ADIDAS HUNT FOR FAST
Think you’re fast? Prove it with “The Hunt For Fast” from adidas.
Fast football currently dominates the beautiful game with the likes of Lionel Messi, Ashley Young, and David Silva controlling matches across the world. Now, with the launch of the groundbreaking adidas F50 powered by miCoach, adidas is giving UK footballers the chance to prove they’re fast too with their ‘The Hunt For Fast’ campaign.
adidas is scouring the nation for the fastest 11 amateur footballers in the land. After playing in a match or training session wearing a new pair of f50 boots powered by miCoach, you’ll be able to view your performance data including: average speed, top speed, distance covered and more. Then, you can upload the stats directly onto miCoach and compare them to other players across the country. The players who with fastest times each week will be rewarded with a place in the fastest team ever assembled.
The adizero F50 miCoach players who make it into the team will be given ultimate recognition for their efforts with personal advertisements appearing in press, online or pitch side hoardings at football matches across the country. Additionally, select winners will get the chance to put their speed to the ultimate test by meeting and competing against some of the fastest professional players in the premier league.
Are you the fastest player at your club? Prove it. Along with some of the quickest pros in the world, adidas will be watching. Sign up to The Hunt For Fast campaign at www.adidas.com/football Find out more and get exclusive adidas content by signing up to http://www.facebook.com/adidasfootball
ADIDAS UNVEIL INTERACTIVE VIRTUAL FOOTBALL WALL
‘Virtual Footwear Wall’ to be piloted at adidas’ Oxford Street store
To celebrate the launch of the new adiZero F50 miCoach football boots, adidas will install the world’s first Virtual Footwear Wall (VFW) at their flagship store on London’s Oxford Street.
The installation will allow consumers to pre-order the new footwear via a fully immersive experience. The VFW, which is comprised of four 46″ high definition displays with a single infrared touch surface, uses state of the art touch-screen and precision real-time 3D rendered products allowing customers to select footwear on a virtual shelf.
The wall is fully interactive allowing you to rotate the football boot to look at the product from multiple angles, zoom in to see the finest detail and get additional product information as well as watching supporting video material.
The new adidas adiZero F50 miCoach football boot, which will feature on the VFW, is another technological breakthrough from the leading sports brand. The boot is equipped with an in-built miCoach chip enabling both professional and amateur footballers to analyse their speed, distance and work rate during a game.
The VFW is now available for customers to use from today (Sunday 30th October) in adidas’ flagship London store at 415-419 Oxford Street, where they can pre-order the hugely anticipated F50 adiZero football boot featuring miCoach, as worn by Lionel Messi.
Shoppers can complete their pre-order registration of the new boots by using a tablet manned by a sales assistant, arranging delivery to their home, or picking up their chosen product at the checkout at launch on November 14.
The first 250 customers who pre-order in store using the Virtual Footwear Wall from Sunday 30th October will:
- Get £25 off the retail price of the F50 with miCoach bundle (£200 instead of £225)
- receive an exclusive invitation to a private event for the customer and a friend to pick up their new boots and meet a Premiership footballer (player tbc)
- receive a free, limited edition ‘glowing F50 boot with miCoach’ memento
- Have the chance to win an iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 or an iPod Touch
Chris Aubrey, VP Global Retail Marketing at adidas, said: “The Virtual Footwear Wall shows adidas to be pioneers of innovation in retail – giving our customers a unique and cool experience that only adidas can give. Until now, limited retail space has restricted customer’s in-store choices, but The Virtual Footwear Wall has been designed to give our customers more choice at all of our stores – however big or small. We are really excited about giving our customer’s the chance to be a part of this exciting evolution in the retail experience.”
adidas plans to roll the technology out in its stores globally from next year and the technology will continue to evolve.
BEMEISTER PERFORMANCE DATA CAPTURERS
The beMeister Performance Sensor and the beMeister soccer ball system is set to transform the soccer industry and create a world of new potential for match analysis and training.
Adidas’ new recently released AdiZero football boots, with the help of miCoach enables players a look at their performance through the capturing of performance data. Now German company IMPIRE AG are set to launch a product that does that and more.
IMPIRE AG captures the official performance data of the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 in Germany. This includes statistics on passes, tackles, maximum speed and distance covered. Thanks to beMeister, this level of data is no longer the exclusive preserve of professional players. Every soccer player now has the opportunity to measure their own performance and compare it with top international players. Whether you are an amateur player, an ambitious youth player or a semiprofessional – you can compare your performances against others and work on your weaknesses. There are two different beMeister products that can be combined or used separately: insole and the beMeister soccer ball. Both sports articles are equipped with a sensor and collect various performance parameters from the player, such as average speed, number of sprints, top speed, distance covered and much more.
The beMeister insole has been designed so that it fits into any soccer boot without altering any of the shoe’s characteristics. A performance sensor is located within the insole which accurately captures each movement and changes of direction on the soccer pitch or training ground, resulting in exact distance and speed measurements.
The beMeister soccer ball is also equipped with a sensor and detects the rotation and the speed of the ball as well as the air pressure.
The beMeister watch enables players to access their live performance data at any time, which means that you can check your performance data during training sessions or the half time break. This enables you, for example, to practise targeted shooting or free-kick training, or simply to evaluate your own performance levels while you’re out on the pitch.
All data can be uploaded at any time via a USB port from your beMeister watch onto your PC or Mac. You can then analyse, compare and evaluate the data on the website: www.be-meister.com. As well as being able to compare your results with other players, team mates or professional players, you can also start to improve your own performance. You will find an individually tailored training programme, developed by UEFA-A licensed coaches, which will help you to meet your goals.
The beMeister-system also opens up a host of new possibilities for soccer coaches.
The beMeister insole is available both as a single player system and as a team system. With the team system, the coach can already be viewing and analysing the performance of his team as quickly as during the half-time break.
“For beMeister we have combined all of our know-how and expertise to give every soccer player the opportunity to capture his own performance data in the same way as a professional player,” says Christian Holzer, executive board member of IMPIRE.
BEMEISTER PERFORMANCE DATA
- Distance covered
- Maximum and average speed
- Number of sprints
- 3-D degree motion detection
- Intensity of distance covered
- Shot power
- Ball rotation
- Time
Over the past few years technology has begun to play a greater in the world of football. With boots and kits becoming lighter, stronger and more focused on achieving specific performances it is no surprise that products like IMPIRE AG’s beMeister are beginning to crop up. Performance data capturing seems to be the new ‘big thing’ in football at the moment – with the release of the miCoach AdiZero and Under Armour promising some innovative kits next season – and the beMeister system’s flexibility and mass market appeal will defiantly work in it’s favor.
MANCHESTER DERBY PREVIEW
The North West Derby of Manchester United vs. Liverpool has often been seen as the pinnacle of English football rivalry. Last weekend the great North West clubs fought their way to a 1-1 draw in what wouldn’t go down as classic derby. The North West derby certainly isn’t losing its appeal but it should be aware of another derby that is becoming increasingly illustrious – the Manchester derby.
The last time these two met United took the spoils.
In the past Manchester United have largely dominated the Manchester derby as they have risen to the pinnacle of English football while City have been seen as the ‘noisy neighbors’. (United have won the last 6 League derbies and have only lost to City once at Old Trafford since 27 April 1974.) The large investment in players by City’s new owners has been well documented but it is this investment that has made the Manchester derby that much more juicy.
For the first time since City’s spending spree begun, the Blue side of Manchester are serious title contenders. City currently sit at the top of the Premier League table and travel 4 miles across Manchester to face United at the Theatre of Dreams, 2 points ahead of the reigning champions. City also have a superior goal difference of 2. The top 3 places in the race of the Golden Boot are all taken up by players from Manchester with Rooney leading the way on 9 followed by the City pair of Aguero (8) and Dzeko (6).
Rooney and Aguero – the Premier League’s most prolific strikers.
When it comes to the brand wars there is some interesting reading. Nike will have a strong presence at the derby with the game being played at Old Trafford. Manchester United have the heaviest Nike influence with Rooney, Chicarito and Welbeck up front all wearing Nike while Ferdidnand, Evra and Smalling in defense all wear Nike.
Adidas own the creative side of the game where almost every game changer wears the three stripe brand. Manchester City will look to the likes of Silva and Nasri to provide the spark for Dzeko. United will rely on the individual brilliance of Young and Nani and possibly the industry of Anderson and Fletcher.
Adidas AdiZero pair Silva and Young could be the key to unlocking the opposition’s defense.
There is a stronger Puma representation than ever before. Usually it was up to Carrick and Vidic to put in a good show for the German giants but the acquisition of Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero changes that. Nigel De Jong will also be looking to have a big impact on the game in his Puma King Finale boots.
In the end it could come down to the keepers with both number 1s fully kitted out (boots, gloves and kits) in their respective brands. David De Gea isn’t a household name at Nike unlike Joe Hart who is a major player for Umbro.
With this being; possibly the most competitive meeting these two clubs have had, the thrill of the top two teams going head to head, the leagues top scorers facing each other, the reigning champions against the pretenders and the heat of derby – we expect an amazing spectacle.
Few will forget ‘that goal’ Wayne Rooney scored in their last Premier League meeting (12th February 2011).
(As a side thought.) There is one thing that will unite the two Manchester club’s fans ahead of the 161st Manchester derby this weekend – their mutual dislike of Carlos Tevez…
PUMA CONFIRM CESC FABREGAS SIGNING
Barcelona Midfielder Launches New PUMA Powercat 1.12 Football Boot
PUMA today announced the signing off a long term partnership with Spanish international midfielder Cesc Fabregas, the Barcelona midfielder signing a multi-year contract with PUMA. Cesc will wear PUMA boots on pitch and will become another key performance icon in the sportlifestyle brand’s global football communication. Having unveiled, Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero, PUMA is delighted to welcome Fabregas into a football family that also includes Thierry Henry, Nemanja Vidic, Samuel Eto’o, Mario Gomez, Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Ibrahim Afellay, Lucas Barrios, Mikel Arteta and many more footballing stars.
Fabregas will lead the global launch of the new PUMA PowerCat 1.12, debuting the boot for the first time on-pitch this weekend when FC Barcelona play Sporting Gijon in La Liga. This new boot features the new PUMA 3D DUO Power Shooting Technology, applied to the kicking area on the inside of the boot. Having tested the boots in recent training sessions, the performance characteristics of the PUMA PowerCat 1.12 seriously impressed the talented young international.
Cesc Fabregas said; “I am very happy about this new partnership with PUMA and I am really looking forward to wearing the new PowerCat 1.12 on pitch this weekend. This boot gives me a lot of confidence to compete physically in midfield which is vital. I need a boot that I am comfortable with, that gives me the power and protection to play at my best. This has been a fantastic summer for me, signing for Barcelona and now for PUMA. This brand has a great attitude and has some very exciting plans ahead which make me feel privileged and excited to be an ambassador for many years to come.”
Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA commented; “This is a very exciting time for PUMA right now and we are delighted to welcome Cesc Fabregas into our growing football family. Cesc is another fantastic addition to our sports-marketing portfolio and will be a vital asset in global football communication in the coming months and years. He’s a supremely talented young player, who has proven himself consistently in both club and international football. There’s no doubt there are big things ahead for Cesc Fabregas, both on and off the pitch.”
Earlier Fabregas had leaked the news via his YouTube page with this video show off his new boots and sponsor.
(With the launch of Fifa 12 today all eyes will be on Fabregas to see what boots he is wearing in the game.)
CESC FABREGAS Q&A
Q. What are your impressions of PUMA?
A. PUMA is such a strong brand with a positive attitude towards both football and life. From the very first time I met PUMA, it was clear they really focused on the emotion and the joy in sport, not just the result. To me this is an interesting and refreshing approach. PUMA made a great impression on me from the very beginning and it was obvious that this was the right move for me to sign this partnership. I am looking forward to working together and excited about the plans for the coming months and years.
Q. What is your opinion of the PowerCat 1.12 Boot?
A. The boot has seriously impressed me. Playing in midfield is so combative and physical, I need a boot that gives me protection and support, but comfort is also really important and this boot offers it all. The PowerCat 1.12 Boot is without doubt gives me a lot of confidence to perform on the pitch.
Q. What do you think about some of PUMA’s other product ranges?
A. The PUMA performance wear is strong and technically very good, but I also really like their lifestyle clothes. There is a style about PUMA that I’ve always admired, so I’m very happy that they’ve sent me a lot of new clothes!
Q. How do you feel about featuring as a key player for the PUMA brand?
A. For me it’s great. The communication plans that PUMA have shown me are fantastic, so I’m really pleased to be incorporated into these plans. PUMA has similar partnerships with many great footballers that I admire and to join them is also really exciting.
Q. What was the main deciding factor in signing the new partnership with PUMA?
A. The performance elements of the boots were obviously very important – I am of course a footballer and it’s so important for me to be successful in my career. Wearing the right boots is a critical part of this.
The PUMA brand is very inclusive, and I believe in the way they work with players and their campaigns. For me, joy and passion is the most important elements of football and this drives me to continually improve myself as a footballer and as a person. PUMA shares these same values.
It’s really important that I believe in the brand that I partner. PUMA has shown me that they are totally committed to this partnership, and right from the start I have felt comfortable and happy with the way things have proceeded.
STARS AND STRIKES VIRAL
Betfair have released a new viral advert for their 40 pins, 40 seconds challenge. The ‘Stars and Strikes’ video features some of Manchester United’s biggest names as they took part in a one-off game of ‘football bowling’.
Ashley Young faces off with Dimitar Berbatov and Patrice Evra, are they are joined by football fan Chris Weber who’s odds are not favourable in the race to knock down as many pins as possible in 40 seconds. Darren Fletcher and Andres Lindegaard also make an appearance as the stars use Nike’s Seitiro football to wreck havoc in the bowling alley.
Reflecting on the challenge, Young said: “It was harder than I thought it would be because of the weight of the ball and having to strike it so low over a relatively short length of space. Hats off to Patrice and Berba; they showed unbelievable skills. And all I can say about Chris is ‘he tried his best!’”
Along with the actual ad, Betfair have released a behind-the-scenes video which shows some of the tom-foolery that took place in the shooting of this advert.
TRANSFER WINDOW NEW ARRIVALS XI
The transfer window slammed shut last night (and what an exciting final few hours it was!) Now all the managers know exactly what they have to work with to achieve their goals. We love transfer time here at TRW and we thought we would do a special XI of all the new Premier League arrivals.
David De Gea – Manchester United from Atletico Madrid (Nike T90 Laser III)
The young Spanish stopper has had a rocky start to his Old Trafford career. There is no doubt that De Gea is an excellent shot stopper but seems to struggle with shots from distance and the physical side of Premier League football. If he can bulk up and dominate his area better United will have an exceptional keeper on their books.
John-Arne Riise – Fulham from Roma (Adidas AdiPure IV)
We all know John-Arne well form his time at Liverpool. A few of us here are big fans of Riise (well his left really) and reckon he will be a great signing for Fulham as he arrives with plenty of experience and therefore will take no time at all to adapt.
Scott Dann – Blackburn Rovers from Birmingham City (Adidas Predator X)
Scott Dann’s inclusion is perhaps a little bit of a cheat as the big defender was in the Premier League last season but, with Birmingham City now playing in the Championship, Dann is theoretically signed from a non-Premier League club… The England defender will be a great signing for Blackburn Rovers – who just managed to escape relegation themselves last season.
Per Mertesacker – Arsenal from Werder Bremen (Adidas Predator X)
Arsenal have made a few (much needed) late signings but the best one must surely be Mertesacker. The German international will add copious amounts or experience and solidity in the heart of Arsenal’s defence.
Andre Santos – Arsenal from Fenerbahce (Nike CTR360 Maestri II)
Santos is actually a left-back we needed a right-back and had him and Riise. Is he going to prove to be a good signing for Arsenal? Look, he is a Brazilian attacking fullback… Do they make bad ones?
Chris Eagles – Bolton from Burnely (Adidas AdiZero)
Eagles is another player who has had a year in the Premier League. Well he has actually been around the Premier League awhile having gone through the Manchester United youth setup. Eagles has pedigree and once he finds his feet at Bolton could prove to be a great signing for the Trotters.
Juan Mata – Chelsea from Valencia (Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III)
Mata can e deployed as a winger or as a playmaker and arrives at Chelsea with huge potential – he is one of the early odds on favourite bets for ‘signing of the summer’. Mata has already scored on his debut for the club and we expect the little maestro to have a major impact on the Premier League
Owen Hargreaves – Manchester City from Manchester United (released) (Nike CTR360 Maestri II)
Hargreaves is even more of a cheat than Dann but having appeared once in the last 2 years we feel that Hargreaves if pretty much a new player to the Premier League. Hargreaves is becoming a true underdog story and we really hope he can stay fit and return to his best – England could really do with his help come Euro 2012! We should also make mention of the fact that he has crossed the road to join the ‘noisy neighbours’.
Royson Denthre – Everton from Real Madrid (Nike T90 Laser III)
Royson is an exciting left winger/fullback and we look forward to seeing him in action for the Toffees. It is also great to see that Everton actually spent some money (although Denthre is a loan deal). The loss of Arteta to Arsenal will be a blow but Denthre’s attacking prowess will help fill the void left by the Spaniard.
Gervinho – Arsenal from Lille (Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly III)
Another of Arsenal’s new recruits, Gervinho looked sharp and a real handful when he made his Premier League debut. A red wasn’t the best way to win over fans but we think that once the Ivorian has settled down and learnt to play with the rest of his teammates he will prove to be money well spent.
Sergio Aguero – Manchester City from Atletico Madrid (Let’s see… currently black-out Puma V1.11)
Sergio Aguero announced his arrival in the Premier League with a brace on his debut. Aguero is our front runner for ‘signing of the summer’ and could be the missing ingredient that Manchester City has been looking for. We will have to wait and see what happens with his boot choice however. An ex-Nike wearer, Aguero has worn multiple Adidas boots but currently wears black-out Puma V1.11 boots.
NIKE ALWAYS ON: YENDE
Nike has recently unveiled their newest campaign which aims to amplify Nike Sportswear through the lens of their athletes – that an athlete is “Always On” be it on or off pitch, field or track. ‘A Nike athlete is always an athlete, regardless of what they are doing or where they are going.’
Nike South Africa sent us this video featuring Nike footballer and Kaizer Chiefs’ playmaker Mthokozisi Yende.
When the game is on, Mthokozisi Yende’s radar switches on. He’s a visionary, an architect, a playmaker they say… Well, that’s just a mere description. Mthokozisi dictates play with his exceptional skill. He’s always a step ahead of the rest. Once he gets his foot on the ball, ideas flash before his eyes and its game on. With his crystal clear vision and ability, powered by the will to succeed, he delivers the Glamour Boys/Amakhosi to glory. That’s how Yende fulfils his playmaker role, justice done to the #10 on his back. Though humble, cheerful and smart,his eye is always on the prize. This is it… Game on!
DIEGO FORLAN ADIDAS FOOT-GOLF VIRAL
Speculation is rife at the moment that Diego Forlan will swap Madrid for Milan as the striker could join Inter Milan to replace the departing Samuel Eto’o. The Uruguayan striker recently swapped silos from Adidas AdiZero to AdiPower boots. In this viral video from Adidas however he swaps his golf clubs for a pair of AdiPower Predator boots. Forlan had no problem hitting the target in last year’s World Cup or in the Copa America, so it is no surprise he felt more at home in football boots than he did in golf shoes. We are not sure the greens’ keepers will be to happy with the stud marks.