- One world futbol
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Introduced July 8, 2010, by the One World Futbol Project LLC, the One World Futbol is a multi-purpose game ball used for soccer, netball, volleyball, and other games. Unlike a traditional soccer ball (“football” or “futbol”), the One World Futbol is not stitched together and does not require the use of a pump or needle [1]. Inspired by a CNN News documentary on Darfur the ball was invented to give children in war zones and conflict areas something to play with that would survive their harsh surroundings. The One World Futbol Project, which manufactures and distributes the One World Futbol, was founded in California on March 9, 2010, and launched publicly on July 8 of the same year.
The One World Futbol is made of a closed-cell foam that makes it durable and has a "cap" that allows the ball to re-inflate, even if punctured. The ball may be punctured with a sharp object but will still bounce and may be played with even if punctured. The material is impervious to sun and water and thus will not become water-logged like traditional stitched balls. Small built-in valves in the cap of the One World Futbol allow the ball to adjust to variations in altitude and atmospheric pressure and make it possible for the ball to return to its round shape after being squeezed together, stepped on, or compressed with a heavy object [2]. Widely (though inaccurately) described in media reports as “indestructible,” the ball is characterized by the company as “ultra-durable. [3]” The ball is intended for recreational play and practice, not to replace game balls for competition-level league or team play. The currently available One World Futbol is FIFA regulation size 5. It weighs approximately 15 ounces or 425.2 grams. (Standard FIFA-approved outdoor soccer balls are between 420 - 445 grams; standard FIFA-approved beach soccer balls are between 400 - 440 grams.)
One World Futbol
Contents
Origins
The One World Futbol was conceived in 2006 by Timothy P. Jahnigen of Berkeley [4], California, an inventor, songwriter, and concert producer. Watching a documentary on Darfur refugees on CNN, Jahnigen observed refugee children playing a makeshift game of soccer with a ball fashioned from trash and twine. Understanding that traditional soccer balls are easily destroyed even in the course of normal use anywhere except on level fields of grass, Jahnigen decided to create a ball that would withstand the harsh conditions that prevail in refugee camps, war zones, inner cities, and poor villages around the world [5].
After a conversation with the entertainer Sting (Gordon Sumner) [6] in 2007, Jahnigen’s vision suddenly became feasible. With funding provided by Sting, he collaborated with engineer Kevin McCarthy and the company Foam Creations of Quebec City, Canada, to develop a prototype ball. The process was completed in 2009. A patent is pending.
Manufacturing
The One World Futbol is manufactured in Canada using a proprietary injection-molding process and a trademarked material known technically as cross-linked, closed-cell foam. This material is similar to that used in the manufacture of the familiar Crocs sandals.
Marketing and sales
The One World Futbol is offered for sale online by its manufacturer and distributor, the One World Futbol Project LLC, using a “Buy One, Give One” offer. Under this arrangement, with the purchase of one futbol, the company will donate a second futbol to a nonprofit organization working with people in need somewhere in the world.
Sources
Categories:- Balls
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