Spalding is taking its Never Flat technology, which debuted in the company’s basketball line a little under a year ago, to the soccer pitch. The first Never Flat soccer balls will hit shelves in Novemebr touted as first-ever soccer balls with proprietary pressure retention technologies, 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.

“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.”