Mark Van Bommel, Clarence Seedorf and Luca Antonini

See below for the official release:

Somewhere between innovation and tradition, true to the style of adidas and AC Milan – for the 2011/12 jersey, the three-stripe label has decided to combine its most innovative technology with a design reminiscent of the Rossoneri strips of the early twentieth century.

The launch, too, was structured along the same lines – journalists from the traditional media and bloggers gathered at adidas Italy’s Brand Center in Monza but Milan fans from across Italy and the world were also able to attend the unveiling of the new strip and to ask the guests in attendance questions by means of live streaming at adidas.com.

Guests at the event

• Adriano Galliani – CEO and Vice President of AC Milan
• Salem Obaidalla, – Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Europe and Russian Federation) of Emirates
• Jean Michel Granier – CEO of adidas Italy

The star models of the new kit were Rossoneri players Clarence Seedorf, Mark Van Bommel and Luca Antonini.  The event was hosted by familiar television personality, and avid AC Milan fan, Daniele Bossari.  The strip will be worn for the first time on May 15th for the penultimate game of the league against Cagliari.

Design of the strip

AC Milan Jersey

• Reverting once again to the thinner 2cm-wide stripes compared to the 9cm-wide ones of last year
• There are 21 stripes in total, 11 of which are black and 10 red
• The white crew neck stands out with three stripes on the sleeves, which are white for the first time, on a red inset
• The back of the collar bears the words “Associazione Calcio Milan” underneath the Italian flag to highlight the fact that Milan is one of the best-known symbols of Italy around the world
• Reference to the colors of the Italian flag can be found on the insets at the sides on the front of the shirt as well as on the shorts
  and socks

Technology:

Next season, AC Milan players will be able to choose whether to wear the TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB uniform as a single layer or
whether to wear the base layers under the FORMOTION(tm) uniform, which has a traditional fit.

TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB is the most innovative technology used for sportswear. Thanks to the use of special compression fabrics and the application of TPU strips at specific areas of the body, the TECHFIT(tm) layers are able to concentrate muscular energy to the maximum to give the athlete explosive power, acceleration and resistance, whilst reducing muscle vibration, improving the athlete’s posture, the feel of their body and level of core stability in order to guarantee not just any performance but record-breaking performance.  Worn all together (shirt, shorts and socks), the TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB kit is able to increase players’ power by 5.3%*, their jump height by 4%*, their sprinting speed by 1.1%* and their efficiency by 0.8%*.   adidas TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB kits, worn as a single layer, are 45% lighter than the classic two-piece kit worn together.

The ForMotion(tm) strip sees the use of three-dimensional and elastic fabrics which adapt perfectly to the body of the player and subsequently improve the fit of the
strip in order to optimize movement, comfort and increase freedom of action.  The addition of adidas ClimaCool(tm) and adidas FlowMapping(tm) ensures optimum breathability and helps the Rossoneri players to maintain an ideal body temperature, even under pressure.

adidas is the leading brand in world football and provides the official ball for all major tournaments organised by UEFA, FIFA and the IOC. The partnership between adidas and AC Milan is one of the most solid and long-lasting relationships – having begun in 1998, it has been renewed up until 2017 with an extension to the rights as
Master licensee. A new feature is to be added to the many synergies already in place, from the Milan Junior Camp to the activities which help to make Fondazione Milan projects a reality.

My passion as a player was largely driven by dreams. Personal success and satisfaction was the ultimate goal.  My motives as a coach are different. I want to see kids enjoying soccer. That is my desire. They should be learning and aspiring to reach the highest level that their ability, focus and opportunities will allow.

Soccer is such a vibrant sport that captivates a huge audience. I love the way it brings families together. It’s so inclusive and can be enjoyed by all.  The culture and carnival like atmosphere at many tournaments could be described as an art form and theatre.

I don’t believe that many sports can rival soccers pace and freedom. They instead often have too many rules and an over reliance on tactics. Thus losing a certain dynamism, energy and magic.

No other passion of mine can be enjoyed 24/7 on the street, back yard or college field. There is no need for expensive equipment, teams or referees. I was happiest when practicing soccer with my brother before, during and after school. My dad would join in too. I always wanted to make him proud of the way I played. I can vividly remember the first pair of boots he bought me – such an exciting moment!

Soccer will always play a powerful and emotional role in my life. It’s popularity and Universal appeal will continue to grow.  I will keep working hard to coach the next generation. This is the best way I can give something back to a sport that has provided me with so much.

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Contest Rules

• Entries must be a unique and original story between 200-500 words with at least one picture
• Entries must be submitted electronically directly to AVID Soccer (Contest@avidsoccer.com)
• Entries should describe why the nominee meets the qualifications (self nominations are encouraged)
• There is no limit to the number of nominations, but each must be a unique and original story
• Entries must be received between April 1, 2011 and May 31, 2011
• Winners will be announced the week of June 21st
• The contest is open to US Residents over the age of 18; Youth entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian
• Employees and associates of AVID Soccer and their families are not eligible

AVID Player presented by Pele-Sports; Pele-Sports wants to reward your passion as a player with a prize package worth $400 (http://www.pele-sports.com/)

• “FUTEBOL BONITO” It’s Pelé Sports‘ mantra. Our identity, our philosophy, what our brand is all about. Futebol bonito means the beauty of the game. It honors Pelé’s beliefs and values. Futebol bonito means looking after your teammates, of caring for anyone who kicks a ball. And keeping fit and staying healthy means any player can enjoy the beautiful game more.  Futebol bonito means going back to the sport’s roots. To the street players, to the kids doing their thing on urban courts, dirt pitches, or any patch of ground. It’s football stripped down to its simple, straight-forward best: no frills, no fuss, no compromise: football that’s about free expression, just the way Pelé and the boys from Brazil played it.  Futebol bonito is about reclaiming the game – rediscovering the joy and love for football, feeling the way Pelé played. It’s what football is really all about.

AVID Fan presented by Calle Republic; Calle Republic wants you to look your best on the sideline with a prize package worth over $200 (http://www.callerepublic.com)

• Calle (KAI-yay) meaning “street” in Spanish – bears two massively iconic logos that you will soon see everywhere: The CALLE logotype and the Pigeon.  From Los Angeles to Barcelona, Sao Paolo to Seoul, every great city is filled with pegeons wandering the streets and living off tof the available.  Kinda like us…

AVID Coach presented by Select Sport; Select wants to reward the dedication of a coach (http://www.selectsportamerica.com/index.php)

• Select Sport is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hand-sewn balls and produces approximately 2 million balls per year. SELECT is recognized as an innovator in quality balls and is represented by its own sales network and distributors that export to over 50 different nations. SELECT is credited with the invention of the first laceless soccer ball, the first 32 panel soccer ball, and the first waterproof soccer ball.  Our history of innovation and commitment to success has helped us become the Official Ball supplier to the Danish National Team, the Royal Belgian Football Association, as well several of the top leagues and clubs across Europe and Asia.

AVID Goalkeeper presented by Reusch; Reusch wants to protect the one who protects the net (http://www.reuschusa.com)

• In 1934, when Karl Reusch manufactured his first pair of gloves in a small workshop in Metzingen, he had a vision: to create incomparable, innovative gloves of the highest possible quality.  Since 1974 when Reusch designed the first soccer goalkeepers glove, They have been the premier brand for goalkeepers. They are world renowned for producing goalkeeper gloves with innovative foams, cuts and extraordinary fit. Reusch is first in innovative and patented designs that protect goalkeepers

The contest launches on April 1^st.  Look to AVID Soccer (http://www.avidsoccer.com)  for contest details.

The new campaign, launching March 16, captures the passion athletes, musicians and artists put into their “game” and takes a gritty, authentic look into the visceral nature of raw passion. Directed by Romain Gavras and featuring the song “Civilization” by French electronic band Justice, the campaign features
NBA star Derrick Rose, soccer stars David Beckham and Lionel Messi, pop icon Katy Perry, hip hop artist B.o.B., University of Notre Dame football and skateboarders Silas Baxter-Neal, Lem Villemin and Jake Donnelly.

“Today’s consumers are not one-dimensional,” said Patrik Nilsson, president of adidas America. “They live across the cultural spectrum and that’s where adidas has its edge. The adidas brand extends beyond sports and ‘all adidas’ celebrates this breadth of passion from athletes, musicians, artists and beyond. The new campaign allows us to create stronger, truer connections with the consumer by encouraging and celebrating a mix of interests and passions central to their lives.”

The campaign is built around a 30- and 60-second TV commercial and a two-minute extended online
version. Fans can continue the conversation online through social platforms including ww.facebook.com/adidas and www.YouTube.com/adidas, where adidas will serve up in-depth content to consumers.

At the heart of the all adidas campaign is the celebration of the game face – the look of glory or
defeat we reveal at the most pivotal moment in the game. adidas is asking fans to submit their own best game face photo for a chance to be on a special TV commercial with other adidas stars during the MTV Movie Awards on June 5. Fans can visit www.facebook.com/adidas to submit their photo.

Montreal-based agency Sid Lee created and produced the global campaign. Sid Lee was hired as the global advertising agency for lifestyle label adidas Originals at the start of 2008 and developed the global campaigns for Originals in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, Sid Lee was announced as the global lead-agency for the
entire adidas brand.

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adidas designs and develops a broad range of athletic and fashion footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group that includes adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.

Final verse of the Star Spangled Banner:

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

On the gear front, it was an equally exciting year.  AVID Soccer had the chance to test gear from most of the major manufacturers and many smaller ones.  ASER tested products as diverse as the Microsoft Kinect to the Jabulani ball to a Chelsea anniversary scarf.  The best rose to the top and now receive their accolades.

Winners were selected in five categories:

Best Boot Nominees:

• Puma PWR-C 1.10
• Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly II
• Pele Sports 1962 (Value Boot of the Year)
• adidas Predator X TRX (Boot of the Year)

Best Ball Nominees:

• Wilson Avanti NCAA Official Ball
• Select Brilliant Superball
• Nike Total90 Tracer
• adidas Jabulani/Jo’bulani World Cup Ball (Best Ball Winner)

Best Kit Nominees:

• Nike Serbia National Team Kit
• Puma Côte d’Ivoire National Team Kit
• Nike Netherlands National Team Kit
• adidas Spain National Team Kit (Best Kit Winner)

Best Lifestyle Product Nominees:

• Pele Sports Track Jacket
• EA Sports FIFA 2011
• Microsoft Windows Phone
• Puma Project Pink WPS Jersey (Winner Best Lifestyle Product)

Innovative Product of the Year Nominees:

• Microsoft Kinect
• TactX Training Animation System
• adidas miCoach Training System (Winner Innovative Product of the Year)

ASER would like to congratulate all of the nominees and winners of this years awards.  All of the testers and readers are looking forward to what 2011 will bring.

Free to the Public, 20,000 Soccer Fans Expected During the February 12-13 Event

WHAT: Cal South’s Soccer Nation Expo, the countries largest free soccer show, will be held at the Long Beach Convention Center for 2011. The Expo will take place February 12 and 13 and will feature interactive exhibits, gear and equipment displays, coaching clinics and soccer activities that appeal to fans, coaches and players of all ages and skill levels. , Attendance at Soccer Nation Expo is free. More than 20,000 soccer fans, families and coaches are expected to attend the two-day expo. Past Soccer Nation Expo exhibitors and sponsors have included Nike, Jamba Juice, Los Angeles Galaxy, Fox Soccer Channel, and Chivas USA.

WHY: Soccer Nation Expo was founded to provide fans, coaches, players and their families a free opportunity to enjoy a wide range of soccer events and activities. In its seventh year, Soccer Nation Expo has grown each year to more than 100 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees for the 2010 expo. With the rising popularity of soccer in America and especially in the soccer hot bed of Southern California, Cal South officials are planning for continued strong attendance to the delight of sponsors and exhibitors, who increasingly seek marketing channels and opportunities that reach and impact target consumers.
 WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 ( 9:30 am to 5 pm)

Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 (9 am to 3 pm)

WHERE: Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, Calif.

For more information about Soccer Nation Expo 2011, visit www.soccernationexpo.com.

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About Cal South
The California State Soccer Association – South (Cal South) is a 501c(3) California public benefit corporation and is the official youth and adult state soccer association of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. Cal South represents over 230 Member Leagues and Clubs comprising our membership of more than 160,000 registered players, coaches, referees and league administrators. The organization, with a service area that extends from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, provides rewarding recreational and competitive opportunities for players of all ages, genders and skill levels. For more information about Cal South, visit www.calsouth.com.

The relationship between PUMA and the Cameroon Football Federation was first formed in 1996. In the years that followed, PUMA developed for Cameroon the first sleeveless kit for a football team, the first all-in-one kit and the first continental kit called the PUMA Africa Unity Kit which launched in 2010. This latest football innovation raised money for biodiversity causes in Africa in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), with Cameroon using the kit as a third kit at the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa with Ghana, Ivory Coast and Algeria.

“We are very happy to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Cameroon Football Federation,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA. “During the fourteen years we have worked with them, their forward thinking has allowed us to undertake and execute several exciting and innovative projects that simply would not be possible with other federations. They are one of our key partners in World football, and we have some great ideas that we look forward to unveiling in the coming months and years.”

“PUMA is a key partner for us, and when the previous agreement concluded there was never any question that we wouldn’t re-sign with them,” said Iya Mohammed, President of the Cameroon Football Federation. “PUMA understands implicitly what we want to achieve, and it is a privilege to work with a company with the same values and ambition. We look forward to working with them for many years to follow.”

In addition to the Cameroon national team sponsorship, PUMA also sponsors individual Cameroon players including captain and record goalscorer striker Samuel Eto’o, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Stephane Mbia, Landry Nguemo and Mohammadou Idrissou.

In keeping with PUMA’s mission to be the most sustainable sportslifestyle brand, the Cameroon Football Federation will take a carbon neutral stance for the entirety of the partnership. Using UNEP’s carbon neutral standard, PUMA and the Cameroon Football Federation will offset the carbon footprint of the Federation through the next FIFA World Cups™.

PUMA’s commitment to Africa extends beyond team and player partnerships, as well. PUMA will continue to support a number of grass roots initiatives across the continent. Coinciding with this announcement, 10,000 durable footballs were delivered to Africa following a joint pledge in collaboration with Intersport® earlier this year, a third of which will go to football projects in Cameroon. PUMA was also the official sponsor and fanwear supplier of the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.

For more information about PUMA Football, please visit www.pumafootball.com.

# # #

Core to the new agreement is a dedicated focus on youth development and programming to help shape the future of the sport in North America.

“The United States is a breeding ground for athletic talent and we need to ensure our homegrown athletes have viable opportunities to play soccer at the highest level,” said Patrik Nilsson, president, adidas America. “We need to accelerate the model for soccer development in North America to attract and keep elite talent engaged and excited about professional opportunities in the sport. We share a long-term vision with MLS to develop the game and are excited to foster the next generation of American soccer stars.”

adidas has been a partner of MLS since the league’s inception in 1996. In 2004, adidas and MLS announced an exclusive partnership agreement that named adidas the official athletic sponsor and product supplier, outfitting all league teams and supplying the league’s official match ball.

“One of the major reasons Major League Soccer has become one of the top soccer leagues in the world is due to the support and commitment of adidas,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “They have a clear vision for the sport in North America, and they see MLS as a cornerstone of that vision. Our extension with adidas is a major statement by an internationally respected brand that MLS is increasing in value and that our commitments to stadium construction, strategic expansion, player development and improvement in the overall quality of play are playing dividends.”

adidas is the global leader in soccer and partners with many of the world’s greatest soccer clubs and federations including Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Germany and Japan. adidas is an official partner of FIFA, UEFA and the Confederations of African Football. adidas also sponsors world-class athletes like Juan Pablo Angel, Jozy Altidore, Fredy Montero, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Xavi, Frank Lampard and Andres Guardado, among others.

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About adidas

adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 15th season on March 25, 2010. MLS features 16 clubs each playing 30 regular season matches in 2010. Those teams include Chicago Fire; Colorado Rapids; Chivas USA; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; Kansas City Wizards; Los Angeles Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; 2009 MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural season, Philadelphia Union. Expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011 and in Montreal in 2012. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official Web site at www.MLSsoccer.com.

Westford, MA

“Giving back is an integral part of our brand DNA at PUMA which comes to life through our Project Pink program with Women’s Professional Soccer,” explained Tara McRae, senior director of marketing for PUMA North America. “Project Pink has resonated with the players, the fans, and our company. There’s a lot of personal passion driving this program forward, and we’re looking forward to finally taking it public and getting consumers involved.”

It’s not all about us, though. In true PUMA fashion, with an eye on both engaging and empowering the female soccer community, the brand is giving consumers a voice. Launching July 31, PUMA is hosting a forum at wps.pumafootball.com/projectpink that invites interaction with the Project Pink initiative. The site allows for the nomination of breast cancer charities with nonprofit status; supporters can then log on to vote for the winner, who will ultimately receive a donation consisting of 100% of the profits from the sale of PUMA Project Pink product. The nomination period will open on August 7; voting will begin on September 13. The crowd favorite will be announced and the donation made in late October.

WPS teams including the Boston Breakers, Washington Freedom, FC Gold Pride, Philadelphia Independence, and Sky Blue FC have joined with PUMA to rally behind Project Pink, designating matches in July and August to help raise awareness for the cause. Players from each home team will sport special Project Pink kits developed by PUMA, and PUMA’s Project Pink match ball will be utilized throughout each game. Project Pink-themed activities will also be hosted in pre-game Fanzones and throughout the matches. WPS teams the Atlanta Beat and Chicago Red Stars will also support Project Pink with events later in the season.

Project Pink game dates are as follows:

PUMA athlete and Philadelphia Independence goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc will be serving, along with fellow players and PUMA athletes Leslie Osborne (Boston Breakers) and Amy Rodriguez (Philadelphia Independence), as a spokeswoman for the Project Pink cause. “As a woman in sports, I always support promoting an active, healthy lifestyle,” LeBlanc explained. “Plus, a number of my close friends and family have been affected by breast cancer. I’m out here doing what I love, and any chance I have to be a part of a project like this to show my passion for what I do and link with a good cause is a no-brainer.”

In line with the first match, PUMA’s new range of Project Pink merchandise is set to debut on July 26 on shop.puma.com and at select PUMA Stores and other retail partners. It will also be sold at participating stadiums during WPS games throughout the season. Allowing soccer fans and novice athletes to show their support alongside their favorite players, PUMA’s Project Pink replica jersey, tee-shirts in pink and white, trainer and (mini) skill ball, and gym sack will all be available for purchase.

Samples of the Puma Project Pink gear

In an effort to drive additional awareness to the cause, the brand will be using the Twitter hash tag #projectpink when communicating updates about Project Pink and will also encourage fans creating content to do the same. For every tweet using the hash tag from July 31 through October 18, PUMA will donate an additional $1 to the Project Pink cause, up to a maximum of $25,000. PUMA will count one tweet using the hash tag per user per day.

PUMA became an official founding partner of WPS and an official sponsor of all WPS franchises in December 2008. The multi-year partnership makes PUMA the official sport and lifestyle apparel, footwear and equipment supplier of WPS, including the official WPS Match Ball; PUMA is also the official supplier of PUMA WPS Fanwear. PUMA’s roster of WPS athletes includes four-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Marta, as well as Natasha Kai, Leslie Osborne, Amy Rodriguez, Karina LeBlanc, and Alex Scott.

On a global scale, PUMA Football’s portfolio includes five European National Teams, including Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Czech Republic, 2010 FIFA World Cup™ contenders Uruguay, and 13 African soccer Federations including the current CAF African Cup of Nations™ holders Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast. PUMA also sponsors men’s soccer players including Jay Demerit, Brian Ching, Heath Pearce, Dwayne De Rosario, Matt Reis, and Kasey Keller.

For more information about Project Pink and PUMA’s partnership with WPS, visit wps.pumafootball.com.

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PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.puma.com

It all started in the early 1980′s while serving as a missionary in Chile, South America.  During my year and a half there I never saw a grass soccer field.  They were all dirt!  I wondered why.  It finally came to me that grass just could not grow when the fields got so much use.  Many of the players had no shoes, but this didn’t seem to matter.  The sport looked simple enough, so I began to join in.  I soon gained a great respect for what these kids could do with their feet.  I found that after a year and a half I could barely keep up with kids between the ages of 10 and 12.  I was 23 at the time!

When I returned home to the US, I found a group of mostly Hispanics playing “Baby Football” ([futsal] played on a basketball sized court) at the local YMCA.  I was the worst players out there!  Within a few years an adult league was forming and I was asked to play Keeper.  I had good hands from my High School [American] Football days.  It took years, but I was invited to play on the field and found that I was a decent defender.  One day, a top club asked me to join their team as a defender.  I was honored, and felt that all my soccer aspirations had materialized.  They actually wanted ME to play for them.

About this time, my children were getting old enough to play.  I decided to lend a hand as an Assistant Coach.  I found that I knew much more about the sport than many of the other AYSO coaches, and was one of the few that had ever played, or was now playing.  My boys were very athletic, and were willing to put forth a great effort.  I felt like I needed to clone them and have them all over the field… but soon learned that if I could help the other players around them improve, we could work better as a team.

That became my philosophy: “Take each of the players on the team, and leave them better than I found them.”  I concentrated on teaching them the basics many times, because bad habits had not been recognized or corrected in the past.  Some of these young kids were like “old dogs” that didn’t want to learn any new tricks.  Slowly but surely they began to trust and listen to me.  My favorite player is the one that will take instruction and try to implement it.  I have had some less talented players who would do whatever they were asked to do.  And, I prefer them to the very talented player that will not listen.  Over the years, we developed several championship teams, and saw a lot of growth among the players.  Over time the kids recognize that it isn’t just kicking a ball.  There can be so much more to it.  The more they learned, the more they realized they still needed to master.  This is a sport that just gets better and better.  I love every aspect of the game.. from playing, to coaching, to watching great soccer on TV.  With the World Cup right around the corner, we just got our cable turned on and the only reason is to watch the greatest game ever played.  We will turn it back off once a champion is named.

I now have the pleasure of playing adult league soccer with 4 of my oldest children.. They now coach me!

My name is Jason.  I am 21 years old, and I am from Cookeville, TN.  Soccer has been my absolute passion for my entire life.  I cannot get enough of it.  I strongly doubt I have gone more than one day without touching a ball in the last 10 years of my life.  I have had many crazy and interesting experiences throughout my soccer career.  These have made me both a better player and a better person. Soccer is more than just a passion for me. Soccer is my life, and I don’t know how I could live any other way.

My entire life I have had to deal with a problem that most soccer players around the world don’t have to.  I am from a small town in the USA and almost nobody plays [here].  I don’t know how many times I have been at the park and seen tons of people playing and doing activities, but I am the only one there with a soccer ball.  It is really kind of depressing at times, but I have fought through it.  I constantly practice my skills by juggling and other individual drills.  I quickly became interested in freestyle which has opened up many opportunities for me.  I have been a competitor in the Red Bull Street Style National Finals for the last two years.  I was a part of the Burger King Futbol Kingdom team as well.  These have been fabulous experiences.

The other thing that I have done to find ways to play the sport I love is to play with the different immigrants that are in the area.  I have played with people from all around the world here in Tennessee. For the most part, American soccer players [in Tennessee] consist of immigrants and their children.  I am the exception being a normal [small town] American.  I have played in numerous Hispanic mens leagues being the only white person on the field.  These experiences have brought good and bad.  I was constantly taunted as “gringo” and other negative names for whites, but I also was able to make many friends.  This helped me to learn conversational Spanish, and it was one of the main reasons I decided to study Spanish in College.  I have also played with groups of Africans and various Europeans. The cultural differences do not matter when we are on the field.  We are all united under the one passion for the game.  It definitely helped me realize that all people are basically the same no matter what ethnic group or where they are from.  It doesn’t get any cooler to know that our backgrounds mean nothing when we are on the field together.

AVID Soccer Player Award presented by Calle Republic

Futebol e minha vida.  This is a term I was taught by Brazilians that means soccer is my life.  It’s something I’ll live by forever.  Soccer is just absolutely the most unifying force that exist in the world, and it is a passion that exists for millions in every country.

PORTLAND

“As the world’s biggest sporting event, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is a great time for fans of all sports to get excited about soccer,” said Antonio Zea, director of soccer for adidas America. “We’re calling on the biggest names in sports to generate excitement here in the U.S. Reggie Bush is going to be traveling to South Africa and Dwight Howard, Dale Jr. and BJ Upton will be tweeting and posting throughout the tournament.”

Zea continued, “It’s going to be a month-long extravaganza and fans will be getting to experience it not just through the games on TV, but also through the eyes of their favorite sports stars.”

adidas and the athletes will create World Cup videos, quizzes, tweets and more in order to bring American sports fans closer to the tournament. In addition to the pre-kickoff material, Bush will travel to South Africa to witness the 2010 FIFA World Cup first-hand. From the moment he lands in South Africa, he will relay his unique look at the 2010 FIFA World Cups through texts, photos and videos via www.facebook.com/adidasSoccer.

“I’m flying half way across the world to see the World Cup with my own eyes,” Bush said. “Soccer players are incredible athletes and I’m excited to be on the ground to see the action first hand and share the excitement with my fans back home on Facebook and through my tweets. This is like a month-long Super Bowl! Go team USA!”

• “EVERY TEAM NEEDS A FAN” VIDEO CONTENT
  • Leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, adidas will post exclusive video content featuring Bush, Earnhardt, Jr. and Upton as they prepare for the tournament. The athletes will show off their own soccer skills, offer their support for the U.S. National Team and preview some of the content that will be featured on Facebook.
• “EVERY TEAM NEEDS A FAN” TEST YOUR SPORTS KNOWLEDGE
  • Fans will get the chance to test their sports knowledge against Bush, Howard, Earnhardt, Jr. and Upton through an interactive quiz on Facebook. The quiz will feature sport crossover-related questions to the four athletes and lets users guess if the athletes will answer them correctly.
• REGGIE BUSH IN SOUTH AFRICA
  • Bush will not only attend World Cup matches and provide commentary on the tournament, but he will take part in local community tours of service, teach South Africans about American football and even go on a safari. From the moment he touches down in South Africa, Reggie will provide photos, videos, text messages and Tweets via Facebook.
• HOWARD, EARNHARDT JR. AND UPTON DURING WORLD CUP
  • Howard, Earnhardt, Jr. and Upton will cheer on the US team, provide commentary on the matches and pick their favorite plays and post exclusive videos and photos to Facebook.
• FOLLOW ME, FOLLOW U.S.
  • Bush, Howard, Earnhardt, Jr. and Upton will compete against each other during the tournament by seeing who can get more fans to support the U.S. National Team in South Africa. The athletes will send video invitations to their fans on Facebook asking them to “Like” the “Go US” Facebook page on their behalf and when fans link through the athletes earns points. Fans will also be able to leave messages of support for the U.S. players.

Editors Note: You can also “Like” AVID Soccer on Facebook, view extra photos from our testing and events, and participate in discussions./p>

The new brand offers a large selection of Pele inspired products designed to meet the different needs of players. The personality and philosophy of the football idol Pelé is integrated into every product and Pelé himself has shared his experiences as a player to inspire and educate the product development team. The result is a product line that offers a wide selection for the individual tastes of an 11-a-side player, a small sided specialist or a fashion conscious supporter – Pelé Sports combines premium product quality with an optimum price-performance ratio.

The Performance Category

The excellent quality of the Performance shoe is guaranteed by the unique product development: product design specialists work closely with a network of biomechanics and podiatrists to create the best shoe for each different need.
The design has a great deal of Pelé recognition: 1958, 1962 and 1970 – the years Pelé won the World Cup title – are the model names and are found as a detail on the boots’ cleats, while number “10″ – Pelé’s famous jersey number – is integrated into the creative graphic design on the heel instep and outsole.

The result is a Futebol bonito experience that will be accessible to the ambitious 11-a-side footballers.

• A reinforced heel area for better support.
• An EVA midsole for more absorption and to prevent, among other things, problems with the Achilles heel.
• A special cleat configuration to absorb pressure better and a special cleat shape to reduce the pressure on the knee when the player pivots.
• The upper material is kangaroo leather with Dual Friction Technology for more grip on the ball.
• Dual Friction is used from the start in the processing of the leather and guarantees a long-lasting grip.
• Kangaroo leather is extremely durable and tear-resistant, and yet supple – it wraps around and hugs the individual shape of the foot perfectly. Available in black (with yellow decorative stitching), and white (with red decorative stitching).
• Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: 170 EUR / $ 160

A top of the line model, the 1970 is a football boot that you’ve never seen before; combining function with attention to detail. The 1970 FG MS (Black) and 1970 SG MS (White) boots both provide the football player with a perfect balance between performance, comfort, cushioning, stability, and design.

The Pelada Category

Pelé Sports products will not only appeal to ambitious club football players – they will also appeal to everyone who plays football, regardless of where they play and what team they play with. The products assimilate the characteristics of football as well as the individuality of each and every player.

Pelada is the category that features the appropriate kit for a footballer’s personal style and honors the origins of Pelé, who learned how to play football in the streets of Brazil. Whether they’re playing organized futsal, or playing on a small field, at the beach, in a municipal park, or in a parking lot – all you need for Futebol bonito are one ball and two players, and the game can begin!

The Pelé Story Category

Pelé – the IOC Athlete of the Century – is not only lending his name to Pelé Sports, but he is also closely involved with the brand. That’s reason enough to give the best footballer of all time a fitting fashion stage for his lifestyle line – Pelé Story. This collection is unique in that it features some of the most famous football experiences associated with Pelé ,the celebrated “bicycle kick” for example, but also elements of his life that are less known, like his experience as an outstanding goalkeeper. Featuring fashionable sportswear, the Pelé Story is for anyone who identifies with football and the philosophy of Futebol bonito – and, of course, for everyone who admires Pelé.

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About Pelé Sports

Feeling and technique are the two qualities that reflect Pelé Sports: The brand philosophy combines the legendary Brazilian enthusiasm for playing football, along with top products that are designed to completely satisfy a footballer’s every demand. The inspiration of the football legend Pelé,, who is also directly involved in product development, can be felt in every product: Futebol bonito, regardless of who you are and where and how you play. This desire is combined with an outstanding price-performance ratio. The P-Sports company was founded in 2009 and has its US headquarters in Aspen, Colorado. A selected team of product design specialists and football experts are managing the international launch of the Pele Sports brand under license in June 2010. Sales and distribution through selected specialist sports stores will start with a mixture of the brand’s own marketing and distribution subsidiaries and selected distribution partners. www.pele-sports.com

“We are proud to add PILA to our growing list of first-class partners,” said Graham Munro, chief executive officer of GOLME. “They share the same commitment to performance and outstanding customer service, and will serve their respective markets well.”

PILA will start offering GOLME products, including its award winning Professional Training Goal, in June.  Customers in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands can visit www.pilagroup.com.au for more information.

Soccer Nation Expo 2010

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (February 22, 2010) Soccer Nation Expo is an opportunity for team administrators, coaches and players to meet with manufacturers and vendors. The conference features a full midway, coaching clinics, demonstrations, samples and a futsal tournament.

When we started attending SNE several years ago, all of the major manufacturers were present. The event has shrunk over the past few years, both in the number of vendors and the number of visitors. Last year, there was no sign of Puma, adidas or UnderArmour. This year, there was no sign of Diadora, Xara and others.

The expo has become a great showcase for small to midsized manufacturers and soccer specialty retailers. Companies like Calle Republic, Copa Cabana Beach Soccer and Reusch continue to make their presence known in their respective specialties. Calle Republic, in their 4th year, focuses on street soccer and uses the event to increase brand awareness and promotion partnerships. Copa Cabana is both a promotions company and an organization of beach soccer leagues/tournaments. They lead the beach soccer movement.   Reusch is one of the premier innovators of goalkeeping. They produce a full range of gloves, apparel and accessories.

Little Feet Booth

Uniform manufacturers like Score, Protime Sports and Century also have the opportunity to meet with league and club administrators. These direct-to-consumer manufacturers along with soccer specific retailers use the event to connect with coaches, team administrators and league boards. It is an opportunity for buyers to compare uniforms side by side and set up deals.

The real value is to small manufacturers. This year, we found a couple of note. The first is Little Feet. They are a socially responsible manufacturer with a great story. For every ball they sell, one is donated to a child in need. Another promising vendor was Cleatskins. The skins cover cleats (from almost any sport, not just soccer) for protection and stability off the pitch.

Nike 5 Futsal Regional Championship

Of course, the big underwriter is Nike. They sponsor the Nike 5 US Futsal Southwest Regional Championship. It takes place on fields on the convention floor. The action is fast and fun to watch. In addition, Nike has a shoe trial to allow visitors to try on the latest and greatest. It is a ways for Nike to connect directly with the players and give back to the community.

We spoke to a number of different vendors. In general, the longtime vendors were there to support local stores or sales staff. Most felt that the cost of the show was high for the amount of direct sales they received, but it was an important to be seen and to support the local market. The new vendors were there for the exposure. It is a way to get their product in front of the soccer press and 30,000 soccer players, coaches and administrators.

Street Soccer Demonstration

Additional Resources:

• Calle Republic
• Cleatskins
• Copa Cabana Beach Soccer
• Little Feet
• Nike
• Reusch
• Soccer Nation Expo
• AVID Soccer SNE 2010 Pictures (Facebook)