998 design.

“Ronaldo’s impact on the game 15 years ago was immense, and in the run up to 2014, we wanted to celebrate that boot and the man himself. We thought a modern construction of his 1998 boot would be a great commemoration of that moment.” said Phil McCartney, VP of Football Footwear for Nike.

“In the years since the first Mercurial boot was created, modern construction has allowed for a more refined way of making boots. For example, the original version of this boot was constructed of multiple materials stitched together, McCartney elaborated. "This version is a one-piece, seamless upper as per other Nike Vapor Mercurial IX editions.

In addition to rethinking the construction, the team approached the boot with a 2013 visual in mind. The yellow from the 1998 version is replaced by the distinctive Volt hue that became synonymous with Nike design on the running track in London last summer. The original silver is updated with a metallic finish.

1,998 pairs of the Mercurial IX Special Edition will be available from May 8 at select retailers around the world, including nike.com.

Pre-order is now available in Europe http://gonike.me/MercIXPre.

Raised on Concrete: The Boateng Brothers Kick it Around at Childhood Court

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:45:00 -0700

“I owe everything to the Panke,” says football star Kevin-Prince Boateng. As part of Nike Football's #MyGround campaign, Kevin-Prince Boateng reunited with his two brothers Jérôme and George, at the Panke — the concrete court by the Panke river where the brothers honed their skills and fell in love with the game — in Wedding, Berlin.

At today’s event, young footballers from across Europe joined the three brothers on court.

Growing up in Berlin, Kevin-Prince, Jérôme and George would play at their Panke night and day. “The Panke had a strong influence on us as brothers – small-sided football made us better football players, but also brought us together as brothers. It’s very cool to feel the atmosphere here again and pass it on,” said Kevin-Prince.

The brothers took to the Panke wearing the new Nike FC247 collection, which includes the Nike Lunar Gato II and Elastico Finale II. Launching in a distinctive blue and yellow, the Nike Lunar Gato shoe is designed for a fast and dynamic game. The supple leather upper improves ball-to-foot feel and eliminates a break-in period. Fused mesh panels lock down the midfoot to maximize lateral support and gives the Lunar Gato II a fine balance of lightweight and comfort.

A dynamic green design marks out the Nike Elastico Finale II, which features 39 percent fewer components and is 22 percent lighter than the previous shoe. The more flexible outsole, designed for hard-court surfaces, features a herringbone and dot design to help maximize traction and improve underfoot ball control. The Elastico Finale II also features a breathable perforated upper and heel, and a redesigned eyestay to optimize comfort and feel.

Nike Maxim Ball Introduced for FA Cup Semi-finals

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:00:00 -0700

Nike introduces its most technologically advanced football, the Nike Maxim FA Cup ball, at Wembley this weekend.

As supporting partner of England's FA Cup, Nike will supply match balls for every FA Cup game, starting this weekend with the semi-final fixtures Millwall v. Wigan Athletic, and Chelsea v. Manchester City, as well as for the Final on May 11. Nike’s partnership with The Football Association, the oldest football association in the world, was announced in September 2012.

Featuring design and performance innovation that offer superb responsiveness, touch and ball flight, the Nike Maxim is enhanced with Nike RaDaR (Rapid Decision and Response) technology, a lab and field-tested standard of visual performance that allows players to see the ball better and helps them make split-second, gamechanging decisions.

To maximize first touch and distribution, five-layer ball construction guarantees optimal first touch while a 360° sweet spot provides consistent response off the foot. Aerodynamic textured casing called Geo II Balanced Technology delivers an accurate and powerful strike, no matter where you hit the ball.

Nike and Hellenic Football Federation announce partnership

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 04:00:00 -0700

Nike and the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) today announce a new partnership, in which Nike becomes the official apparel and equipment supplier for the Greek National Football Team at every level. The team's new kit will debut on June 7 in a match versus Lithuania.

“We are excited to partner with the Hellenic Football Federation. The Greek national team possesses an incredibly rich heritage, passionate fans and a strong history of success within European football. From the national squad through to the youth teams, we will be delivering our most innovative performance products to the best athletes the country has to offer," commented Kristjan Luha, Nike Greece General Manager.

“We are happy to welcome an internationally recognized brand into the extended family of the National Team. Nike is a company that, over time has been identified with impressive international successes by individual athletes and teams alike and is now connected to the National Team, the country’s top team. I hope this collaboration will be long-lived and I believe it will contribute to the overall advancement of domestic football," added the President of the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) Giorgos Sarris.

Η NIKE ΚΑΙ Η ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΠΟΔΟΣΦΑΙΡΙΚΗ ΟΜΟΣΠΟΝΔΙΑ ΑΝΑΚΟΙΝΩΝΟΥΝ ΤΗ ΣΥΝΕΡΓΑΣΙΑ ΤΟΥΣ

Η Εθνική Ομάδα θα λανσάρει τη νέα εμφάνιση της Nike τον Ιούνιο στον αγώνα με τη Λιθουανία

Η Nike και η Ελληνική Ποδοσφαιρική Ομοσπονδία (ΕΠΟ) ανακοινώνουν σήμερα μια νέα συνεργασία, βάσει της οποίας η Nike θα γίνει ο επίσημος προμηθευτής εμφάνισης και εξοπλισμού για την Εθνική Ομάδα ποδοσφαίρου σε όλα τα επίπεδα. Η νέα εμφάνιση θα παρουσιαστεί για πρώτη φορά στις 7 Ιουνίου στον αγώνα με την Λιθουανία.

«Η συνεργασία με την Ελληνική Ποδοσφαιρική Ομοσπονδία μας συναρπάζει. Η Εθνική Ομάδα αντιπροσωπεύει μια απίστευτα πλούσια ιστορική κληρονομιά, παθιασμένους οπαδούς και σημαντικό ιστορικό επιτυχιών στο ευρωπαϊκό ποδόσφαιρο. Από την Εθνική Ανδρών έως την ομάδα Παίδων, θα παρέχουμε τα πιο καινοτόμα προϊόντα υψηλής απόδοσης στους καλύτερους αθλητές της χώρας» σχολίασε ο Kristjan Luha, Γενικός Διευθυντής της Nike Hellas.

«Καλωσορίζουμε στη μεγάλη οικογένεια της Εθνικής Ομάδας ένα παγκοσμίως αναγνωρισμένο brand. Η Nike είναι εταιρεία που διαχρονικά έχει ταυτιστεί με σπουδαίες διεθνείς επιτυχίες αθλητών και ομάδων και πλέον συνδέεται με την κορυφαία ομάδα της χώρας μας, την Εθνική Ομάδα. Εύχομαι αυτή η συνεργασία να μακροημερεύσει και πιστεύω ότι θα συμβάλει γενικότερα στην ανάπτυξη του εγχώριου ποδοσφαίρου» δήλωσε ο Γιώργος Σαρρής, Πρόεδρος της Ελληνικής Ποδοσφαιρικής Ομοσπονδίας.

Andrés Iniesta, Jordi Torras share their mutual admiration for football and futsal

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0700

At a recent shoot for the Nike Football film "Andrés Iniesta: My Ground", the film's subject caught up with FCB Alusport Futsal counterpart Jordi Torras, one of the world's best Futsal players, to discuss their respective sports, motivation and their time at La Masia.

Both of you have won many trophies in your careers. What motivates you to keep pushing to achieve success?

Jordi: Personally, I maintain that ambition because I do something that I like. I think it's fundamental to have that ambition even though you've won many trophies or even won everything you can. For me it's crucial.

Andrés: As Jordi says, challenging yourself is fundamental, as is the desire to win and to keep improving. Obviously, nobody likes to lose. We all like playing well and being recognized for what we achieve.

What are the similarities between futsal and 11-a-side football?

Jordi: In my opinion, there are many similarities to the way the current Barcelona team play. Their midfield is amazing. When we see their touch and control, their understanding, the passing and movement, the shielding – these skills are normal in futsal, so there are many similarities.

Andrés: I love futsal. I personally enjoy it a lot. As a professional footballer, perhaps the tactical elements and movement in the game gets lost on you. But what I love is their skill with the ball, the intensity of the moves, the side steps, the blocks, the passing. Watching it is a real pleasure. I take my hat off to futsal players because it's extremely difficult. Watching it on TV is different to when you train or play it for real.

Jordi, what aspect of Andrés Iniesta's game would you like to have?

Jordi: He never loses the ball. It honestly looks like he's dancing with the ball, that he's always in control of it although he's surrounded by four or five opponents. I love watching him do that.

And you, Andrés, what aspect of Jordi's game do you admire?

Andrés: For me his ability on the ball is key. As a midfielder who likes to be in possession, controlling the ball will always be crucial. Looking at him and his team-mates making split-second decisions on the ball, when they bring it under control — I love it when Jordi has the ball.

When you're young and in your hometown and the only thing available is a school playground to play futsal — well, I've always said that today Andrés Iniesta is a footballer, but I grew up playing futsal on the playground, which I believe has a lot to do with many of the things that I can do today.

If you had to choose one moment in your careers that is most special to you, what would it be?

Andrés: For me it was the day I made my debut in the Barcelona first team. When I was young I never thought about achieving so much; my goal was to become a La Liga player. It was a dream that I spent years pursuing at la Masia.

Jordi: I see where I am now as success, the day-to-day, that for me is the main achievement, apart from all the trophies I have won. Enjoying these moments, the important games for your club and the national squad — for me, these moments, the feeling of a must-win game, that is something unique and incredible. I think that only the players on the pitch can experience that.

Both of you grew up in la Masia. What is it about la Masia that makes it so special?

Andrés: I think that what makes it special is that you grow up at home. It's a special feeling. When you make it to the first team after so many years, after pursuing a dream that becomes closer to reality on a daily basis, after working so hard — when you feel part of something, when you really feel it, it makes it yours. I believe that this is the essence, the secret of those who grow up in La Masia, we have an added bonus that makes it different.

Jordi: My experience at La Masia is totally different to that of Andrés. He has always been part of the Barcelona set-up, from the Academy to the first team. I was in the Academy and was moulded there. But futsal was non-professional and very different than what it is now. I knew that staying in Barcelona at that time wasn't the best for me. And I had to make a difficult decision to try something new as each person has to find their own way in order to grow. When they asked me to return three years ago I didn't think twice. It’s great to be here at home, as captain of the team, lifting trophies up and watching how futsal has grown considerably.

Andrés you mentioned that you started playing futsal in your home town. How did playing futsal help you become the player you are today?

Andrés: When I started, or when I played futsal, I didn't think about becoming a footballer. I played futsal just like many of my friends. We spent hours on the school playground. It was an education that I've carried with me all these years. As I said before, my game today is what it was when I was 8 to 10 years old. I've obviously improved through having to compete and be better, and also thanks to the support and coaching I have received from the best professionals. But, without a doubt, what I was when I was younger is what I continue to be today.

Do you still play futsal or is it consigned to the past?

Andrés: No, because of my job, I rest in the spare time that I have because our schedules are very tight. But I still watch and follow it. It’s a sport that I like a lot.

You have tried the new Nike Elastico Finale II (when filming the "My Ground’ video for Nike Football) – how did they feel?

Andrés: They're fantastic, considering I played on a surface I don’t usually play on with a ball I don’t play with. They were extremely comfortable and I felt great wearing them. In my opinion, comfort is fundamental in football and in the Elastico shoe.

Jordi you wore the new Nike Lunar Gato II during the shoot. What were they like?

Jordi: These shoes are great for me. After one training session with the Gatos, they already feel perfect. The sole has changed — it's much more flexible. This is key on this surface. The feel you have for the ball and the court is great especially when turning on the ball. The leather is also much softer, it feels like a sock.

Finally, what was it like to film "Andrés Iniesta: My Ground" together?

Andrés: It was great experience to spend some time with the professional futsal players and I had a fantastic time.

Jordi: For us to have a player of the calibre of Andrés Iniesta on our court really helps us to improve. Futsal is a sport that is on the up and gaining more and more recognition, especially here in Barcelona, and to work with Andrés was a pleasure.

2013 Corinthians kits commemorate club's first Brasilian National Championship

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:00:00 -0700

On December 16, 1990, Corinthians made history collecting their first Brasilian National Championship. On that hot December Sunday, the club's supporters, known as the "Fiel" (the Faithful), made up more than 80 percent of the crowd at Morumbi Stadium. When Tupãzinho scored they went crazy with excitement, so much so that they barely waited for the final whistle to start celebrating the historic moment. To honor that piece of history, the 2013 home kit takes inspiration from the 1990 design.

Nike applies the same world-class technology used in the Brasilian National Team to manufacture Corinthians' uniforms. The home (white) jersey has the same look and feel of the design created for the 1990 Championship winning team, featuring a black polo collar. it is paired with traditional black shorts and white socks. The away (black) jersey is designed with a V-neck collar and sleeve cuffs in the same color. The away shirt is complemented by white shorts and black socks.

Inside the collar, both jerseys have a stylized design of the new Corinthians Arena. The numbering 2013 refers to the club´s current pursuit of their second ‘Libertadores Cup’ and third Club World Cup Championship. The socks have “SCCP” on the calf with a vertical line.

Corinthians players will officially wear the white kit on Wednesday, April 10 for the Libertadores Cup. The black kit will be worn for the first time four days later, in the São Paulo State Championship.

The new kits will be available in stores in Brasil beginning April 15.

Primeiro título brasileiro do Corinthians inspira camisas de 2013

Uniforme estreia na quarta-feira contra o San Jose pela Copa Libertadores da Améric

São Paulo, 8 de abril de 2013 – A raça corintiana falou mais alto na final do Campeonato Brasileiro em um domingo quente, no dia 16 de dezembro de 1990. A Fiel tomou 80% do Estádio do Morumbi e assistiu emocionada à primeira conquista de um título brasileiro pelo Timão. Aos 9 minutos do segundo tempo, em lance incrível, Tupãzinho balançou a rede do São Paulo e enlouqueceu a torcida alvinegra, que nem esperou o apito final para celebrar a vitória. Uma vitória que a torcida pode reviver através do novo uniforme do Corinthians. A inspiração dos designers da Nike para os modelos que chegam às lojas no dia 15 de abril foi a camisa daquela temporada marcante na história do clube.

Com a mesma tecnologia de ponta destinada à Seleção Brasileira, o uniforme principal do Corinthians apresenta camisa branca, com a gola polo clássica preta, calção preto e meia branca. Na tradicional camisa preta, as históricas linhas finas brancas estão de volta, com a gola “V” branca e barras das mangas na mesma cor. Completam a veste, calções brancos e meias pretas.

Na parte interna do colarinho dos dois modelos há um desenho estilizado da Arena Corinthians e a inscrição “2013”, uma alusão ao futuro estádio e à fase atual do Timão, que este ano busca o bicampeonato na Taça Libertadores da América e o tri mundial. A temperatura do corpo é mantida através das zonas de ventilação, constituídas por uma série de pequenos furos cortados a laser, que vão das axilas até a o quadril, permitindo que o ar circule para manter os jogadores confortáveis. Nos meiões há a inscrição “SCCP” na panturrilha, com uma faixa vertical.

As camisas são feitas com tecido 23% mais leve e com uma estrutura de malha 20% mais forte que os modelos anteriores, além de possuir a tecnologia Dri-Fit, que ajuda a manter os jogadores secos. Em linha com o compromisso da Nike de combinar o melhor desempenho em campo com menor impacto ambiental, o tecido do calção do novo uniforme é feito com 100% de poliéster reciclado, enquanto o da camisa possui 96%. São utilizadas em média, 13 garrafas PET recicladas por uniforme.

A estreia da camisa branca será no jogo contra o San José (Bolívia), válido pela Copa Libertadores, marcado para a próxima quarta-feira (10), no Pacaembu. E a tradicional camisa listrada será vestida pela primeira vez quatro dias depois, no mesmo gramado, na partida contra o Linense, no domingo (14), pelo Campeonato Paulista.

Os novos modelos chegam às lojas de todo o Brasil a partir da próxima segunda-feira (15), em duas versões: uma idêntica a dos jogadores, ao preço sugerido de R$ 299,00, e uma para torcedores, com preço sugerido de R$ 199,00

Garra em estado bruto

A campanha corintiana em 1990 é um marco na história do clube. Nomes como o do meia Neto, eterno xodó da Fiel, o goleiro Ronaldo e o atacante Tupãzinho, talismã da vitoriosa campanha, foram eternizados com a camisa do Timão. Até essa lendária final, o Corinthians já havia conquistado 20 vezes o Campeonato Paulista e em quatro oportunidades levantado o troféu do Torneio Rio-São Paulo.

O Timão começou mal o Campeonato Brasileiro. Foram duas derrotas em dois jogos em casa (3 x 0 para o Grêmio e 1 x 0 para o Cruzeiro). O presidente do clube Vicente Matheus trocou o técnico Zé Maria por Nelsinho Batista, que deu início à retomada alvinegra. Numa surpreendente reviravolta, o time somou 11 partidas sem perder e terminou a primeira fase em quarto lugar. Chegaram as quartas-de-final e o primeiro adversário foi o Atlético Mineiro, time que obteve a melhor campanha na competição. No primeiro jogo, Neto fez dois gols nos últimos 15 minutos: 2 a 1 Timão. Com a vantagem a seu favor, o alvinegro foi ao Mineirão e segurou o empate em 0 a 0.

O próximo desafio era passar pelo Bahia na semifinal. No primeiro jogo, no Pacaembu, Neto fez um gol, virou o placar e decretou a vitória por 2 a 1. Em Salvador, o Timão garantiu a vaga ao empatar em 0 a 0. No primeiro jogo da final contra o São Paulo, aos quatro minutos, Neto cobrou uma falta na medida para Wilson Mano marcar 1 a 0. Com muita garra o time segurou o placar indo para a grande final precisando apenas do empate. Na final veio a consagração, com o gol de Tupãzinho, eternizado no coração dos corintianos como o “Talismã da Fiel”.

Ficha Técnica

Final 16 de dezembro de 1990

Corinthians 1 X 0 São Paulo

Local: Estádio Cícero Pompeu de Toledo (Morumbi)

Público: 100.858

Renda: Cr$ 106.347.700,00

Gol: Tupãzinho (9 - 2º)

CORINTHIANS

Escalação: Ronaldo; Giba, Marcelo, Guinei e Jacenir; Marcio, Wílson Mano, Tupãzinho e Neto (Ezequiel); Fabinho e Mauro (Paulo Sérgio).

Técnico: Nelsinho Batista

SÃO PAULO: Zetti, Cafu, Antônio Carlos, Ivan e Leonardo; Flávio, Bernardo e Raí (Marcelo); Mário Tilico (Zé Teodoro), Eliel e Elivélton.

Técnico: Telê Santana

S.C. Internacional celebrate 104th birthday with new home kit design

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:30:00 -0700

The new S.C. Internacional kit designs for the 2013 season are inspired by the Rio Grande do Sul flag and mischievous club mascot Saci (a one-legged boy with a red cap prominent in Brasilian folklore).

The color inspiration is represented in three tonal diagonal stripes as a reference to the flag of Rio Grande do Sul. Inside the shirt back sits a graphic of the first emblem of the club. On the top of the club's badge is Saci's cap. The shorts are white, with a thin, red, vertical stripe on each side. The socks are also white, with a vertical red line on each calf and the inscription "SCI".

In line with Nike’s commitment to combining performance with lower environmental impact, fabric for the new the shirt fabric is made with a minimum 96 percent recycled polyester. Each kit is made using an average 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The kits are constructed using moisture-wicking Nike Dri-FIT technology: the fabric's knit structure is 23 percent lighter and 20 percent stronger than Nike’s previous kits. Bonded re-enforced T-bar junctions support critical seams on the shirt and shorts, and inner welded seams with a flat finish construction improve overall comfort.

The new shirts go on sale in Brasil April 12.

Inter celebra 104º aniversário com novo uniforme
Modelo traz referências da bandeira do Rio Grande do Sul e do Saci, mascote do clube

São Paulo, 05 de abril de 2013 – O novo uniforme do Inter é mais vermelho do que nunca. Mais engajado com o coração colorado, mais inovador e mais gaúcho. A Nike apresentou o novo kit de uniformes do Inter na festa de 104 anos do clube nesta sexta no Beira Rio. Inspirado na bandeira do Rio Grande do Sul e no saci travesso (mascote do clube), o modelo acompanhará o Inter nas batalhas que o time enfrentará em 2013, entre elas o segundo turno do Campeonato Gaúcho, Copa do Brasil, Campeonato Brasileiro e Copa Sul-Americana. A camisa principal entra em campo pela primeira vez no domingo (07), contra o Veranópolis, em partida válida pelo segundo turno do Gauchão.

A nova camisa traz uma gola careca e o vermelho inconfundível, agora aparece em três faixas diagonais em tom sobre tom, uma referência à bandeira do Rio Grande do Sul. A camisa traz nas costas, pelo lado de dentro, o primeiro símbolo do clube, em branco sobre fundo preto. A toca do Saci Pererê, que aparece no escudo do clube, foi incluída no símbolo. Os shorts são brancos, com uma linha vermelha vertical fina em cada lado, enquanto as meias acompanham o branco e exibem uma faixa vertical vermelha na parte de trás de cada panturrilha, além da inscrição "SCI".

Desenvolvimento Tecnológico

Zonas de ventilação, constituídas por uma série de pequenos furos cortados a laser, das axilas até a o quadril, permitem que o ar circule para manter os jogadores confortáveis. Os uniformes são reforçados pela junção T-Bar, tecnologia que dá suporte às costuras com um acabamento liso e plano para melhorar o conforto e desempenho dentro de campo. O short também possui zonas de ventilação que ajudam no movimento dos atletas, além de um reforço interno para maior conforto.

A camisa começa a ser vendida nas lojas de todo o Brasil a partir da próxima sexta-feira (12), em duas versões: uma idêntica a dos jogadores, ao preço sugerido de R$ 299,00, e uma para torcedores, com preço sugerido de R$ 199,00.

Wayne Rooney's tips for small-sided football

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:00:00 -0700

At a recent shoot for the Nike FC247 collection in Manchester, England, Wayne Rooney shared insights about small-sided football, opened up about growing up in Liverpool and named his favorite part of training. During the shoot, Rooney tried out Nike's new Bomba Finale II, a shoe created for the demands of astroturf-based football.

Wayne, tell us about the area in which you grew up.

Football was everything to me and my friends, and we’d go out every day to play. Before school, after school, during school, football was all we were interested in. I think that was the same for so many kids growing up near me. I’d wake up, have breakfast, go out and play, go in, put my uniform on and head to school with a ball. I’d play before class, at lunchtime, come home and get out and play until it got dark. It was like a job even back then. I loved it so much. I think my mum was quite happy, as she knew exactly where I was.

So where did you start playing football?

I was very fortunate. At the back of my house there was a small five-a-side pitch that belonged to the local youth club. I’d only have to climb over my garden fence and there I was. There were other places too, we’d find a pitch in most spots but it was that pitch behind my house that me and my mates would play on for hours.

How many people would be playing in these games?

After school it could start out as three-a-side but soon end up fifteen-a-side. In the school holidays it might get to even more but soon people would tire and drop out and you might end up with just a few of you and the sun going down. I’d be out there on my own as well though. I’d go out with just a ball and practice shooting or dribbling or whatever.

So how much did that style of football help you perfect your skills?

It helped me loads. When I was on my own it was perfect. It was enclosed so I could smash the ball about and use the walls without the ball running away from me. I practiced passing and shooting all the time on my own and yes, I think it helped me get better and better.

Do you think those days affected the sort of player you became?

It helped me. I got used to having the ball at my feet and having to try and keep it at my feet. When you play that style of enclosed small-sided stuff you feel the benefits when you go out and play on grass in bigger-sided games because your control has improved and you benefit from having more space.

So how else does small-sided football benefit your game?

Small-sided games see you get the ball in much tighter situations and you need to be able to get yourself out of them. You are used to getting the ball and immediately are under the pressure and therefore learn about how best to cope with that pressure. When the pitch opens up in 11-a-side games, you seem to have all the space in the world. It definitely helped me. That’s for sure.

What specific skills can young people learn from small-sided games?

It’s great to master the game on concrete or Astro and if you can learn to control the ball and do tricks in small-sided games then once you come to a nice grass pitch you’ll find it easy. Playing in these small games and just working hard on skills, tricks, moves, it will help massively in the long run. Everything I learnt came from those small matches. The tactical side of things comes later but 95 percent of my game is from those days playing as a kid.

We can all see that today you have a competitive streak running through you. Was that developed on that tarmac pitch behind your house?

Yes! I have always been like that, whether I’m on the golf course, the computer or the football pitch. I have always wanted to win and it comes from how I was brought up. If I was losing against my mates, I could lose my cool if things went against me and now as a pro that’s something I’ve had to learn to control. You need to be competitive I think.

When you scored your famous goal against Arsenal in 2002, you went home and had a kick-about with your mates. Do you remember much about that game back home?

Yes, we went and played in the garages nearby. We’d practice our finishing all night. No one treated me any differently. A few congratulated me about the goal but otherwise no one really made a fuss.

Do you still get the temptation to get out and have a kick-about?

It’s harder now because at United we have so many games and rest is so important. I wouldn’t want to get injured either. I go in my garden as I have a five-a-side-pitch there and I take my son down and try and show him a few tricks.

How big a part do five-a-sides play at Manchester United?

We do a bit at the end of every session and it is the best bit of training. It’s not for long but it’s what we look forward to most. Having said that it is really important. You get to express yourself, I get to try and score goals and I as I said before, you work on tight situations and how you’d get out of them.

You’ve played in some of the great stadiums in the world but do you still get an urge to join in on a park when you’re passing?

Yeah of course. It takes you back to growing up when you’re learning to play. I love to see kids doing what I was doing when I was their age and it’s exciting to think that some of those guys will go on and make a career in the game.

What are your top five tips for playing small-sided football?

First of all awareness. It is so tight and you need to know where defenders and team-mates are. Next is vision. Again, it is very tight and you must work on seeing the spaces available. Technique is vital so your passing and shooting can be spot-on. Strength will help you, as you need to hold players off. and finally, finishing. All good teams need a good finisher, and with small goals, you’ll need to be at the top of your game. Just keep trying. There’s no pressure. These are the games when you can try new tricks without being judged.

Manchester United has been so strong in the league this season. How much of that form stems from the very bitter disappointment felt at the end of last season?

To lose the league in the last second was a bad feeling but when you’re at a club like United, you have to be full of motivation and desire to win every year. That comes from the manager, and all the players are aware of that. The club and the players have to be full of that desire and that’s why the club has been so successful.

You have a healthy lead at the top of the league, but how do you stay motivated and focused when it looks wrapped up?

You have to stay focused. You have to make sure that we keep doing our job and keep our concentration. One bad game and everything could fall and so we go out and play each game with a positive attitude.

Summer '13 CR7 Collection Inspired By Explosive Speed

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:00:00 -0700

Not only is pace one of the hallmarks of Cristiano’s game, it also defines the bold, distinctive spirit of the new CR7 Collection.

Design inspiration comes from Cristiano’s love for all things fast. The collection includes the new colorway of the CR Mercurial Vapor IX boot, performance training items and a variety of polos and tees. Each element is aesthetically inspired by velocity in sport.

The signature CR Mercurial Vapor IX boot has been reworked with this season’s version - a fusion of white, neon orange, with a neon yellow and orange safari print inspired by the safari print that was first seen on a Cristiano Ronaldo product in 2010 on the Mercurial Vapor Superfly II.

Beyond its striking design, the boot features an engineered upper that enchances support and touch allowing Ronaldo to perform at high levels of speed and skill. A leather-like finish on the upper, preferred by the athlete, and Nike’s innovative All Conditions Control (ACC) technology further aids his performance; the special treatment now used on all Nike boots ensures a consistent touch whether playing in wet or dry conditions weather.

Horizontal black and neon yellow lines link the shoe to the collection’s overarching inspiration of speed. The “love to win, hate to lose” logo on the heel is a nod to Ronaldo’s inspiration as he explodes past his opponents towards goal.

This same vibrant color combination classifies the CR7 Mercurial Lite shin guards, CR7 Prestige ball and CR7 Cheyenne backpack, while additional training items appear in monochrome.

The speed inspiration is also seen in the lifestyle items in the collection, particularly with the CR7 Pique Polo and CR7 V-neck T-shirt. It is represented in the flashes of green, blue, red and white that run across the body. The Graphic Top for training opts for green and cream stripes combined with white shorts. The apparel pieces are constructed of premium materials and carry the CR7 trademark “love to win, hate to lose” heart-with-cross logo.

The white button-down Saturday Jacket with drawstring hem and front patch pockets and vintage-inspired Nike Tennis Classic, Cristiano’s favorite sneaker, complete the summer range.

The CR7 Collection will be available from nikestore.com from April 11.

Neymar cameo in new Nike Skateboarding & Eric Koston film

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:02:00 -0700

Playing on the hushed tones that tricks like his 360 flip frontside noseblunt slide were spoken in, for the Nike Koston 2 campaign Eric performs a ledge trick that becomes fodder for word-of-mouth gossip, and soon grows to legendary status thanks to an all-star cast.

It's a trick so revered that the gossip goes global, starting with Nike Skateboarding team riders Sean Malto to Ishod Wair at ground zero. From there, it endures a language change to reach Brasilian footballer Neymar as his famous mane is styled. Making it back to the Nike SB team, Paul Rodriguez learns of Eric’s feat through a talkative dentist. Kyrie Irving explains his version in the middle of practice, and even Allyson Felix joins the gossip during training — Ending with another sport legend, Tiger Woods, as he exits a grocery store — it’s clear the legend that is Eric Koston has no end in sight.

Nike Celebrates 100 years of US Soccer

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Combining elements of the past and present, Nike offers a fresh take on soccer casuals. Drawing inspiration from the centennial US Soccer Kit, classic Americana workwear, and design cues from traditional cut and sew techniques, the collection provides a classic but contemporary look off the pitch.

Highlighting the collection, the USA Best Jacket comes in a patriotic obsidian colorway. The canvas workwear-style jacket features deep and easily accesible front pockets, a cotton twill lining for comfort and lightweight poly fill for warmth. Depending on sartorial inclinations a ribbed cotton shawl collar folds down and ribbed cotton cuffs keeps it clean at the wrist. A centennial embroidered badge with a 100-year anniversary banner is placed on the inside back neck finishing off the look inside and out.

The collection also includes the USA Best Crew. The french terry raglan sleeve crewneck features a laser-cut rip-stop pouch accesible via a bonded zipper with ergonomic zipper pull. The pocket is extremely useful and durable but also innovates an otherwise traditional crewneck. Screen printing on the front identifies US Soccer's birth year and an embroidered badge with 100-year anniversary banner is placed inside on the back neck.

The entire collection is available online and in stores now. Show your support for the team in style as they enter into another round of important qualifying matches.

Andres Iniesta goes home with new Nike Elastico Finale II

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:00:00 -0700

As a young player growing up in Fuentealbilla, south of Spain, Andres Iniesta had dreams of making it to the professional ranks of football. Part of his schooling involved playing small-sided football with his friends in his hometown. It was a formative part of his footballing education that benefits his game to this day.

"Futsal helps my ball control in tighter spaces" says Iniesta. For that reason, when his schedule allows it, Iniesta joins training sessions with the Barca Alusport Team (FCB's futsal equivalent). “If I had more free time, I would like to train more with my colleagues on the futsal team."

Nike Football's "My Ground" film gives a glimpse into Iniesta's time training with his futsal colleagues and his background in the small-sided game.

During filming Iniesta tested the new Nike Elastico Finale II while some of his opponents wore the new Nike Lunargato II, both part of the recently launched Nike Football FC247 Collection designed for football anytime, anywhere.

The new Nike Lunargato II and Elastico Finale II will available at Nike.com beginning March 28.

Nike Football FC247 collection designed for football anytime, any place

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0700

“Football is the biggest sport on the planet. It’s enjoyed at almost any time and in any place, and in today’s world that accessibility is vital. As the global population increases, spaces to play 11-a-side are more difficult to come by. We’ve seen a huge increase in players playing more small-sided games, because it’s that much easier to access." — Phil McCartney, Nike Football, VP of Football Footwear

“When we go out and talk to athletes playing the game, we find it’s not just the traditional five-a-side that we see being played en masse in the U.K., but also futsal or indoor matches and street football,” McCartney continues. “It’s up to us as Nike to serve those players with the right product for these different surfaces.”

These insights guided Nike to create FC247, a new range of football performance and street footwear geared for the variety of surfaces on which the game is played, each with design innovations specific to respective playing style.

It was during athlete feedback sessions that some of the world’s best players helped guide McCartney’s team.

“Playing five-a-side as a kid was a massive part of my development. It improved my control, speed, awareness and vision so much. We still play versions of it in training.“ — Wayne Rooney

“If I had more free time, I would like to train more with my colleagues on the futsal team. Futsal helps my ball control in tighter spaces,” added Andres Iniesta.

“For Brasilians, the street is where you learn to play football. You can see it in the way we move, our first touch, our ability to control and move the ball at speed,” said Neymar.

“This type of athlete feedback was vital in the design process. Fast-tempo matches with limited space demand instinctive touch and control with split-second decision-making – skills that translate to the elite level of the sport. Those feedback sessions had a huge impact on the products we created,” added McCartney.

Three new shoes, Nike Bomba Finale II, Nike Elastico Finale II and Nike Lunar Gato II deliver design innovation that allow players to amplify their skills on specific surfaces. Each shoe is created to provide a balance of speed, control, comfort and precision based on varying court surfaces.

All three shoes feature new outsoles that house a flexible groove along the first metatarsal, which helps free up that part of the foot for a quicker first step to improve agility in tight spaces.

The Bomba Finale II, in a striking orange and black colorway, boasts 27 percent fewer components than its predecessor, creating a softer and more flexible shoe that is also 10 percent lighter than the previous version. Conical studs for quick rotation help aid the rapid turns made in small-sided games while oblong studs help provide excellent traction and stability on the turf.

The Bomba Finale II along with the Elastico Finale II are both equipped with new ‘NIKESKIN’ technology, a polyurethane skin layered over performance mesh, resulting in shoes that are lighter and thinner than their predecessors. Both have a closer, stitch-free fit, and the mesh geometry combines with a seamless vamp to aid closer ball control. In addition, the Nike Bomba Finale II features Nike’s All Conditions Control (ACC) technology for consistent ball control in dry and wet conditions.

A dynamic green design marks out the Elastico Finale II, which features 39 percent fewer components and is 22 percent lighter than the previous shoe. The more flexible outsole, designed for hard-court surfaces, features a herringbone and dot design to help maximize traction and improve underfoot ball control. The Elastico Finale II also features a breathable perforated upper and heel, and a redesigned eyestay to optimize comfort and feel.

The Lunar Gato II, launching in a distinctive blue and yellow, is designed for a fast and dynamic game on all surfaces. Featuring 33 percent fewer components than its predecessor, it is also 16 percent lighter. The supple leather used on the upper improves the ball-to-foot feel. The soft leather eliminates a break-in period and the contoured sock liner supplies an anatomical fit.

Fused mesh panels lock down the mid-foot to maximize lateral support and gives the Lunar Gato II a fine balance of lightweight and comfort.

The new Nike Lunar Gato II, Nike Bomba Finale II and Nike Elastico Finale II will be available at Nike.com and retail beginning March 28.

AS Roma Teams up with Nike

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:30:00 -0700

AS Roma and Nike today announce a new partnership for Nike to become the club's official apparel and equipment sponsor. The 10-year agreement will begin at the start of the 2014-15 season. Nike will produce all on-pitch and training product, from the first team to the youth teams, as well as off-pitch product for the players and fans.

"We're proud to partner with AS Roma, a club with great heritage," said Bert Hoyt, VP/GM of Nike Western Europe. “It’s a club that embodies strong characteristics, is recognized across the world and represents one of Europe's greatest cities. We look forward to developing a successful long-term partnership with them."

Italo Zanzi, CEO of AS Roma adds, "AS Roma is committed to becoming the premier football club in the world, on and off the field. This partnership is a fundamental step in that mission. Nike's dedication to football excellence and global brand building is aligned perfectly with our objectives. We are extremely excited about our future together."

AS Roma e Nike annunciano una nuova partnership in cui quest’ultima diventerà lo sponsor ufficiale del club per la fornitura di materiale tecnico e di abbigliamento. L’accordo avrà una durata di dieci anni a partire dalla stagione 2014-2015. Nike realizzerà tutti i prodotti da gara e da allenamento, dalla prima squadra fino alle giovanili, come anche quelli per il tempo libero per giocatori e tifosi.

“Siamo orgogliosi di diventare partner di un club di grande tradizione come la Roma” ha affermato Bert Hoyt, Vice Presidente e General Manager di Nike Western Europe. “E’ una squadra che incarna valori forti, è conosciuta in tutto il mondo e rappresenta una delle più importanti città d’Europa. Siamo impazienti di iniziare a lavorare con loro per costruire insieme una lunga partnership di successo.”

Italo Zanzi, CEO di AS Roma ha aggiunto “AS Roma è impegnata a diventare la squadra di calcio più importante del mondo, dentro e fuori dal campo, e questo è un passo fondamentale verso questo obiettivo. La dedizione che Nike ha verso l’eccellenza nel calcio e la costruzione di un brand globale sono perfettamente in linea con i nostri obiettivi”.

“Siamo davvero entusiasti di diventare partner del più grande brand sportivo del mondo e soprattutto di entrare a far parte del portfolio di Nike. La partnership tra As Roma e Nike svilupperà prodotti e iniziative che aiuteranno il club giallorosso a diventare un brand sempre più globale nel mondo del calcio e a coinvolgere i nostri tifosi in tutto il mondo”. E’ quanto dichiarato da Christoph Winterling, Commercial Director di As Roma.

Manchester United Sportswear Collection inspired by legendary No. 7s

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 07:00:00 -0700

The Manchester United Collection, a new Nike Sportswear apparel range, pays homage to the illustrious history of the Manchester United No. 7 shirt. The flair, leadership and will to win embodied by the club’s No. 7s characterize the off-pitch apparel collection.

Specifically, Manchester United legends including George Best, Bryan Robson, and Eric Cantona inspire the designs.

You could say it’s the winning mentality that unites the great No. 7s — the mentality of a champion, always wanting to win and having that hunger for trophies,” Antonio Valencia, current Manchester United winger, said about the significance of the storied No. 7.

The Best L/S Polo, red with white trim on the crew neck collar and cuffs, recalls the home shirt worn by the European Cup-winning team of 1968. The gingham lining of the black Woven Jacket references the textile industry that helped establish Manchester as a centre of industry in the mid-18^th century.

The No. 7 itself takes pride of place on the Covert Vintage Polo, sitting on the chest alongside a Manchester United crest, and the grey Covert Vintage Tri Blend tee proudly bears a gingham No. 7 on the back. Stylish Covert Vintage tees with a retro Manchester United crest compose the rest of the collection.

Every piece of Manchester United Collection apparel has been created with the goal of reflecting the passion and reverence with which Manchester United fans regard the no. 7 shirt, and the range combines a vintage design aesthetic combined with Nike technologies.

The Manchester United Collection is available at www.nike.com.

In the downloads section, download complete transcripts of interviews about the significance of the No. 7 jersey with legendary kit manager Albert Morgan and current No. 7 United winger Antonio Valencia.

Celtic’s new star Tom Rogic inspires Nike’s ‘The Chance’ winners

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 -0800

In early 2012, more than one hundred thousand hopefuls from around the world entered ‘The Chance,’ Nike’s search for unsigned football talent. The journey to find the best among these players encompassed more than 50 regional finals, the week-long global finals held at FC Barcelona, and a four-week once-in-a-lifetime football tour that gave the top 16 players an opportunity to compete against teams from U.S. Soccer, Manchester United and Juventus.

Now the winners have been announced, and Marco Di Lauro of Italy, Gonzalo Balbi of Spain and Kevin Salazar of Colombia, have joined the Nike Academy to train for the rest of the season in their bid to become professional footballers. All three can take huge inspiration from young footballer and Nike Academy graduate Tom Rogic.

In the winter of 2011, Rogic, a talented Australian midfielder, arrived in the U.K. to take part in The Chance — hoping to stand out among thousands of entrants.

There, Rogic caught the eye of Nike Academy Director of Football Jimmy Gilligan and his coaching team, making the top eight of The Chance 2011 Final and winning a place in the Nike Academy – living, training and playing as an elite footballer for a year.

After, Rogic was scouted and signed by the Central Coast Mariners back in his native Australia. His journey didn’t stop there. This January he was signed by the famous Celtic Football Club. In his debut game, Rogic was named man-of-the-match for the Glasgow giants. “I know I am at one of the biggest clubs in the world today because of the opportunity I had with The Chance,” Rogic says.

“If you’d told me, when I was going through 'The Chance,' that a year or 18 months later I’d be playing for the Celtic first team, I wouldn’t have believed you. My advice to the winners of this year’s 'The Chance' is to not give up, because you don’t know what can happen.

“The past 12 months have been amazing for me and it’s really just the beginning,” Rogic continues. “I feel very privileged to be a part of this football club and hopefully I can continue to progress.”

Neil Lennon, Manager of Celtic Football Club, says: “Tom is tall, elegant, has quick feet, excellent technique, and an eye for a goal. He has taken full advantage of the opportunity that Nike’s 'The Chance' gave him; he can be very proud about what he has achieved.”

The future for the three winners of this year’s 'The Chance' is unknown, but you can bet they’d happily follow in Rogic’s footsteps 18 months from now.

Watch the documentary below about Tom Rogic and the developing careers of the other Chance 2011 winners. For future news on The Chance sign up to youtube.com/nikefootball and follow @nikefootball on Twitter.

New centennial kit Celebrates 100 years of U.S. Soccer

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:13:00 -0800

The new U.S. Men's and Women's national team kit is a stylish and striking celebration of what is officially the U.S. Soccer Federation’s 100th year. The design pays tribute to the centennial milestone, giving the uniform a classic but contemporary look.

Known originally as the United States of America Foot Ball Association, the organization was formed in April 1913. Three years later, the team played its first game against Sweden in Stockholm where they were victorious 3-2. The new kit celebrates the centenary and is inspired by the uniform worn in that game.

The shirt uses a solid white design with obsidian blue collar and sleeve detailing. The V-neck is noticeably wide and deep to match the 1913 kit. Vent details on the right and left hem represent the nation’s iconic stars and stripes, while the inner neck detail also celebrates U.S Soccer’s centennial year.

A standout feature of the new kit is the crest. The enlarged crest (again, an homage to the original kit), is interwoven to maximize the top’s luxurious feel. The crest's 13 stars and 13 stripes replicates the motif of the 1913 kit and symbolizes the first American flag of the original 13 colonies.

The shorts are white with an obsidian blue trim along each side and have the full crest and a white swoosh detail. The socks are white and have "USA" woven into the design.

In line with Nike’s commitment to combining performance with lower environmental impact, fabric for the new kit’s shorts is made with 100 percent recycled polyester, while the shirt fabric is made with a minimum 96 percent recycled polyester. Each kit is made from an average 13 recycled plastic bottles.

The kit is constructed using Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture and is made out of 23 percent lighter fabric with 20 percent stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits. The shirt also features laser-cut ventilation holes that promote localized cooling to help regulate players' body temperature during a match.

The new U.S. Men's and Women's national team kits will be available online and in stores March 1.