Spalding Takes Never Flat Success to the Soccer Field

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November 15, 2006 – It’s all about inflation these days. That, at least, is what the sporting goods industry and consumers have indicated. Spalding is bringing its industry leading innovation – NEVER FLAT technology -- to the soccer fields.

The Spalding NEVER FLAT™ soccer ball line, centered around similar technologies found in its top selling NEVER FLAT basketballs, are the first-ever soccer balls with proprietary pressure retention technologies and are guaranteed to stay inflated 10 times longer than traditional soccer balls.

It’s been less than one year since the NEVER FLAT basketball hit store shelves. Within weeks of its introduction it quickly became the top-selling basketball in the sporting goods category and remains so today.

All products within Spalding’s NEVERFLAT soccer line utilize patent pending, exclusive full-ball construction technologies, a first within the inflated sports category, to dramatically increase pressure retention. This technology includes:

Never Flat Air Retention System: means no air seepage as a new membrane and NitroFlate air technology virtually eliminates air’s ability to escape. This new membrane technology tightens the natural pores in the ball’s bladder to improve pressure retention. In addition, proprietary NitroFlate™ molecules are injected into the ball, forming a protective barrier against air seepage.
No Leakage: a redesigned valve with cap eliminates leaks and keeps dirt out
Air Retention of 10 times longer than traditional soccer balls, resulting in consistent, long-term performance.

The Spalding NEVER FLAT soccer ball line hits Sporting Goods store shelves early November in time for the holiday shopping season. There will be three distinct product levels within the line, each with a variety of size options.

NF-5000: This ball utilize a premium underglass TPU cover material for high level competitive play, has a dual density foam system for added feel, is machine stitched, incorporates a 100% butyl bladder and has nylon windings; Available in size 5 with a suggested retail price of $29.99
NF-3000: These balls utilize a premium TPU cover material for competitive play with a dual density foam system for added feel, is machine stitched, incorporates a 100% butyl bladder and has nylon windings; Available in sizes 5 and 4 with a suggested retail price of $24.99
NF-1500: These balls utilize an ultra durable composite cover, is machine stitched, incorporates a 100% butyl bladder and has nylon windings; Available in sizes 5, 4 and 3 with a suggested retail price of $19.99

“Consumer acceptance of the NEVER FLAT basketball has been huge and we fully expect this innovation will successfully carry over to soccer category,” stated Bob Llewellyn, director of consumer marketing, Spalding. “Soccer participation and product sales numbers continue to be very strong. However, with so much competitive attention focused on graphics and panel shapes we know Spalding has a clear, competitive advantage with this one-of-a-kind technology. In launching the NEVER FLAT soccer ball, Spalding is addressing the sport’s biggest product issue which is pressure deflation within the balls.”

“Spalding is delivering a promise to consumers that they can see and touch immediately,” added Llewellyn. “When consumers pick up our NEVER FLAT soccer balls off the shelf, they will be fully inflated and stay that way for a long time, and that’s an instant credibility factor.”

According to Ron Laliberty, Spalding’s director of research and development, “Traditional inflatable balls lose air on a consistent basis, resulting in a ball that falls out of Game Ball specification within a few months. For years we’ve studied all aspects of the construction of these balls, from the bladder to the valve to air treatment. Spalding’s NEVER FLAT technology upholds consistent air pressure like no other ball in the marketplace.”

“Spalding’s NEVER FLAT appeals to all consumers and bridges the gap between the competitive player and the casual player,” added Llewellyn. “NEVER FLAT provides a high standard of performance, meeting competitive play specifications and consistency. For consumers who want ease of use and don’t play often, it means the ball is ready to play at all times, even if sitting dormant for months.”

For more information, visit www.spalding.com.

SOURCE Spalding