Nike To Unveil New Strip Against Norwegians

Australia will debut their new Nike-designed national kit when they face the Norwegians. Nike, together with the Australian Soccer Association, agreed that the new playing strip should reflect the pride players feel when representing their country together with heralding a new era for Football in Australia.

Pic. Qantas Socceroo Simon Colosimo models the new Australian strip.   Australia will debut their new Nike-designed national kit when they face the Norwegians. Nike, together with the Australian Soccer Association, agreed that the new playing strip should reflect the pride players feel when representing their country together with heralding a new era for Football in Australia.   Until now the Socceroos have been wearing an interim playing kit in Australia-s Olympic colours, but the international against Norway will see them debut their first national kit in the new colour direction.   Nike Marketing Director Simon Pestridge said: “Our aim was to produce a kit for the national teams that was both highly functional and visually striking. After working with other iconic national soccer teams around the world such a Brazil and Holland, Nike understands the importance of designing a playing strip which generates team unity, excites the fans and creates a true national identity.”   Nike spent months researching Australian sporting culture and identity and spoke with the coaching staff, various players and the ASA management team to get a feel for the aesthetic elements which capture the spirit of the game in Australia.   The result is a national identity which reflects the deep green and golden colour of the Wattle tree, Australia-s floral emblem, and ties in with the brand identity of Australia-s eight national teams. Interestingly, the shade of colours that was finally agreed upon is reminiscent of the colours that were worn by the Australian team when they last played in the World Cup in 1974.   ASA Chief Executive John O-Neill was excited with the look, design and technical aspects of the new kit. “As the game of football continues to be revitalised in Australia it is only appropriate that we have a kit that embodies a team identity and provides a sense of pride and nationalism as we continue on the road to Germany,” said O'Neill.   Designed to provide total comfort, enhanced fit and improved player performance, the Nike jersey is so light players will hardly notice they are wearing it. Weighing only 155 grams, it is the lightest football jersey Nike has ever produced.   In addition to the jersey-s weight, the shirt also uses an evolution of Nike-s Cool Motion technology: players can wear the outer shirt on its own, or they have the option to wear a Nike Dri-FIT or Nike Sphere undershirt that draws sweat away from the skin through to the outer material where it evaporates, increasing cooling properties.   A water-resistant fabric treatment means the shirts do not absorb rain water like other jerseys, ensuring they remain lightweight and comfortable whatever the conditions. The shirt also has a close fit which is more tailored to the players- own physiques.   The new Socceroo jersey will be available for sale in Australia in limited quantities prior to Christmas and then a second distribution to retailers in February. Stockist number is 1300 656 453. SRP $129.95.