A la fin de l'envoi, je touche

February 9, 2013 • freshoffthepitch

Blackburn Rovers has today confirmed a new partnership that will see the club’s kit sponsorship move from Umbro to the Nike brand from the start of the 2013-14 season.

The Umbro sponsorship, which has been in place since 2007, will continue to the end of the current 2012-13 season, after which all kit, training wear and related products will be designed, manufactured and distributed by Nike until 2016.

The sports giant will be the official and recognised technical partner on all of Rovers’ replica kits, which will go on sale later this summer.

Greg Coar, Rovers’ Head of Commercial and Marketing, said: “We are delighted to confirm that Rovers are set to start a new partnership with Nike. We are certain that our supporters will be excited by this new partnership and will be looking forward to seeing the iconic blue-and-white halves and the world famous Nike brand on our kits this summer.”

Gareth Hosford, GM Nike UK Football, said: “We are delighted to add Blackburn Rovers to the Nike football family. We look forward to building on the successful partnership the club has already enjoyed with Umbro and working closely with the club and the fans over the coming seasons.”

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list goes on… some things are happening now, which is a good sign

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December 2, 2012 • freshoffthepitch

The Nike GS 2 boot is constructed using renewable and recycled materials, designed for explosive performance on the pitch and lower impact on the planet. Every component has been optimized to reduce weight and waste, creating Nike’s lightest football boot ever at 160 grams (size 9).

Conceived and engineered in Italy, the Nike GS 2 features recycled and renewable materials throughout the upper and plate design. A bio-based traction plate made primarily from castor beans ensures strength and flexibility on pitch, alongside a sock liner made from 100 percent castor beans. The boot laces, lining and tongue are made from a minimum of 70 percent recycled materials. The toeboard and collar feature at least 15 percent recycled materials.

All Conditions Control (ACC) technology is created by a special treatment during the development of the upper materials to deliver a consistent feel on the ball at all times.

The Nike GS 2 includes the following performance, recycled and renewable materials in the new boot:

Traction plate and stud configuration:

Nike GS 2 traction plate combines a high performance chassis with a strong responsive and agile form. The sole plate is made of 50 percent renewable Pebax® Rnew (a plant derived material made with 97 percent castor beans) and 50 percent TPU, made from renewable materials.

The traction plate includes a minimalist diamond-silhouette spine, which provides optimal flex and agility in plate performance.

Anatomically positioned studs maximize speed in multiple directions to ensure responsive and assured movement on pitch.

Touch and control:

A solvent-free Kanga-Lite synthetic toe box provides zonal reinforcement for exceptional touch and control. The synthetic upper also supports lockdown on midfoot and arch area.

All Conditions Control (ACC) is a special treatment during the development of Kanga-Lite that delivers an optimal touch and feel of the ball in all conditions.

The lightweight sockliner has no topcloth or screening, eliminating additional weight, materials and processing.

Stability and support:

Anatomical and asymmetrical heel counter and heel bucket locks the foot down for stability and support. The counter is made of Pebax® Rnew, derived from castor bean oil.