New-look ball for USL in 2009

Tacoma Tide, Kitsap Pumas and the new Seattle PDL club will be kicking around a new ball next season.

USL News Release

TAMPA, FL – United Soccer Leagues unveiled that the UMBRO DYNAMIS LSR Pro-USL, the most technically advanced ball ever produced, is the new official match ball for the 2009 season. The ball, the same model used by the English FA Cup and the national teams of England, Ireland, Sweden and Norway, will feature the USL shield and make its debut April 11 when the USL First Division begins play.

The match ball will be used by the 125 professional and amateur clubs set to compete in the USL First Division, USL Second Division, USL Premier Development League and USL W-League as well as for other USL competitions and events such as the USL Super-20 League and USL Super Y-League North American Finals.

“The ball’s 20-panel construction is fundamental to an outstanding performance and is sure to enhance the players’ game,” said USL/UMBRO Services Manager Paolo Acquista. “This upcoming season USL players at every level will be using the most innovative soccer ball in today’s market. Being the oldest and truest to one sport brand, UMBRO continues to innovate and perfect soccer products for today’s player.”

The ball underwent development for two years and has undergone rigorous testing in both science laboratories and on football pitches by professional players from clubs across the UK. These tests have resulted in the proof that a new 20-panel configuration is faster than the more traditional 32-panel ball thanks to the reduced curving that the new design provides.

Other product innovations include a new exclusive Teijin micro fibre material providing players with a super soft touch and increased power through greater elasticity and stretch. The DYNAMIS is also the first football to use new Tri-Ply bladder technology, designed around the premise of increasing the power and accuracy of any strike of the ball.

The laser cut detailing aids in the ball’s aerodynamic performance and the grooved LSR cut it tailored to a pre set optimum depth for flight performance and provides greater grip when caught.