Soccoroos never looked better

Harry Kewell (Galatasaray and Australia ) made no mistake against Uzbekistan's keeper Ignatiy Nesterov last night (1st April 2009)giving Australia a boost for qualification to 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa.

Soccer cleats and the Bootman

An essential part of the soccer boot is the cleat (stud) which attaches to the sole of the shoe and gives greater traction against the ground surface as well as improve stability of the athlete in motion. Soccer cleats prevent players from slipping and assist them in rapid changes of direction. The physical nature of the different football codes have resulted in the development of different cleats. Modern soccer cleats are available in different materials and can be either be fixed to the shoe or are removable. At first cardboard cleats were used but these were replaced by rubber cleats in the early days whereas more recently cleats are made from synthetic polymers which are sometimes combined to give added strength. Aluminum tipped cleats has been introduced and seem to be gaining popularity. In the past every major club had a Bootman whose job it was to ensure all the boots were well maintained. The Bootmans' experience was valued as he would impart his knowledge to the younger players on the type and pattern of studs to wear to suit the weather and ground conditions. Cleat patterns (systems) help distribute pressure across the boot. Soccer cleats are usually worn higher on the heel and lower on the forefoot to give the player grip and different types are matched to ground conditions. To avoid slipping on soft, wet grounds cleats need to be long enough that penetrate the surface but without damaging the turf or synthetic surface. Lower softer cleats are required on firm grounds. Injuries related to wearing the wrong cleats are quite common and can involve the knees and ankles. According to experts the most common knee injuries caused by wrong choice of the cleats are those to the ligaments and ankle injuries are usually due sprains. Misplaced cleats on the sole of the boot may result in painful blisters. In recent years controversy has prevailed on the misuse of cleats in accidentally (or otherwise) wounding other players by cutting their skin.

CAD/CAM Foot Orthoses: CNC technology

Foot orthoses come in different types from simple insoles to biomechanically calculated platforms to help stabilise the foot during phases of walking. In recent years there has been a sizable industry grown around the manufacture and prescription of the latter which is now estimated at $30 million US per anum. Prescribed foot orthoses often referred to as function foot orthoses are used by sports specialists, surgeons, physiotherapists and podiatrists and prices vary from $20 to $300 per pair depending on the type, time spend and materials used. Over the counter foot orthoses are often as effective as bespoke varieties but due to the material combinations may not always last quite so long. Conditions definitely apply. For over a decade the manufacture of foot orthoses has involved Computer Numerical Controlled(CNC) systems where CAD/CAM software programs are used to produce a computer file that is interpreted to extract the commands needed to operate a particular machine, and then loaded into the CNC machines for production which involes a complex series of steps needed to produce in this case a foot orthoses. CAD software produces 3D scanned design data which can be manipulated to add a range of models, add-ons and cut-outs or corrections to the foot mould. Many companies which supply bespoke foot orthoses use the technology to increase their production. The established method of producing bespoke foot orthoses was both time consuming and prone to human error. After physical examination of the leg and foot, technicians took plaster of Paris moulds of the feet set in a reference position. These negative casts are then filled with setting plaster before drying at hot temperatures. When the foot models are completely dried high temperature plastics are melted over the prepared cast before trimming. The process of creating unique prescriptions for patients suffering from various foot and joint ailments will take anything from 3 days to three weeks to complete. A primary advantage of CAD/CAM manufacture is the time reduced in producing quality foot orthoses as providing prescribed quality foot orthoses in a timely fashion translates well to high profits. Turnaround time is extremely important in the bespoke foot orthotic business. Delcam's OrthoModel , is a new software specifically for modelling and machining custom foot orthoses. Once the information is input into the OrthoModel CAD software, the information is transfered to the CAM component OrthoMill and routed to complete the milling process. Top covers and other finishes are added once the foot orthoses have been milled. Delcam Crispin is a UK based company founded in 1965 and their software includes a series of menus which incorporate the biomechanical terminology used by the industry to describe the various features of the foot orthosis.

Shoe banging and soccer pitches in Cuba

Thong throwing has become a sport in some places and maybe the best thong throwers would have landed their target had they been at the Presidential Press Conference where a journalist threw his shoes at President Bush. Of course the point was made despite the clear miss hit (twice) and now everyone is talking about the meaning of the shoe insult. At the end of ‘official’ hostilities images of ceremonial shoe banging of Saddam Hussein and President George Bush were spread worldwide and in Iraq shoe banging is an insult similar to two fingers, elsewhere. The origins of both are quite intriguing. The ‘2-finger salute’, is where the first and second fingers are spread apart and then, with the back of the hand facing the viewer. The hand is then raised towards the sky sometimes fast or slow depending on whether it is done in anger or as a taunt. The ‘Up Yours’ salute is thought to have originated in the 15th century when Welsh archers at the Battle of Agincourt(1415), demonstrated to the French how devastatingly effective they were with their new bow-and-arrow technology. The strong bowmen used the first two fingers to draw the bowstring back before releasing the arrow with pin point accuracy. The French were so intimidated by the power of the Welsh long bow they threatened to amputate string-pulling fingers on any archer caught. In defiance bowmen responded by waving the two fingers in the insulting ‘V salute’ to aggravate their foes. Feet and shoes were imbued with considerable significance in the Middle East and shoe banging holds two meanings depending on whether you are Jewish or Islamic. Traditionally, the Jewish custom, of shoe banging was used to seal a deal like a gable at an auction. In Islamic tradition, culture determines feet occupy the lowest rung in the bodily hierarchy and shoes are considered unclean. Hence it is commonplace to remove shoes before entering a place of worship; the gesture is to maintain the purity of the place of worship. The same custom is extended to entering a private home because the sole of the shoe is considered the most contaminated. To point a shoe at someone or hit them (or their image) demonstrates a deep insult and means to direct impurity and pollution in their direction. The action is not to physically harm the individual but to remind all there is a greater judgment and the object of scorn should suffer the indignity of the most demeaning punishment possible. The shoe as an insult is used in other cultures too for instance in India unpopular politicians are regularly garlanded with shoes and paraded down the streets. The term “Jooté maro!" (hit him with shoes) is common enough phrase.

Shoe banging represents violation and demonstratively shows deep insult. A famous shoe banger in the 60s was Nikita Khrushchev from Russia. Khrushchev came from peasant stock; and possessed a peasant's shrewdness and wit. He had a garrulous, storytelling gift, which gained him a reputation for being earthy. He frequently referred to excrement. He was poorly educated and always intimidated by intellectual superiority. This frequently showed in his uncouth animation during debate. The classic example was shoe banging, when in at the UN General Assembly meeting in October of 1960, Nikita Khrushchev banged his shoe against his desk, with indignation. The circumstance, as you will no doubt recall related to photographs implicating Russian “duplicity” in Cuba. A U2 "spy plane" picked up pictures of soccer pitches and at that time soccer was not a game popular with Cubans, which implied the presence of personnel of a soccer loving nation i.e. USSR. Instantly reported across the globe as good copy, Khrushchev shoe-banging episode probably did more to avoid global conflict, than the furious diplomatic arrangements, which were going on as Kennedy and Khrushchev faced off each other. In the West the man became a character. The shoe banging episode did deeply embarrass his Soviet colleagues, which inevitably led to his downfall in 1964. The popularity he had in the west however more than likely saved his life and he spent his remaining years in retirement tending his garden like the Godfather. According to his son, Sergei Khrushchev, his father had small feet (size seven or eight), and when he came from Moscow he was wearing ordinary shoes. New York was hot however so he switched to sandals. He was wearing sandals on the famous shoe banging day but happened to have a spare shoe available to express himself. The shoes in John Hay Library are probably not The Shoes, but a pair that Nikita brought with him to New York but never wore.

Barefoot Players

Mohammed Abdul Salim (1904 - 1980) was the first Indian to play professional football in Europe. He came from Calcutta and played for Glasgow Celtic Reserves. Prior to joining Celtic Football Team, Mohammed Abdul Salim played for Calcutta's Mohammedan Sporting Club and East Bengal Club and won five league titles in a row. The player had no boots and played with bandaged feet which was common place in India but raised a few eyebrows in Glasgow, even in the thirties. Celtic manager, Willie Maley was well impressed with Mohammed when he appeared for a trial. Later Celtic had to seek approval from the Scottish Football Association to allow the player to play with bare feet. Christened the “Indian Juggler” by the press, Salim played two 'A' (reserve) matches against Hamilton Accies (5-1), and Galston (7-1). Despite his success he became homesick but the club realising his talents tried to encourage him to stay. In his honour they they organised a charity match and promised him 5% of the total proceed (£1,800). Salim refused and asked the money be donated to orphans. The player returned to India for the 1937 league season and joined Mohammedan Sporting Club again. Despite not becoming a first team player his legend lived on in the form of a short poem called "Indian Juggler".

(There was) "man from India
Where traditions are steep
Stepped onto Parkhead's hallowed turf
Wearing only bandages on his feet."

The first Scottish player to play in bare feet was an Egyptian called, Tewfik ‘Toothpick’ Abdullah who played for Cowdenbeath in 1920. The player had previously played for Derby County.

Reference
Majumdar B and Bandyopadhyay K 2006 A Social History of Indian Football: Striving to Score London: Routledge

The Nomis Glove FG: designed to prevent injuries

Simon Skirrow is an Australian who claims to have designed a soccer boot called Glove FG that may protect athletes’ feet from those metatarsal injuries. Simon Skirrow previously worked with adidas, but now runs his own company called Nomis which has opened an outlet in Berlin called the Right Boot Store. Nomis according to the company’s website has been endorsed by the Governing body of the Professional Rugby League Players of Australia as their preferred football boots. As part promotion for the new range of kangaroo boots, Nomis has also commissioned an amusing new video called “Damn Boots” which lampoons celebrity endorsements to the apparent exclusion of safety.

David Beckham: Boot collection

Delighted to read David Beckham reached a century in England caps recently. He was probably wearing his pc football boots made from synthetic materials so as not offend Animal Rights activists. The man with the golden boots is worthy of the title, great player and although I follow the (mis)fortunes of Scotland (and Australia, when they win), I would say by far Beckham is my football hero. Jim Baxter (Rangers) is still the best player ever and Gazza wiznae bad either but Beckham is a true ambassador for the sport. According to recent reports the soccer supremo has catalogued his boots (currently wear Adidas Predator Absolute Globe),and keeps them for posterity in a museum. Normal memorabilia for football players is usually their signed shirts which are kept to mark a milestone in their career but David Beckham is a trend setter. Whilst most players will have signature boots with their own name (for luck), David’s colourful boots are embossed with his children’s names. Time was when all real soccer players wore black boots only but now absolutely anything goes. Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) is seen in the new Nike promotion wearing orange boots. The Nike Mercurial Vapor Aero Soft-Ground Men's Soccer Boot combines all that is known about soocer the sport and shoe manufacture to offer a true 21st century soccer slipper. Sadly there is no boot yet that makes you score more goals, but ion orange, you will certainly stand out on the field.

Horrible foot injury:Eudardo da Silva

Eduardo da Silva (Arsenal) suffered a double compound fracture of his left leg (open fracture and dislocated ankle) after a challenge from Birmingham's Martin Taylor in the opening moments of the Premier League clash at St Andrews.

The injured striker underwent emergency surgery at Birmingham’s Selly Oak hospital which was successful and he was later transferred to a London hospital.

According to da Silva all he remembered was he fell and when he looked down his foot was turned the other way. The rest was just a blank. You can have a look at the incident but be warned it is brutal:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wd2B...eature=related

An update on the player's progress is posted on the Arsenal website

Australian Soccer Boots: Poster

If you would like a pdf file (free)drop me an email and I will send it by return.

Go the Matildas

By qualifying for the quarter-finals The Matildas have given a great boost to Australian women's football. Despite a dire domestic situation which has top class athletes playing in amateur regional leagues, trying to maintain top fitness and develop their soccer skills. In the Women’s World Cup 2007 competition Australia has been the underrated team but have upset the equilibrium now by getting through to the next round. The 2 all draw against Canada saw both the flashes of talent the Australian Squad can play along with some lack lustred passages of play. The Matildas looked tired and slow at times but obviously were able and capable when it came to the final score. Hopefully a rest will do them good and like their male counterparts in FIFA World Cup 2006, the Australians will play their hearts out in the final run. Go the Matlidas.

Go the Matildas and the Ferns

Just kicked off is this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007, a competition often neglected by the media and all the more so this year, because of the Rugby World Cup France 2007. Women’s soccer is now the third most popular sport in the world and all the more reason why adidas are interested in attracting customerss by engaging designer, Stella McCartney. Women's (soccer) football became popular during the First World War when young men were off fighting and the leagues were suspended. Now in the workforce, women formed company teams and inter company competition leagues were popular. Women’s international matches started in 1920 with the first major fixture between Dick, Kerr’s Ladies (from Preston, UK) and a team from Paris. The English ladies (national team) took on their Scottish counterparts in the same year and thrashed them, 22 nil (nothing new there!). Women’s soccer proved so popular after the war that crowds of up to 53.000 came to see them play. Concerned at the potential to damage men’s soccer, the Football Association (England) took an unprecedented action in 1921 and banned women from playing the game on Association members' pitches on the pretext women’s soccer was distasteful. A similar decree was made by Scottish football authorities. Undaunted the English Ladies Football Association was formed and ladies soccer was played on rugby grounds and park football pitches. In 1969 the English Women’s FA was formed and the ban on playing on FA pitches was lifted two years later. Union of European Football Associations(UEFA) recommended the women’s game be taken under the control of the national associations in each country and the first professional team was established in 1984.In 1991, FIFA held the first Women's World Championship in the People’s Republic of China and the USA were the victors. It took almost a decade before the Women's United Soccer Association in the United States was established as an all-professional league for women. In this years' competition both Australia (The Matildas) and New Zealand (The Football Ferns) qualified and their first games start on the 12 September. The Matildas are in Group C and play Ghana; The Football Ferns are in Group D and play Brazil on the same day. Australia qualified through the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and New Zealand stormed through Oceania World Cup qualifiers with 100% clean sweep. Germany are favourites to pick up the cup again but host country, China may well have other ideas. Australia may be the dark horse of the competition in 2007 and USA are likely to be strong contenders, too.

Interesting Sites
Women’s Football
womensoccer.com
Competition fixtures
History of soccer boots
soccer.com
The English FA

Rugby World Cup 2007: News

Keep up to date with Rugby World Cuo News. This is an excellent website Myrugbynews.com

France v Italy final: Wat no smartball technology?

It is only a matter of time before the match ball incorporates smart technology but adidas confirmed last year it would not be introduced at FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 . After tests late last year in a Peruvian tournament FIFA announced the system was not yet ready for use yet, but the chances are it will be at FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010, in four years hence. The technology is based on an application-specific integrated circuit chip (ASIC) with a transmitter to send data. The chip is suspended in the middle of the ball to survive acceleration and hard kicks. The technology uses a network of receivers around the field designed to track the ball's precise position in real time including exactly when the ball passes over the pitch lines. Ball position is conveyed by radio signals to the referee’s watch in less than a second after the ball crosses the goal line. Similar chips, but smaller and flatter, have been designed for players’ shin guards. The system is independent of weather influences and can not be distracted by other wireless systems. The principles can also be applied in different situations: sport applications such as grid iron, soccer, basketball or ice hockey, but the system can also perform in an industrial environment such as the security of airports and flight gates, in large docks, in military operations and in many more situations. At present however the system has several problems including when the ball is shot over the goal and lands on the net it registers as a goal. Information can take several seconds to reach referee and when more than one ball is on the field the system will crash. The decision to focus on the further development and testing before introducing it to top range competition was taken in consultation with FIFA, and in close cooperation with development partner Cairos Technologies AG in Karlsbad, Germany. adidas started its production of footballs in 1963 and has been responsible for some of the most notable innovations. The Telstar ball design consisted of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons. adidas were the first to incorporate synthetic materials into footballs and launched coloured balls an thermal bonding technology into ball manufacture. adidas has supplied the Official Match Balls to all major UEFA and FIFA tournaments since 1970 and will also be the Official Partner and Supplier of the Match Ball for the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Cairos Technologies AG is privately owned and is the leader in the sector of highly accurate, high-resolution 3-D localization of dynamic objects. Cairos AG is the exclusive worldwide distributor for the Cairos system in sports and in the industry. In 2001 Cairos started its cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, an engineering research and software development company in Erlangen, Germany.

Plastic Fantastic

In 2005 FIFA under-17 world championship in Peru was played entirely on artificial turf made by Polytran GmbH, Germany. Chances are by FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa stadium will be carpeted with artificial turf. Experts agree the cost of natural grass is too prohibitive and dedicated turf means venues are unable to be used during the season for other events. If the purpose of the World Cup competition is to promote football then reducing costs of turf maintenance especially in climates which demand high maintenance makes economic sense. Increase in reported injuries (due to cleats), has led to players to join the lobby to play on artificial turf. Not all are of the same opinion (74 percent of Italy's professional players opposed playing matches on artificial grass, according to a recent survey by the Italian players union) but there is pressure to accept synthetic surfaces. The latest artificial grass is so like the real thing as to be impossible to tell the difference when running on it in football shoes, according to manufacturers and players. Earlier attempts to introduce synthetic turf to football fields failed in the 1980s, when nylon surfaces were installed in four English stadium. Complaints that the ball bounced too high, the surfaces damaged players' knees and skin burns resulted when tackling opponents, all contributed to abandoning the artifical grass. Modern synthetic surfaces use sand, rubber and polypropylene foam bases to give the same cushioning as natural earth. The silicone coated polyethylene tufts do not cause friction burns and provide uniform surfaces to play over. In Europe, league clubs are beginning to use artifical pitches e.g.
Moscow's Spartak, Moscow and Austria's Red Bull Salzburg. Technological advances by synthetic grass makers such as Polytran GmbH and FieldTurf, along with demands for uniform playing conditions, have led the Zurich-based Federation Internationale de Football Association FIFA to consider artificial turf for future tournaments. Good reasons to assume future development of the football boot will include better interphase between the cleat and playing surface. The hope is this development will reduce the horrendous lacerations that cleats appear to be currently causing.

Happy Aussies

The real winners in this World Cup.

Goalies Gloves

Goal keepers gloves could be in line for a new development if smart material known as d3o is incorporated into their make up. d3o is normally a flexible material which becomes rigid in response to an impact as the material exhibits "strain rate sensitivity". Flexible materials are made up of molecules which are weakly bound together and can move past each other with ease but with d3o the shock of sudden deformation causes the chemical bonds to strengthen and the moving molecules to lock, turning the material into a more solid, protective shield. The hardening effect only last as long as the impact itself which would make them ideal for goal keeper’s gloves. Currently the lightweight bendable material is worn under normal ski clothing and used to make better protective gear for skiers on the slalom. Skiers normally have to wear bulky arm and leg guards to protect themselves from poles placed along the slalom run now d30 can replace this. The exact chemical ingredients of d3o remains a commercial secret but the material was synthesised by mixing together a viscose fluid and a polymer. The resulting liquid (d3o) is poured into a mould that matches the shape of the body part it will protect.

Interesting link
goalatopper.co.uk

Perfect Pitch?

Cleats (blades) have proven ideal for gripping when players are changing direction when running or pushing off and side-stepping but the traction systems are less efficient during straight line stopping and starting. This may account for some of the slipping we have seen during competition, from what appear perfectly normal patches several players have struggled to keep their feet. The condition of the grass has always been the predictor of the kind of studs that should be worn and many clubs kept on staff old timers, known as boot men, their job was to care for the players’ boots and advise them on the type of studs to wear. Sadly less emphasis is placed on this now and due to the introduction of blades the boots are often worn inappropriately for the pitch condition. Now such the beautiful game is such a spectator sport the colour of the pitch has become very important. Some believe the preoccupation of being seen to play on lush green pitches has created problems and not just for the greenkeepers. To help stop large lumps of turf being ripped up the grass grown through a thin plastic mesh which helps to bind the playing surface together. However the presence of the mesh inhibits the movement of conventional studs and blade studs damage the pitch. Away from the camera greenkeepers work frantically behind the scenes at half time replacing the divets, displaced by the players. Incompatibility may result in a further increase in player injury and a groundswell is growing to accept artificial playing surfaces. Some of the World Cup turf comes from a farm near Heythuysen village in Holland. It is grown at a top secret location near the German border which is frequently monitored by the FIFA’s Turf Competence Team. FIFA have brought together turf specialists from all over Germany. More than 530,000 square meters of grass has been grown for the competition and the Dutch turf covers seven out of the 12 World Cup stadium. The grass is a highly resilient mixture of two types: Kenbtucky Bluegrass (poa pratensis) provides texture and texture) and fast growing rye grass (lolium perenne). This blend maintains a high quality and color of grass which will look good for the television as well as for spectators in the stadium. The combination guarantees the ball moves 'very quickly' over its surface and will influence how the ball bounces. The Dutch grass is already used in the Real Madrid stadium. Workers laid the new grass before the start of the 2006 World Cup at a cost of more than $1.9 million (US) and whilst the “experts” described the pitches as exquisite individual players and teams have complained the grass is too rough for accurate passing, and dry patches had already appeared at most of the 12 stadiums. World Cup officials blame the cold, wet weather in April and May, when the grass was growing at nurseries. Changes in temperature after it has been laid meant the turf failed to anchor properly into the moist earth beneath. So in many stadium it is far from a perfect playing surface.

Who's the poofter in the boots?

“Bobby Moore Superstar, walks like a woman and he wears a bra.” Went the chant at Hampden Park, when England came to play Scotland on their annual get together.

Questioning the manhood of an opposition player is a common ploy indulged upon by rival fans. More than likely this impacts on the terracing rather than the individual on the field but all that is immaterial when you are trying to help your team to win. A common indictment is to imply effeminacy in a player and what better way of knowing than the colour of a player’s boots. Up until FIFA World Cup 2002 Korea Japan it was only the very brave who sported coloured boots on the pitch but since Metro sexual David Beckham has broken the mould, now everyone on the field feels comfortable in coloured boots. Sociologists believe clothing has important social significance which tells much about the personality of the wearer. Humans see and react to visual signals emitted by clothing and this at a football match provides the safest distance to judge a stranger. No self respecting German fan would in a normal course of events wish to be confined in a lift with a group of lager swilling English fans, dressed accordingly. Fig leaf mentality may explain why we have covered up, but by far the major reason for clothing is decoration. The essential purpose of decoration is to beautify bodily appearance, so as to attract admiring glances from others and fortify self-esteem. Simply put boots outwardly represent a non-verbal sign of gender, presence, and personality. Many believe this is due to the encoded messages they contain which are recognized by our primal subconscious. Male footwear is part of a uniform to mark membership in a group, (I am a player). Western man embraces the idea that evolution compels them to compete in all areas of life from the soccer pitch to the corridors of power. In truth this competition is about sexual selection. Thus what an individual player looks like, how they dresses and groom themselves, may be of far more importance to a potential mate than whether he can beat his opposite number on the field. So Bec’s blue boots may have more to do with Victoria then Brazils’ defense. Style icons are real people with a vibration within, totally individual not fashion followers by fashion setters who are true to themselves. So what is with Beckham in ladies knickers? Some men prefer texture, fit or even the sensation of constraint in ladies clothing and why not. Modern masculinity is defined by being all that is not feminine, whereas femininity has always been slightly more pragmatic. Campness, male homosexuality and all associated eccentricities are an integral part of masculinity after all gay men are not women with willies. Yet the idea that they are, perpetuates straight male fears of losing their masculinity through the slightest frivolity. Think about that next time you are in the terracing.

Blades: Sinners or Saints?

Duty of care and compliance with Law 4, which states ‘a player must not use equipment or wear anything which is dangerous to himself or another player…’ make all players responsible for the upkeep of their boots tand o ensure that they are safe, regardless of the type of stud featured. Blades are a special type of stud, so-called because of their shape. Blades are designed to grip the turf, offering more stability for the player when jumping, landing as well as turning and pivoting. A particular concern relating to blades (cleats) is they are responsible for a significant increase in laceration type injuries. Rifts between Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal’s, manager Arsène Wenger are legend but one thing they both have in common is their dislike for blades. Indeed Ferguson has banned them from Old Trafford convinced they are the cause of needless injury. The studs have been blamed to slicing into flesh and causing injuries more usually seen in car crashes. The English Football Association has been collecting anecdotal evidence since their introduction and contacted FIFA in 2002 as to their concerns. Two years later FIFA had failed to reply. Medics have also joined the debate alarmed at the increase in injuries corresponding to the adoption of cleats on football boots. Injury rates in other football codes i.e. rugby league, has shown similar patterns. Despite these genuine concerns it appears to be no evidence-based research to indicate that new boots are more unsafe or produce more injuries than with traditional conical studs. An adidas spokesperson said in 2004, “our tests show that there was some wear to the uppers, but the Traxion studs were found to be smooth, flat and rounded-off with no sharp edges (which is consistent with our wear test findings of our internal and external testing bodies)…….Following the examination we are of the opinion that the injuries were an unfortunate accident, which of course do happen in contact sports such as football". As the number of players using blade style footwear increases then the number of injuries resulting directly from blades is proportionately increased. Currently there are fourteen manufacturers who retail bladed styles of boot. Responsible company’s advise blades should only be worn in certain conditions and clearly mark their boxes FG (suitable for firm ground) and SG (for soft ground). However in 2004 the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) issued a position statement: “RoSPA is concerned at the increasing number of reports involving blade studded soccer boots.” Dr David Jenkins, RoSPA's Product Safety Adviser said information about the number and severity of injuries caused by the blade studs should be made more widely known. This would enable players, managers and officials to assess the risk and take appropriate action to deal with it. In January 2005, Consumers Association Which? Magazine reported their concerns at the number of blade related injuries. Later the same year BBC Watchdog programme ran an exposè. Concerns were expressed at the number of laceration injuries thought to be associates but experts believe playing in blade style boots can also contribute to serious joint injuries, especially in children. Twisting injuries cause by increased grip of the cleat in the soft ground sends destructive forces through ankle and knee joints. The BBC approached the English FA, FIFA and all the boot manufacturers but the official response was there is no firm evidence to suggest blades cause any more injuries than traditional studs. A large proportion of football injuries are ligamentous and involve either the knee or the ankle. Shoe-surface traction is thought to play a specific role and likely to correlate with injury incidence. The correlation between footwear, performance and rates of injury was illustrated in the 90s when researchers established the fewer studs on the sole of the boot then the greater performance.. Concerns at preventing knee injuries caused by rotational forces during jumping and landing led to the discovery that by increasing the width of the stud position over the ball of the foot the less destructive rotation reported. These theories led directly to the development of the cleat (or blade) to replace the traditional stud on football boots to improve shoe-surface traction.

Interesting site
Sandal RFU

Bespoke Soccer Boots

Laser sintering may sound as if it belongs in Star Wars but the process could soon be used to make soccer boots that fit players' feet perfectly. Tailored shoes are built using a form of rapid 3D printing called selective laser sintering, in which a laser fuses together particles of a nylon-based material to build the shoe layer by layer. Customised boots start by scanning the foot with a laser to obtain a digital model. Using a pedar insole the subject carries out a series of exercises to determine the size and distribution of forces acting around the feet. That information is combined with other detailed analysis including leg structure and gait information to produce a blueprint template for the sole and stud arrangement. The shoes are then completed around the data. The hope is the player’s boot will not just provide a more comfortable boot but also give the vulnerable appendage greater protection according to the developers. Anything which reduces the potential for injury would be welcomed by the industry. Matching thickness, density and strength of the material for each sub-component gives optimal support without increasing the weight of the boot. The hope is the same software can be used to develop other protective clothing as well as other applications in aeronautics. Meantime London based company Prior2Lever (P2l) is working on prototypes soccer boots and if the project is a success plans are to proceed to the high street, where shops could print a pair of bespoke shoes in just a few hours.