Football - a funny old game

Much is made in the media about stress fractures and association with 'light boots' but there is little real evidence to associate the two. The soccer slipper to the best of my knowledge appears to include all that is known about the sport plus the clever inclusion of new polymers. Genuine concerns were expressed when players used the cleats to rip and tear at the flesh of opponents but otherwise despite the focus on high profile players suffering from 'generic'stress fractures there is no independent evidence of 'cause and effect.

Fractures of the middle three metatarsals or March Fracture was well named and historically relates to 'square bashing' (British military slan for drill on a barracks square)in military training. From the First World War on wards preparation for disciplined combat involved marching on hard parade grounds. Many new recruits suffered fatigue fractures from endless marching. As military sartoria developed and over the ankle boots were introduced, fatique fractures of the metatarsals were replaced with shin splints. The more enlightened countries realised whilst boots had their place in combat, physical exercise was best achieved wearing less restrictive footwear. There is reference to this in the literature relating to reported injuries in the Israeli and New Zealand recruits.

Over use of elite athletes has the same effect resulting in exhaustion and in those prone, fatigue fractures. Wayne Rooney is certainly a case in point where the man has such a punishing regime to earn his money he is prone to ‘niggling injuries’ which I would suggest have more to do with overall fatigue, serendipity and trauma with the ball (in the case of Jones' fracture) than anything else. The aftermath was pretty obvious at the recent FIFA World Cup with many marquee players distinctly off form after horrendously long playing seasons.

The media are always keen for a good story and have seldom let the truth come between them and a headlining scoop. The recent works on football boots and injuries from Dundee Univ was quickly picked on and sensationalised somewhat. Good copy because of the impending FIFA World Cup but from what I read little more than conjecture.

In similar mode the disdain of ‘old farts’ (Sir Alec being one on this occasion) uncomfortable with the new light boot (in bright colours) brought a tirade of complaint. No better way to criticise than demonise them as injury causing. No need for hard evidence when there are A & E experts were to hand to extrapolate concerns to the wider population of amateur footballers.

Quid pro quo

adidas boots scored more goals but did they sell more boots?

Spain won the 2010 FIFA World Cup > but according to adidas, it was the F50 adizero football boots that scored more goals (41 in total) than any other boot brand during the championship. All very well but main rivals Nike are claiming they made more sales out of the event than the main sponsor, adidas. Sales of the F50 adizero football boots did soar but adidas remain tight lipped by how much. The company have also been silent about the sales of the Jabulani (official ball), which was heavily criticised by players for being too light and unpredictable.

The real star of the World Cup

Goalkeeper Gloves: a brief history

Come the final of the  FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa one thing for sure is goalkeeper gloves will be in full view. Very much part of a keeper's kit there was a time not too long ago it was the exception for goalies to wear gloves. The first pair of goalie gloves to be patented was in 1885 by William Sykes. Sykes made footballs but his glove patent featured an India (latex) rubber layer, to give the goalkeeper protection from the ball. Goalkeeper gloves were not especially popular and it took until the 40s before Argentina's, Amadeo “Tarzán” Carrizo started wearing them when keeping goal for River Plate. Keen to keep up with Continental and South American trends the first reported use of goalkeeping gloves in the UK came in 1952 at an Airdrie vs Celtic match. Whether the goalie had them on the keep his fingers warm is not recorded.

An early convert was Italian goalkeeper, Stefano ‘Stanno’ Andreotti who after a dismal game in wet conditions let the ball slip through his fingers and drop into the goal. Determined to improve his performance he designed a fingerless glove with ropes of leather on the outside to improve his grip. Later he substituted bits of rubber on the outside improving the grip further and providing the game with the first goalkeeper gloves specific to the task. He encouraged others to use his gloves and started the brand name “Standreo.” He later changed this to ‘Stanno’ for ease. Despite a growing number of keepers wearing gloves sales were poor and the company changed from glove manufacture to making football boots and footballs. “Stanno” goalkeeper gloves were reintroduced in the sixties and remains among the more popular gloves today. Other companies keen to compete in the glove market during the late sixties and early 70s were Sondico , Reusch (Est. 1934) and Uhlsport (Est. 1948) .

Televised events such as the World Cup saw attitudes gradually change and by the early seventies, about the same time boots became more streamlined, goalkeepers started wearing gloves. German company Reusch worked with goalkeeper Sepp Maier (FC Bayern Munich ) to develop quality goal keeper gloves. Individual keepers like Neville Southall (Everton and Wales) were experimenting with gardening gloves and washing-up gloves to improve their goal keeping skills. Since the 1980s significant advancements have been made in the design of gloves, which now feature protectors to prevent the fingers bending backwards, segmentation to allow greater flexibility, and palms made of materials designed to protect the hand and to enhance a player's grip.

Depending on the way the glove is cut and stitched determines its properties. The ‘cut’ refers mainly to different ways the glove palms are stitched around the fingers. There are three basic styles: Flat palm gloves, Roll finger gloves and Negative cut goal keeper gloves. Other styles are made up of a combination of these three types. Flat palm gloves are the more traditional cut and make a continuous flat surface between the hand and the goalkeeper gloves. Roll Finger goalkeeper gloves have extra latex foam between the fingers which allows grater surface contact with the ball than the palm alone. Wider area to distribute force reduces peak pressures on impact. Alternatively the negative cut goalkeeper glove gives a ‘glove like’ fit between the hands and the ball. Negative cut goalkeeper gloves fit more tightly to the hands. Like Roll Finger goalkeeper gloves these have latex between the fingers for greater contact. Unlike roll finger gloves have stitching on the inside of the glove on the palm side to pull the latex closer to the fingers. Goalkeeper gloves come with the option of latex foams in widths of 2mm – 5mm, plus backing foam, and goalkeepers have different preferences about which type of glove they feel best in. There is an optimal mix of latex foam and spacer fabric to protect the hand without interfering with natural movement. Gloves are often lined with latex to prevent slipping and some cold weather gloves have an inner fleece to keep the fingers warm. The three main functions of catching, punching, throwing are catered for in the hi-tech designs of modern gloves.

Goalkeeper gloves improve grip on the ball as well as protect and cushioning the keeper’s fingers, palms and wrists. The ball travels at astonishing speeds and goalie needs to protect and shield hands and wrists. Better quality goalie gloves are engineered for feel not durability and because the quality materials usually mixtures of new polymers are less durable than cheaper materials the gloves wear out quickly. To give better grip, gloves are internally stitched with no outside seams on the fingers or palms. adidas were one of the original pioneers of the finger protection gloves which they launched in the early 90`s. To allow better grip in wet conditions gloves may include minute titanium shards in the foam for added traction. Some gloves incorporate removable curved bones which provide optimum finger protection without affecting the flexibility of the hand. Others include extra EVA foam cushioning around the ‘punch zone’ for painlessly clearing the ball with the clenched fist. To help backhand flexes most gloves are now lined with foam on the back of the glove. Most professional goalkeepers have two or more pairs and keep their favoured gloves for games.

Goal keepers gloves need to fit the hand snugly although the dimension of the gloves must be physically bigger than the hand to give extra surface area to catch the ball. Most gloves strap on at the wrist or have a full-wrap bandage style wrist closure. Glove designs now incorporate ventilation for added comfort.

No self respecting keeper of the goals would dare play without their hi-tech gloves today. Indeed Portugal's Ricardo Pereira was heavily criticised in the Euro 2004 tournament when he dared remove his gloves in a penalty shoot out against England. Not only did he save the penalty he also scored the deciding penalty to send Portugal to the semi-finals.

Not over until the sound of the whistle

The list of 19 referees released by FIFA to officiate from the quarter-finals onwards does not include Italian, Roberto Rosetti (red carded Harry Kewell in the Socceroos' match against Ghana) and the referee who allowed a goal by Argentina's Carlos Tevez against Mexico. Other referees who found themselves at the centre of embarrassing blunders were also relieved of duty including Uruguay's Jorge Larrionda, the man who missed Frank Lampard's `goal' in England 's 4-1 defeat to Germany. Over the noise of the vuvuzelas one sound prevails on the park and that is the referee’s whistle. The piercing sound is used to signal commencement or restart of play, to stop or delay play due to an infringement or injury, or to indicate that time has expired in the half. Before the introduction of the whistle, referees used a handkerchief to indicate their decisions. No one is quite sure when the referee’s whistle was first introduced but the inventor was Joseph Hudson a musician who played the violin. One day he accidently dropped his instrument and as it smashed to the ground he heard a curious sound, fascinated he decided to replicate the sound with a pea whistle. Soon after Hudson learned the police in London were looking to replace the hand rattle and so set to developing his distinct sounding whistle for the Bow Street Runners. He established the Hudson & Co in Birmingham, England in 1870. Hudson saw the potential to use his whistle at sporting events and the Acme Thunderer became a firm favourite there after. The use of whistles was not mandated by the Laws of the Game (LOTG) until recently. In 2007, a full page of advice on how best to use the whistle was introduced. Referees now have a free hand to choose which whistle they prefer albeit in previous World Cups they were restricted to specific types i.e. in the 1998 World Cup France the pealess (airfast) ACME Tornado 2000. The Tornado 2000 was considered to be the loudest whistle.
At the World Cup in South Africa 2010 all the disciplinary card (yellow and red) will be made in Trechtingshausen (Germany) by B+d Allzweck Sportartikel. All the disciplinary cards have rounded corners to prevent catching on the referees clothing. B+d Allzweck Sportartikel is currently working on an innovation: an electronic match report pad complete with recording device so that referees no longer need to note anything down.

The Goalkeeper

It would be safe to say the loneliest people on the field of play would be the goalkeepers. After all, for them there are no mistakes only those misjudgements which result in a goal. Research shows between the FIFA World Cups of 1982 and 1998 75% of penalties were converted and that figures increased in 1998 to 80%. This world cup would record a lower percentage but the odds still favour the penalty taker. Studies indicate the goalkeeper needs to anticipate the direction of the ball before the attacker kicks it. The adidas Jubulani TM, can travel up to 85 mph, which does not give the give the goalkeeper much time. Again research would support training makes little or no difference to a player's perceptual anticipation. This would appear to be consistent with the thought people are born goalkeepers and not developed from the general pack. Few players move from an outpost position to become a goalkeeper in their career, whereas some goalkeepers do make credible conversions. Many goalkeepers come from a family line of goalkeepers, which may account for both physical aptitude and perceptual intuitiveness. The physical requirements of a goalkeeper are mobility and quickness, flexibility and agility, quick reaction speed with a high level of physical fitness, strength and stamina. A good goalkeeper needs a high pain threshold because of the injuries associated with vigorously defending the goal. In the relative few published works on goalkeepers there appears to be a high association with temporal and spacial occlusion and their ability to react quickly to block and control the oncoming cannon ball, then redirect to other areas on the field. All within a very short span of time. Generally goalkeepers fall into two personality types, those who are extrovert and outgoing or those who are quiet and unassuming. Grade A goalkeepers have extraordinary physical strength, some thick set whereas others are lean and mean. One other distinguishing feature of a goalkeeper is they need to want to be hit by the ball. This is often the most difficult fear to overcome. A good goalkeeper reads the game and can switch defence to attack with a well-placed kick to a waiting striker. The keeper sees the complete field of play and requires to communicate with teammates. Under these circumstances his/her voice can be heard around the ground. Confidence and optimism are important characteristics as these are infectious and help teammates raise their play. Goalkeepers undergo extra training and are coached separately from the rest of the squad; few professionals enjoy the physical effort of training and prefer to play. This can frustrate the keepers. Also many clubs retain second and third goalkeepers on the squad and this can add to the frustration of the individuals because they cannot get a match but have to stay in tiptop condition as understudies. Some goalkeepers will drop a level to play regularly. This may be explained in part by the belief no training schedule can match game experience. Experienced keepers make fewer mistakes because they learn from them and this accounts for older players appearing as first choice in high level competition. Goalkeeper by their very nature are risk takers and will temp oncoming attackers to aim for empty space in their goals, before springing into action to close down the opportunity. A good keeper will have a range of skills, which are not too predictable for the opposition. Mastery of these does result in mistakes and experience is the most highly valued asset of a goalkeeper. Throughout the duration of a game, keepers are only as good as their defence. A mediocre keeper can look brilliant when his teammates raise their game and vice versa. It is often harsh to judge a keeper's performance in a vacuum.

VIDEO: World Cup ball: study in motion

VIDEO: World Cup ball: study in motion

History of Shin Guards (Shin pads)

Shin guards made an appearance in 1874 and were made from large cricket pads to protect the front of the leg. As the speed of the game increased these grew smaller and many players discarded them altogether. Tired players preferred to play out the later stages of the games with their socks rolled down. This prevented cramp and gave them extra freedom. When the rules of the game no longer allowed this shin guards made a re-appearance. Shin guards protect by spreading loads over wider areas of the skin. The force of the initial impact is reduced as peak pressure is dampened down. The properties of the materials display energy absorbing characteristics, which further protect the player's leg from injury. Modern shin guards are made with a hard outside casing and a soft inner layer. Outer surface is crafted in thermoplastic materials with shock absorbing inner material made from Ethyl Vinyl Acetate (EVA) or other foam type material. Shin guards do not absorb large quantities of energy and so are unlikely to prevent bone fractures from high energy type trauma. New age shin guard have integrated compression sleeves for muscle support to limit fatique.

Player's Superstitions

To be a top class goal scorer a player needs not only to be able to score when the opportunity presents but even when there is only half a chance. Scoring from the slenderest opportunity places an exclusive band of goal scorers far above the average striker. On a simple goal tally it is obvious more goals are scored in the modern game than was the case in early times. How much of this relates to improved soccer boots and ball technology remains unknown. Players are however, by nature, very superstitious and will go to extraordinary lengths to maintain their run of luck. Most of their actions defy common logic and some so bazaar as to be noted here. Whilst most admit to being superstitious and doing silly things, like soaking themselves and their new boots in a bath before allowing boots to dry around their feet, many are as quick as to dismiss these beliefs. When the accumulation of coaching, training, skill development and fitness are complete all that is required is for the player, is to go out and play. Or so you might think. The surreptitious nature of the game and likelihood of suffering an injury combined with the abject fear of public disgrace particularly when seen by 37 million people puts intolerable pressures on the players. According to Morris (1981) these factors contribute to why soccer players are so superstitious. They are not alone in the sporting fraternity. The power of superstition is all in the mind and for some players the magic rituals take on astonishing intensity. In the main team mates respect each other's rituals and all avoid tempting fate. Ritualistic behaviour starts days before the game. Many well known players will only wear certain shoes and socks, and like a young bride, place a sixpence (lucky coin) in their shoes. Some personally polish their playing boots in preparation before the match. This menial task is usually reserved to apprentice players or boot boys. Alcohol, usually spirits, plays a role, and Desmond Morris, the anthropologist described one player who insisted on dosing the tips of his boots, one with whisky and the other water. Players will be careful to travel to the stadium observing all taboos as a means of not tempting fate. The most intense time for ritualism is in the changing rooms. Rigidly observed procedures involve those connected with changing clothes. Lucky shoes, socks, and even laces all form part of the rituals, religiously followed by those seeking the good fortunes of fate. The manner the clothing is put on often become ritualistic. Some players are known to put on socks and boots and nothing else well before the game. They sit quietly psyching themselves up to a peak performance. This might involve a nip of whisky or their favourite tipple to further concentrate their mind. Some players insist on eating and Billy Bremner (former captain of Leeds United and Scotland) was famous for eating a plateful of baked beans before every game. Putting on the left sock first before the right, or the right boot before the left. Lacing boots can become a ritual with players lacing and unlacing their boots multiple times before the game. Morris reported the clothing of others could also become a focus to the superstitious. For example some players needed to see their coach wear socks of their lucky colour before they would take to the field. This fetishism extends to the shoes worn by the coach and the author described a ceremoniously fastened of the coach's shoe by one of the players as pre match necessity before the team would leave the dressing rooms. Some players insist on entering the changing rooms in a particular way most of, which involves walking through the boot room. Players will carry lucky charms including a rabbit's foot or lucky heather. The absence of pockets in playing kits and restrictions on wearing jewellery for safety mean the talisman are slipped into the shoe, or in the case of goal keeper such paraphilia are tossed into the back of the goal. Players are ritualistic even in the tunnel leading to the pitch. Some players will head or kick the ball a certain number of times or bounce it off the wall before running onto the field. Once on the pitch another set of ritual behaviour might take place. Players will take their boots off and put them back on again. Many insist in replacing the boots and some even kiss their boots for luck. Players will roll the chewing gum they have been chewing into a ball and attempt to kick the ball. A successful contact means a good game but when the player misses then bad luck will follow. Why so many superstitions involve boots remains unclear but such behaviour as preferring the right or left has been known since antiquity. In Roman and Greek times the left side was considered lucky with one exception and that was when entering a home. Only the right foot could cross the threshold if good luck was to prevail. In rich domiciles there were servants whose sole function (excuse the pun) was to direct all visitors to use their right foot first. They were called footmen and position is still with us today. By the Middle Ages the left side was more associated with bad luck. The origins of "By the left quick march" for example refer to a clear indication no mercy will be extended to the enemy. Soccer players may be extending the same charity to their opponents. For most people left sides are weaker. This is partly explained by neonatal compression of the left leg against the mother's spine in the womb. Attendance to the right foot first may be to favour the stronger side. This would be reversed in the case of left-footed players. One other reason to explain the boot ritual may be the misfortune awaiting those who place their right foot in a left shoe. History records this happened to Augustus Caesar.
"Augustus having an oversight
Put on his left shoe for his right
Had like to have been slain that day
By soldiers mutinying for pay."

An old Jewish custom was to put the right shoe on first without tying it, then the left sock. The ritual required taking the right shoe off and putting on the right sock, left shoe on tied and back to the right shoe. This is seen occasionally when players will come onto the field and during pre-match warm ups and are observed taking their boots and putting them on again. Players prefer to play in boots that are broken in. Not so strange when hidden seams can burst causing painful blisters as well as cuts and abrasions to their feet. Some players prefer to remove design logos from their boots to get an all black appearance. Manufacturers are aware of this and incorporate weaknesses such as hidden seems which tear easily once the company's logo are removed. In 1908 when goal-scoring ace, George Hedley played for Wolverhampton Wanderers he scored a goal against Newcastle causing one of his favourite boots to split. Despite being offered a new pair Hedley steadfastly refused and saw the game to completion with one tattered boot. The player had his favourite boots patched up at least 17 times before eventually and somewhat reluctantly parting with them. Superstitious ritual in sports people is well documented and thought by many experts to be a means of stress relief. Performance is dependent on training, confidence and physical conditioning; all athletes feel they need to be in control and often observing superstitions provides this means. Athletes can only partially regulate their physical conditions but can have total control over their superstitious practices before and during a contest. (Becker 1975) . Observed superstitions cause them to experience less anxiety than they would if they did nothing. When something appears to work, prior to success, then it is common not to change that routine. To minimise conflict between the need for a talisman in an environment where such practice is opposed the superstitious behaviour usually becomes covert.

Campaign to ban kangaroo skin boots

Animal welfare campaigners are again using the FIFA World Cup South Africa to highlight the killing of the kangaroos for football boots. Previously David Beckham bowed to pressure from the campaigning animal welfare group Viva !and stopped using kangaroo leather boots in 2006. Nike, Adidas and Puma continue to use kangaroo skin in the manufacture of their top selling boots. Now animal welfare groups are hoping England players like Wayne Rooney and John Terry will kick their kangaroo skin boots into touch. Efforts are also being made in the European parliament to ban kangaroo leather and meat across the EU. While the controversy rages Australian government sanctioned kangaroo industry deny cruel culling of kangaroos. Currently the industry employs more than 4,000 people and generates at least £100 million a year in wages.

Orange cuties steal the rainbow show?

Everyone may know adidas is the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2010 but rival Nike prizes itself in topping the popularity list when it comes to under the wire marketing. Whether it be the Olympics or the World Cup adidas puts up while Nike steals the show with clever tactics in ambush marketing . FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 has been no different and will be remembered not just for the vuvuzela horns but those eye catching orange heels worn by a significant number of players. These are Nike boots and the blood orange colour was picked specifically to stand out on TV. Have a swizz at the New Nike Elite range of football boots.

Thierry Henry: Where's my boots?

French striker Thierry Henry (FC Barcalona and France ) was in a dilemma hours before he took to the pitch because he had no boots to put on. Thanks to Cape Town's intrepid "ghost squad" traffic police for they raced the boots to the star across the town in the midst of heave traffic. The bespoke boots had been detained at customs.

Expensive boots with a luxurious shoe box

Charles and Sandi Martin of Martin Developments are selling the world’s most expensive footie boots including diamonds on the laces and gold-studs for just under £2million. Bargain at half the price but there’s more. The shoes come in their own box - a luxury, state-of-the-art four bedroom home overlooking Torbay in Devon . The £2million football boots will be made to measure and be either for men, or women with diamonds along the back of the high heels, or a combination of the two. The price of the footie boots, which includes the property is also inclusive of Stamp Duty and buyers’ legal fees.

Footbal Theme to Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Expo 2010 Shanghai China is being held in the city of Shanghai, China (May 1 to October 31, 2010). It is a World Expo in the tradition of international fairs and expositions. The theme of the exposition is "Better City – Better Life" and signifies Shanghai's new status in the 21st century as the "next great world city" More than 190 countries and more than 50 international organizations have registered to participate in the Shanghai World Expo. China expects to receive almost 100 foreign leaders and more than 70–100 million visitors. In the spirit of the Zakumi is at hand to be photographed . The walls of the Brazil Pavilion are covered with green wooden blocks to remind visitors of the green colour of football pitches. The pavilion ceiling is made from many footballs, basketballs and volleyballs. There is even a Pelé Coffee Bar and outside the pavilion is a huge screen on which football videogame graphics are shown and football matches are broadcast. Visitors can use their cell phones to participate in the interactive football game displayed on the screen. Football too features prominently in the Argentinean Pavilion with a floor screen showing the scenes of talented Argentine football players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi and the moving moments when Argentina won the World Cup. In the UK Pavilion at the exit is a wax figure of Wayne Rooney. The European Union pavilion is expected to host many famous European football stars both past and present for the Expo European football week in mid to late September. Real Madrid players will visit the Madrid City Pavilion and organisers hope the Spanish football team will accept their invitation to visit the Expo 2010 Shanghai China after the World Cup (favourites to lift the trophy).

Slip-on football boots

The new Zhero Gravity Ultra from Lotto Sport Italia are the only laceless football boot in the world (sic. a fad other manufacturers are likely to follow). According to the manufacturer the lightweight, laceless, Zhero Gravity Ultra fits the foot like a glove giving the wearer optimal sensitivity for controlling the ball. The concave flexible sole moves with the kinetic foot helping preserve energy and supports the foot. The stud formation again according to Lotto brings increases lateral stability to the foot ensuring an improved protection of the ankle. Strategic cushioning helps reduce impact forces and the boots are fitted with slightly larger Twist’ngo studs TM over the first metatarsal (base of the big toe) area. The pivoting stud allows the boot to efficiently follow any rotational movement made by the player. The upper of the boot is made from soft microfiber that guarantees the perfect fit to the shape of the foot. A firm heel counter helps anchor the foot in the boot and is joined to the Flexible Pebax © sole. The boot is available with different soles: SG (soft ground) with interchangeable studs for heavy and muddy grounds; FG (firm ground) with conical fixed studs that include the Twist’ngo system, for maximum stability and traction on grassy and dry surfaces. The laceless football boots are available in white, metal blue night, black, bright white.

Studs are safer than cleats? New research

Researchers at University of Dundee found that the traditional stud was safer in a series of tests involving amateur players. According to the study, the traditional stud helps to distribute the pressure being placed on a footballer's feet while the cleats increase the loading on the front of the foot. Professor Rami Abboud , of the Institute of Motion Analysis and Research, said the study of the differing pressures placed on the foot found that bladed boots were "relatively more harmful" due to the unnatural increased loading under the lateral half of the foot. The study was based on a series of tests conducted with 29 players from amateur football teams who were recruited to try out the different styles of boot. The research team measured the pressure placed on the feet in both types of run. The boots worn were of the same design, only with different cleat patterns – one studded and one bladed. The research has been published in the latest edition of the journal Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Is is a bird, a plane, or the adidas Jabulani?

As the FIFA World Cup 2010 is about to kick off, once again players are complaining about the new adidas football, the adidas Jabulani (meaning to celebrate in Zulu). Apparently the ball is difficult to control and a nightmare for goalkeepers to judge its flight. For the last 11 competitions, adidas has introduced a new ball design and not for the first time it presents frustration among the players. Mastery of the new ball usually takes until the second week of the competition before strikers and keepers feel confident with its flight trajectory and behaviour. Unlike previous competitions, adidas launched the ball last year and players have been able to train and play with it. According to some the ball feels harder and can hurt the foot when kicked. FIFA has strict regulations on the dimensions of their match balls. These weigh between 420g and 445g , and must be between 68.5 cm and 69.5 cm in circumference. The Jabulani weighs 440g and measures 69cm. Adidas have denied the ball is adversely affected by the high altitude although concede different air pressure at altitude will make the ball move faster. The colourful Jabulani has 11 colours (it is adidas' 11th World Cup match ball), and there are 11 tribes and 11 official languages in South Africa. It was developed in conjunction with researchers from Loughborough University and has eight panels (normally a match ball has 14), which are 3D, and spherically together in a perfectly round fashion. The grooved surface of the Jabulani is thought to improve its aerodynamics (more symmetrical in flight) and the improved static friction helps keepers with their grip of the ball. (sic. I suppose in the sense of a wee boy peeved with being beaten takes his football home because it is his ball. The main sponsor of the competition insists in introducing new competition balls in the full knowledge it does upset the players and literally throws a wobbly into the game. Claims have already been made adidas sponsored clubs and players get prioritised advantage but all such claims are denied by the company).

Concave PT+: help reduce injuries?

The Concave PT+ is a football boot which features a concave-shaped sweet-spot layer on the upper made from thermoplastic polyurethane. (sic. Reminds me of my old Tiger boots with a polythene insert in the tongue). Concave have spent $5 million on research over eight years to produce the boots as worn by John O’Shea (Manchester United and Republic of Ireland national team . Independent research by Invetech and Monsah University has shown very positive results.

Surgeon concerned at lack of protection from light weight boots

Health warnings have been issued by Southampton University, orthopaedic surgeon and sports injury specialist, Professor David Barrett concerned the new lightweight football boot may give less protection to the foot and increase the risk of foot injuries. The knee specialist’s concern is sparked by the increase in reported metatarsal (stress) fractures in amateur footballers at A&E. March fractures of the metatarsal bones are usually fatique fractures caused by over use and not by one off trauma as may be implied by the recent newspaper report. High profile players reported with stress fractures of the metatarsals are more likely to have been over training and playing. The new style boots appear to give adequate support to the foot despite the lightness in weight. Specialists at Southampton General Hospital have also reported increased problems caused by footballers wearing the wrong kind of football boots for the prevailing pitch conditions. Injuries in the amateur game continue to be related to inadequate preparing of the players to warm up and warm down.

Personalised boots: The fashion trend

If you are doing nothing this June and live in Scotland you might like to pop into Greaves Sports Nike Store, Buchannan Galleries in downtown Glasgow. Whilst the National Team will not be at the FIFA World Cup 2010 (AGAIN!), budding stars can have their football boots customised. The outlet has the first machine to tag new football boots (purchased from the store – cunning Nike). Punters can have their boots emblazed with their name, squad numbers or national flag. One of the first customers was Dominic Cervi (Celtic), the giant (6’6”) American goalkeeper, had his Nike pair decorated with the stars and stripes. Old Firm rival U-19 keeper, Grant Adam, Rangers U-19 keeper had his boots stitched with his girlfriend’s name.
The fashion to tag boots started with David Beckham and was soon followed by other luminaries in the Premiership and the top European leagues. Now the company hope to attract not just football players but all sports peeps keen to have their own personalised shoes. (sic. I want Oor Wullie on my).