Alex Hickey
The Napier City Soccer franchise revealed their latest acquisition for a tilt at the league title - a new soccer kit.
Not just any old kit though, but the latest in high-tech design and last seen worn on David Beckham et al for England at this year's European Soccer Championships.
The
kit was unveiled at Park Island yesterday as the franchise geared up for the National Football Championships that kick off next month.
Napier City Soccer general manager Eddie Cropley said the strip was perfect for summer football in Hawke's Bay.
"It is top of the range, England wore it in Portugal at Euro 2004. Not that it helped them, but that's England," Cropley said.
The strip, made by Umbro, was lightweight and breathable and the players and the coaching staff were all happy with the design.
The home strip retained the traditional blue and white colours of Napier City Rovers.
The away strip was black and white to emphasise that the franchise represented all of Hawke's Bay.
Umbro NZ sales and marketing manager Peter Escott said the strip was made from a material called "vapourtech."
It is a man-made lightweight fabric that kept the moisture away from the players and keeps them cool, Escott said.
"This is the first time this material has been used or worn in New Zealand."
The company sponsored the Hawke's Bay side because of the history of soccer in the region, he said.
Napier City coach Charlie Howe said he welcomed the support the team had received from all the soccer community.
The team was moving from a club to a franchise and had representatives from most of the regions clubs as well as imports from Wellington and Auckland, Howe said.
Howe felt buoyant about his sides' chances in the new summer set-up.
"We don't just want to compete, we want to go out and win it," he said.
Napier City Soccer's first game will be against Auckland City on Friday 15th October at 6pm at Park Island.
Most of the team's home games will be played on a Friday night.
