adidas and Thunder news will be updated regularly with breaking stories, new apparal releases and interesting news items from adidas as well as news and deals from Thunder Sports, the official apparel supplier of MPS.

October 2009

Next month, adidas are set to launch the next generation of the highly successful Predator soccer cleats. adidas will officially launch the Predator X cleat on November the 7th, 2009, with Firm Ground and Soft Ground models available initially.

The new cleat features a host of new technologies that makes the new Predator the most eagerly anticipated cleat this year.

Initially the cleat will be available in the traditional Predator black/white/red but also in white/brown/yellow.

The new Predator X will be available to purchase at all Thunder Sports stores.

Below is information around the new technologies featured on the adidas Predator X including PowerSpine and Optifit.

For more information please contact Ed Jenkinson on ejenkinson@mpsbr.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The POWERSPINE technology has been inspired by the FINGERSAVE system. Tailored to the specific requirements of a Predator the PowerSpine minimizes the energy loss during a shot through a reduction of the "kicking flex" in the forefoot area. This way the "additional" energy is directly transferred into the ball away from the fragile ligaments and bones of the foot and automatically resulting in a higher shooting POWER.

Additional to that, harmful energy on the mid foot area (Metatarsal) is reduced to minimize the risk of injuries. A soft "running flex" of the PowerSpine ensures a comfortable running movement.
 
The PREDATOR element has been engineered of a rubber-silicon mix. Placed in an optimized position the soft compound provides ultimate SWERVE , CONTROL and ACCURACY through an increased contact time with the ball and a high friction rate on an increased contact area.The repositioning of the Predator element is based on pro players feedback and extensive testing.

The new Predator element performs perfect and absolute CONSTANT in wet and dry conditions.
 
OPTIFIT defines a number of construction elements, materials and technologies that in combination form the perfect ergonomic competition fit to provide ultimate CONTROL in movement as well as ball control and ball handling. Optifit brings the upper materials in all areas as close as possible to the foot. By reducing the material between ball and foot to an absolute minimum a snug and almost barefoot natural ball feeling is created - eliminating unnecessary gaps and meeting highest competition requirements
 
Similar to the sleeve construction of motorbike leather jackets, the medial quarter side of the Predator X creates through splits and a special assembling construction, a 3D shape that exactly follows the ergonomic shape of the last resulting in a snug though extreme comfortable competition fit eliminating any unnecessary gaps or materials.

September 2009,

Four adidas nations have already qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a host of other countries still fighting for the chance to compete in the finals next summer. Spain, Paraguay, Japan and hosts South Africa are all headed the competition wearing the famous 3 stripes.

Paraguay
Paraguay defeated Bolivia and then Argentina in Asunción to earn one of the automatic qualification places from CONMEBOL.

Spain
Spain sealed their place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup with successive victories over Belgium and Estonia. With 8 goals and 6 points from their past two games, the Spaniards have most definitely rediscovered their form that led them to tie the all time recorded for consecutive matches without defeat before falling to the United States in South Africa last June.

Japan
With qualifying already complete in the final group stage, the 3 Stripes flagship federation in Asia, Japan, has already booked its place in South Africa next summer.

South Africa
As hosts of the competition, South Africa are able to sit back, relax and concentrate on their own preparations.

Several other adidas nations are still in the hunt for a qualifying spot including 2006 finalists France, 2002 finalists Germany and Mexico.

This summer, adidas and UEFA announced the extension of their long-term partnership around the Champions League, Super Cup and the newly created Europa League.  The extension means that for the first time, adidas will support all official UEFA club football competitions, further strengthening the brand's position as the World's leading football company.

Champions League Finale 9 Match Ball

• Design is based on the widely recognized, eye-catching starball logo of the UEFA Champions League (UCL)
• All UCL games will be played with the new adidas Finale 9 (a ball for the May 22 Champions League Final in Madrid will be introduced early next year)
• The adidas Finale 9 is available at retail worldwide.

UEFA Europa League Match Ball

• Design is based on the official logo of the new competition
• All games of the UEFA Europa League - including the Final in Hamburg on May 12, 2010 - will be played with the new ball
• The UEFA Europa League ball is available at retail worldwide.

TECHNOLOGY
Both balls feature the new surface structure PSC-Texture that allows players to control and direct the ball perfectly in all weather conditions in addition to guaranteeing optimum grip between ball and boot.

Keep warm while wearing your club colors 
 
Thunder Sports are the MPS official sports provider, supplying all your sporting needs. Thunder sports also retail adidas products with the MPS logo for players and parents to keep warm.  
  
Some of the items available NOW include Adidas Sereno Hoodies, Trofeo stadium jacket, new adidas fieldplayer gloves and beanie caps. 
 
To purchase these items please visit http://www.thundersports.net/shop/index.php   

The following have been nominated as Thunder Player of the Month, all coaches will give their nominations with winners being chosen with regard to a variety attributes in line with the MPS mission statement and philosophy:

• March 2009 - Peter Melo and Blair Borden
• April 2009 - Nicole Geraghty and Ian Foster
• June 2009 - Matt Hanley and Casey Matthews
• July 2009 - Coco Woeltz and Brian Santos