The collection was developed with input from several top female athletes including Rocky Rodriguez, the 2016 Rookie of the Year.

Writer: Carly Terwilliger

New York sports technology brand Storelli, a creator of protection gear worn by soccer standouts Iker Casillas and Oscar, yesterday launched a protective product range designed specifically for female players. The brand, founded by athletes, has grown from small start-up in Brooklyn to a noteworthy new brand in the industry.

The women’s Bodyshield collection includes three pieces – the Crop Top, Abrasion Legging and Goalkeeper Legging, designed to enable “female players to withstand the physicality of the modern game without compromising on speed and performance,” according to a company representative. A sports bra will be added to the range in August 2017.

The collection was developed with input from several top female athletes including National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) players Kristie Mewis and Rocky Rodriguez, the 2016 Rookie of the Year.

Kristie Mewis, Washington Spirit midfielder, said, “Throughout my professional soccer career I have been the victim of many turf burns or injuries that could have been avoided had I been wearing the right gear, but this innovation did not exist for female players before Storelli.”

The lightweight rib BodyShield Crop Top provides support and protection, with a removable chest pad that absorbs up to 90 percent of impact. Constructed with microfibers for comfort and mobility, the top features breathable front and back mesh straps.

The BodyShield Abrasion Legging has anti-abrasion paneling on the legs and hip areas, combined with microfibers for mobility and warmth. The Legging is constructed with a built-in shin guard pocket that locks the shield in place, limiting distraction when on the pitch.

Designed especially for the female goalkeeper, the BodyShield GK Legging includes 5mm protection on the hips, anti-abrasion panels on knees and legs, and is laced with microfibers. The GK Legging includes the same built-in shin guard as the outfield player version.

Sarah Blaser, product developer and technical designer at Storelli, said, “As a designer working in soccer and an athlete myself, I am passionate about this collection. Right now there are millions of women playing soccer across the world without adequate protection, exposing themselves to countless injuries. We truly listened to what our customers needed, responded, and are upping the ante on what soccer players can expect from their gear.”

Photos courtesy Storelli