Manchester City & Stoke City have already had their names inscribed into the annals of history by becoming the 2011 FA Cup finalists, now they’ve also had their names added to a special edition of the FA Cup final matchball – the Umbro Neo Pro.
Each of these special Umbro Neo match balls will be printed with the names of both teams and the date of the final, as well as the location – Wembley.
But not everyone can get their hands on this version of the Umbro Neo Pro – this run of footballs is limited strictly to 100, including the handful that will be used during the match on Saturday the 14th of May.
The Umbro Neo Pro‘s panels are cut using laser technology, which provides greater grip when you hit the ball, and a smoother flight through the air as it flies towards goal. It˘ also made from larger panels than most other balls Ĺ› 14 panels in total go into the Umbro Neo Pro Ĺ› offering cleaner strike zones for you to wrap your feet around.
Attention to detail on the Umbro Neo Pro extends as far as the look of the ball, which is made from irregular geometric shapes and uses bright, vivid colours to aid a player˘ vision, and constructed from soft materials for better touch control.
All together, the Neo Pro is a ball that delivers on its aim: to provide that true experience that players are looking for. Once you˘€žËve launched the Umbro Neo Pro into the top corner of the net, you˘€žËll see what we mean. All this means that Tevez, Balotelli, Etherington and Jones will have no excuse if the FA Cup final isn’t a serious goal-fest!
What do you think of this limited edition match-ball?
Who do you think will come out on top at Wembley?
Let us know in the comments!
I should kick this ball a few times to have an idea of how it feels and the quality of the materials used to make it, but I think, based on images, this ball is only a modification of the 20 hexagons/12 pentagons ball. The only brand that goes forward in materials and construction ia Adidas, sometimes they can have mistakes, but that is what makes them the #1 brand in soccer.