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Apr 16

NIKE USA 2012/13 HOME KIT

Posted on Monday, April 16, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

Nike has unveiled the new Home kit for USA national team

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The new USA home kit combines heritage and patriotism in a bold new design that both the Men’s and Women’s teams will debut on the pitch this summer. The jersey utilizes the colors of the American flag with a blue crew neck collar and a body featuring red and white stripes.

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The shirt also features a tonal sash to echo the same design on the shirts worn by the US Men’s National Team when they famously defeated England in the 1950 Finals in Brazil.

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Both kits are visually identical but the women’s kit is designed specifically for the female athlete to enhance range of motion creating a uniquely feminine silhouette. The American Stars and Stripes flag, affectionately known as ‘Old Glory,’ is placed inside the back of the neck of both versions to inspire pride.

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The new home shorts are blue, while the socks – now with improved cushioning for greater comfort – movement and protection, are white with a blue band at the top.

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

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The kits are constructed using Nike Dri-FIT technology to wick moisture and are made out of 23 percent lighter fabric with 20 percent stronger knit structure than Nike’s previous kits. The shirts also feature laser-cut ventilation holes to promote localized cooling, to help regulate player temperatures during a match.

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The visual design of each federation kit is developed around key insights inspired by the national identity and the distinctive football culture of every nation. Rich detailing throughout the jersey and shorts inspires the history and heritage of each team.

NIKE PRO COMBAT

As part of Nike’s ‘uniform of sport’, each federation has its own country-specific Nike Pro Combat base layer, to provide added protection and comfort for players in today’s more physical and technical game.

Federation-specific baselayer options include the Nike Pro Combat Hypercool 2.0 top, with sweat-wicking fabric to help keep players cool and comfortable, while in colder weather the Thermal Mock top will keep them warm with its turtle neck and brushed inner surface reflecting heat back to the body without trapping moisture.

Nike Pro Combat Hyperstrong compression men’s slider shorts also provide added protection for players. Featuring a padded waist and thigh protection so players can slide tackle with confidence, while mesh fabric is placed in the high heat zones for breathability. There is also a padded version of the shorts with added foam to help absorb impact and protect from injury.

TRAINING AND LIFESTYLE COLLECTION

To compliment the new match day kit, Nike has also launched an integrated range of training and lifestyle clothing.

On the training pitch players will benefit from an innovative range of apparel, with options designed to keep them comfortable whatever the weather conditions.

Fans can express their pride and support, with the launch of a new range of hoodies, tracksuit tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, jackets and rugby tops.

The range has been created for both the fan who wants to show their allegiance or for those who want to be more subtle, and comes in national colours, national symbols, with crafted elements, premium fabrics and elevated design.

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Apr 12

CHELSEA ADIDAS 2012/13 HOME KIT

Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

New Chelsea Football Club Kit trimmed with Gold for 2012

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With the 2012 season drawing to a close Chelsea FC are already looking forward to next season as Chelsea and adidas today unveiled the new home shirt for the 2012/13 football season. The strip carries a gold theme, reflective of the year of sport and celebration in the capital in 2012.

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Design

The new ChelseaFC home kit sees the adidas, Samsung and club crest all turned completely gold. This theme is reflected in the iconic three stripes across the shoulders and the ‘CFC’ motif seen on the rear of the neck. Subtle dark blue stripes also feature through the front of the shirt. The look is finished off with gold piping around the arms and neck. This design detail is repeated through the shorts and socks both of which feature golden three-stripes on Chelsea’s famous blue.

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Technology

The 2012/13 shirt again features the adidas Techfit™ technology in the playing shirt which is proven to enhance performance.

TechFit™ – The players’ kit will incorporate adidas’ cutting edge TechFit™ technology to help improve speed, increased endurance capabilities and enhanced awareness. This works by stabilising and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output.

Climacool™ -The shirts also feature adidas ClimaCool™ technology, a mixture of heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

The new home kit will be available to buy May 10th 2012but can be pre-ordered online at www.chelseafc.com/megastore

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Mar 22

ADIDAS UNVEIL TEAM GB OLYMPIC KITS

Posted on Thursday, March 22, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

Adidas combines the best in performance technologies with stand-out British design to present the best equipped team in history – Adidas Team GB designed by Stella McCartney

adidas, Official Sportswear Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB today proudly presented the ground-breaking team kit that will be worn by the British athletes at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Designed by acclaimed British designer Stella McCartney, who was appointed by adidas as Creative Director for this project, the kit is the most comprehensive range that’s ever been supplied to a national team, combining the best in performance technologies and stand-out British style.

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The new kits to be worn by Team GB athletes – designed by Stella McCartney for Adidas

Over two years in the making, McCartney’s design of the kit focusses on the Union flag, breaking down the iconic design and reconstructing it, creating a modern and contemporary twist.  The result is a bold design that features on all items of the kit to ensure the British athletes stand out in front of the home crowd as a unified team.

Stella McCartney said: “The first place to start on a project like this is to look at the Union flag. For me it’s one of the most beautiful flags in the world and it was important for me to stay true to that iconic design but also to modernise it and present it in a contemporary way.  Ultimately, we wanted the athletes to feel like a team and be proud with the identity we created.”

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Adidas’ Team GB presentation jacket.

The kit was revealed in spectacular style at the Tower of London where over 30 athletes including Jessica Ennis, Phillips Idowu and Ellie Simmonds showcased the performance range including competition kit, training wear, the presentation suit, footwear and accessories.

Nick Craggs, Marketing Director, adidas UK said: “All eyes will be on the British  athletes when they take the stage at the Games so we wanted to ensure that they would be the best equipped team through a combination of leading technologies,  including TECHFIT, PowerWEB and Climacool and a unified, striking team identity.”

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Adidas’ new Team GB football jersey boosts Techfit, PowerWeb and ClimaCool technology

adidas will supply over 900 British athletes across the 26 Olympic and 20 Paralympic sports producing a total of approximately 175,000 items of clothing. This is made up of 590 individual articles that have been created to ensure the British team will be the best equipped nation for the Games.

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Jack Rodwell wore the new Team GB football team kit at the launch

We were obviously most interested in the new kit that the Team GB football team will be wearing. It was worn by Jack Rodwell for the launch but there is still a lot of debate about who will actually represent Team GB’s football team. The likes of David Beckham and Gareth Bale have spoken about their keeness – and that is certainly something we would like to see!

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Replica ranges of the British team kit will go on sale in April, including football, tennis, cycling, basketball, athletics and swimwear.

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Mar 4

DANNY WELBECK FEATURES IN NIKE MANCHESTER UNITED SPORTSWEAR COLLECTION

Posted on Sunday, March 4, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

The “new master” of Old Trafford Danny Welbeck, of Manchester United and England, showcases the new NIKE Sportswear collection designed and inspired by his club side.

Danny as an eight-year-old had been training at Manchester City and dreaming of one day being a pro. City decided to skip on signing Danny just before Christmas. In the New Year Welbeck senior passed on the news but Danny didn’t seem fazed. “Dad took me to one side,” recalls Welbeck thirteen years later. “He had this concerned look on his face and told me that City had called before Christmas and wouldn’t be having me back. I was like, why didn’t you just tell me dad, it’s not a problem.”

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With a shrug of the shoulders, the youngster simply went back to playing and got on with doing what came naturally. “I carried on at my club Fletcher Moss, scored a load more goals and soon I was at Manchester United.” He pauses and grins. “I never looked back.”

It’s not a cocky grin, far from it. Welbeck is a softly spoken, polite young man. He is a credit to his family and his club but behind the niceties is a strong athlete, equipped with an inner steel and self-confidence that makes playing for Manchester United and England feel normal.

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Being a fan and part of the set-up at United from such a young age means Welbeck is well versed on the club’s long held ethos that always celebrates and embraces youthful vigor. If you are a good enough, you are old enough. “You know that the boss and the club are keen to give youth its chance and that gives the lads such a lift,” says Welbeck.

“It goes back to the Busby Babes who did their stuff in the 1950’s and that history is ingrained in the place. When you sign your scholarship you are taken around the club, you visit the museum, you are taught about the history and the young lads benefit from knowing what the place is about.”

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“I grew up idolising the class of 1992; the guys I came through the ranks with took great inspiration from them. To suddenly be there sharing a pitch and a dressing-room with some of them is incredible.”

It didn’t take long for Welbeck’s elder first team colleagues to realise that their new young striker was there to do more than just meet his heroes. In 2008, coming on as a sub against Stoke at Old Trafford in the 63rd minute, it took only twenty minutes before he played a one-two forty yards from goal, carried the ball forward and unleashed an exocet of a shot into the top corner in front of the Stretford End. How did that feel? “Indescribable”.

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Another thing Welbeck finds it hard to shed light on is the moment as a boy that he realised he was actually very good at his sport, the instant he realised that moments like that first goal at Old Trafford would be common place. “I was just into playing football, I wanted to play. I loved it. I guess I did get the ball and just run through everyone sometimes and score, but it just felt normal.”

Welbeck’s brother Chris, who is accompanying him on the shoot, is able to shed some light on the moment he knew that his sibling was extra special. “It was an FA Youth Cup semi-final against Arsenal in 2007. Danny was two years younger than most of the others and the team were losing at Old Trafford. Danny stepped up, made one and scored the winner. I sat in the stands and thought, he’s going to do this, he’s going to go all the way.”

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For Welbeck, those skills would have to be matched by patience as his Manager chose to first send him on loan in early 2010, where he suffered injury, before sending him away again, this time further afield to the North-East where he spent the entire 2010-11 season.

That’s where that inner steel came once again to the fore. Some youngsters might have taken two stints out on loan as a sign they weren’t rated or wanted. Not Welbeck. “I took it as a positive. If you go away feeling down, you won’t do well so I got on with it and felt I did well. Last season was great for me. I got loads of Premier League experience and it felt good.”

“I had never been away from mum and dad, and there I am miles away from home, in a new city and I had to fend for myself. I learnt to cook and clean. I guess you could say I grew up. My cooking wasn’t that good at first but soon it got OK. Having said that I am back home now and it’s back to mum’s cooking!”

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That ‘glass  half-full’ outlook on life has served him well. He’s back in the United team as an integral part of an exciting, young squad but is also interesting the England manager who will be pleased to have fresh, positive players around a new squad; players unscathed by the perceived failures of the past.

Welbeck is certainly excited by his first steps into the international arena. “The youth is getting its chance and quality players are showing themselves to be up to it. I don’t think this crop will look back, and it is so exciting to be a part of it.” But isn’t he worried that like those before him, a new set of talented players will be burdened by such hyperbole as the previous ‘Golden Generation’?

“There are always expectations and you have to deal with them. Don’t focus on them, just play your normal game and feel at home.”

Wise words but Welbeck is quick to point out that his success so far means very little and that he is a young man still learning his trade. He is keen to adapt, to get better and be every bit the modern striker. “I don’t want to be a static centre-forward who just sniffs out goals in the six-yard box. I see the game moving on, I need to have movement, be a player who can stretch defences.”

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“I like to be mobile. I have played on the wing so I like to drift and make space for my teammates. I don’t want to just score goals, I want to create chances for my team and hopefully I am. I can drop off, move wide, link up.”

Literally thinking outside the box has to be a help to a young striker who everyday works with some of the finest goal getters in the game. “Shooting practice is quality. Every ball is in the corner and as one of the young players you want to match that and prove you belong.”

And what of his manager? Once a striker. Does he still know where the goal is? “The boss doesn’t join in anymore but he’s always telling us what a great goalscorer he was.” If Welbeck has anything to do with it, you sense that the Manager will soon be telling everyone what a great goalscorer he has too.

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Mar 1

NIKE USA 2012 AWAY KIT

Posted on Thursday, March 1, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

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There is a new confidence about the U.S.; they are now recognized as a dynamic football nation who are contenders on the world stage, and the United States Men’s National Team new away kit reflects the iconic collegiate look so prevalent in American fashion and culture.

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The design of the away jersey is directly inspired by the popular varsity jackets worn in high school and college with its blue body and white sleeves, while a crossover collar features red, white and blue stripes.

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In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit’s shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester.  Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

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The fabric is also up to 23% lighter than the version four years ago. Embedded with Nike Dri-FIT technology, the kits help to regulate players temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.

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Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt promotes localised cooling where athletes need it most to remain focused on the game.

A new double knit structure and yarns also makes this kit 20% stronger, with no compromise to fit and feel with natural cotton added for comfort.

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The jersey also has a tonal sash on the front to echo the same design on the shirts worn by the USMNT who famously defeated England in the 1950 World Championship finals in Brazil.

Inside the neck the American Stars and Stripes flag, affectionately known as “Old Glory,” inspires pride in today’s squad of players.

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The new away shorts are blue, while the new away socks, now with improved cushioning for greater comfort, movement and protection, are also blue with a white and red stripe at the top.

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Feb 29

NIKE AUSTRALIA 2012 AWAY KIT

Posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

Australia’s new away kit celebrates the vibrancy, youthful energy and modern approach of both their nation and football team.

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In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit’s shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester.  Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

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The fabric is also up to 23% lighter than the version four years ago. Embedded with Nike Dri-FIT technology, the kits help to regulate players temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.

Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt promotes localised cooling where athletes need it most to remain focused on the game.

A new double knit structure and yarns also makes this kit 20% stronger, with no compromise to fit and feel with natural cotton added for comfort.

The new Australia away shirt has an obsidian blue body with a new and bold yellow stripe along the entire left side, which runs through the national coat of arms, and reflects both the nation’s modernity, and the contrasting and bright light of the vast Australian landscapes.

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On the right sleeve is a smaller yellow stripe, which completes the stripe on the body of the shirt, while inside the neck is the Football Federation Australia badge.

The new away shorts are obsidian blue, while the new away socks, now with improved cushioning for greater comfort, are also obsidian blue with “Australia” on the back of each calf.

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Feb 29

NIKE NEW ZEALAND 2012 AWAY KIT

Posted on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

The New Zealand All Whites debuted their new Away Jersey against Jamaica last night in Auckland.

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The new away shirt is black and skillfully features a tonal effect of the silver fern across the whole of the body. In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit’s shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester.  Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

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The fabric is also up to 23% lighter than the version four years ago. Embedded with Nike Dri-FIT technology, the kits help to regulate players temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.

Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt promotes localised cooling where athletes need it most to remain focused on the game.  A new double knit structure and yarns also makes this kit 20% stronger, with no compromise to fit and feel with natural cotton added for comfort.

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The new away shorts are black, while the new away socks, now with improved cushioning for greater comfort, are also black with ‘New Zealand’ on the back of each calf.

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Feb 28

ADIDAS SPAIN 2012 AWAY KIT

Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

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‘The past doesn’t matter. Everything starts all over again’. That is the new slogan Adidas and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) have come up with ahead of the EURO 2012. Spain are current holders, World Cup champions and tournament favourites. Now Adidas have unveiled the new Away kit Spain will wear as they look to repeat their feat of winning the European Championship in 2008.

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Spain have had to play some big games in their away kits. In 2008 Spain overcame Russia in the semi-final of EURO 2008 before beating the Netherlands to win the final of the World Cup 2010. Spain now have an opportunity to win a third major tournament in a row and will do so with a unique new away kit from Adidas.

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A new combination of colours, inspired by the away kit worn in the 1960’s has been used and feature a bold the band across the front, which adds dynamism while both framing and highlighting the shield. The collar is a new two-piece construction and has a rounded, classical appearance. An inscription printed on the inside of the collar reads: “CAMPEONES DE EUROPA 1964 / 2008”.

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Adidas’ Climacool technology which helps players to regulate their body temperature and aids perspiration thanks to its use of technical fabrics and visible mesh inserts.
is featured on the kit.

The 2012 Spain Away jersey is available now to order from major sporting retailers.

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Feb 28

NIKE CROATIA 2012 AWAY KIT

Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

Croatia’s new Away National Team Kit kit features the country’s famous red and white checks in an innovative, contemporary style.

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Since gaining independence 21 years ago, Croatia’s unique kit has become an important and passionate symbol of the young country. The away jersey is blue with a section of the torso revealing the country’s famous red and white checks, signifying that even when Croatia’s players are away from home their country is still close to their hearts.

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In line with Nike’s commitment to superior athletic performance and lower environmental impact, the fabric of the new kit’s shorts is made with 100 percent recycled polyester, while the fabric of the shirts is made with at least 96% recycled polyester.  Each kit is made using an average of 13 recycled plastic bottles.

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The fabric is also up to 23 percent lighter than the version four years ago. Embedded with Nike Dri-FIT technology, the kits help to regulate players temperatures on the pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool faster than ever before.

Laser-cut ventilation on the shirt promotes localised cooling where athletes need it most so they can remain focused on the game.

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A new double knit structure and yarns also makes this kit 20 percent stronger, with no compromise to fit and feel and natural cotton added for comfort.

Inside the neck is the message “Uvijek Vjern,” which translates as ‘Always loyal’, to celebrate the loyalty Croatians feel for their football team since becoming an independent nation.

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The away shorts are blue. The away socks, now with improved cushioning for greater comfort, movement and protection, are also blue with a wide band featuring the red and white checks.

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Feb 28

PUMA ITALY AWAY KIT

Posted on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 in Kit and Apparel

PUMA confirmed a new long-term contractual partnership with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), that sees the Sportlifestyle brand now actively managing the entire licensing portfolio of FIGC assets on a global basis.  Through this agreement, PUMA will hold the status of ‘Official Master Licensee of the FIGC’, effective through and beyond the next two FIFA World CupsTM in Brazil and Russia.  PUMA will also continue as the Official Partner to the FIGC in relation to playing kits and replica wear for all FIGC national teams.

Building on a successful nine year relationship, PUMA has significantly deepened its contractual involvement with the FIGC to place a global emphasis on expanding the profile and commercial potential of the FIGC brand driven by its newly established international sports licensing division. This evolution sees the FIGC partnership become the most comprehensive in the global PUMA football portfolio, and gives PUMA the scope to substantially increase its licensing opportunities that exist through one of the most prominent and successful federations in world football.

Franz Koch, CEO of PUMA said, “We have enjoyed a highly successful relationship with the FIGC over the past nine years, and as such we are delighted to have reached this new agreement and considerably expand our partnership with them. It underlines PUMA’s reinforced commitment to further strengthen its position as one of the top 3 football brands because the Italian National Team, more than any other national team property in world football, perfectly embodies PUMA’s unique Sportlifestyle positioning. Holding the Master License of the FIGC enables us to elevate our work with them to a truly global level; this is a new venture for PUMA, and one that we are fully confident will be successful.”

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Today in Genoa, PUMA also launched the new Italy away kit.  Part of the Power 12 range of PUMA playing kits that includes Uruguay, Chile, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Austria.   The FIGC Italia Away shirt has a regular fit with a classic look, re-introducing the horizontal blue stripe for the first time since 1974 – a signature feature that stretches across the chest enhancing the breathable performance of the shirt.  The V-neck has a double layer in mesh fabric and contrast colour inside, while the underarm range of movement mesh allows both a better fit and a more comfortable arm movement. The deep cuffs in shell fabric add to the classic look of the shirt, and the number and lettering features the PUMA Gaffer font-type.

Giancarlo Abete, President of the FIGC commented, “PUMA has been a great partner for us, and we are very happy to not only continue but also deepen our relationship with them.  Their licensing expertise, ideas and commitment to expanding the commercial potential of this partnership are impressive, and have led us to create this new contract. PUMA’s proficiency in design, marketing and global sales distribution is among the best in the industry, which gives us great confidence for the future.”

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The global Sportlifestyle brand continues to partner with Italian internationals Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini.

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