The Albert, the official match ball to be used at the London 2012 Olympic Games football tournament was officially revealed today by Rob Ashcroft, the 43 year old from Derbyshire who named the ball.
The name ‘The Albert’ was chosen after adidas, Official Sportswear Provider for the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, invited the Great British public to ‘name the ball’. Over 12,000 unique names were suggested over a ten day period in February 2011 and the name of the ball was announced in July 2011, one year ahead of the football tournament.
The Albert carries the London 2012 logo and features additional design elements in striking colours from the London 2012 colour palate . The ball will be used to kick off the Olympic Football Tournament in Cardiff on 25th July, two days before the Opening Ceremony.
Ashcroft submitted his suggestion of ‘The Albert’ with his own interpretation of cockney rhyming slang where he proposed the London iconic landmark ‘The Albert Hall’ could mean ‘Ball’.
‘The Albert’ features a series of triangular panels that are thermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering each panel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact and enhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball is a woven carcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.
‘The Albert’ meets and exceeds all FIFA Approved Standards for an Official Match Ball making it the most tested ball adidas has ever produced.
The official ball will be launched and available for purchase in adidas retail stores and associated stockists from 1st March, 2012, RRP £85.00. It will also be available from the London 2012 online shop from 2 March at www.london2012.com/shop.