Attention football (and female empowerment) fans! The first-ever kit designed especially for the Matildas for this year’s World Cup has officially been revealed by Nike overnight. And, to be honest, it’s pretty epic.
Just three of the many reasons we’ve been #obsessed with it, since Women’s Health got a sneak peek at the new collection when it was secretly unveiled in Melbourne last week?
First up, it’s totally eco-friendly: Created from 100 per cent recycled materials, with every kit made out of at least 12 recycled water bottles. Fun fact? Since 2010, Nike has diverted 6 billion plastic bottles from landfill, instead turning them into recycled polyester yarn. What’s not to love?
It’s backed up by science: Designer Cassie Looker worked with the Nike Sport Research Lab and conducted extensive body (and sweat!) mapping to create the perfect fit, specifically designed to work with the female anatomy. Football players harness much of their power through the lower body, so the dark green short – the kit’s hero item – was created to take this into account, made to move seamlessly, efficiently and (added bonus!) with no annoying internal drawstring.
It includes cool hidden details: With an average age of just 24, the new kit has been designed to reflect the Matildas’ young, fresh, unstoppable spirit… inspiring everyone to pull on the boots. As for the print? It’s an edgy combination of 90s street art from Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane and Aussie emblem the golden wattle. And it includes clever features like the Matilda’s rallying cry “Never Say Die” stitched inside, plus a hand-drawn wing (inspired by Nike, the Greek goddess of victory) on the side of each boot.
A fixture on the world stage, the Matildas have qualified for every World Cup tournament since 1995, and reached the quarters in the last three contests. Headed up by newly-minted captain, superstar striker (and former Women’s Health Sportswoman of the Year!) Sam Kerr, the current squad has been described by many as the best female team in Australian history, with a serious chance of lifting the cup in a few short months’ time.
This epic team of young guns are killing it on the world stage right now, with their next match (against the US) scheduled for April. And we couldn’t be more pumped about their incredible rise. All we have to say is: Bring on the World Cup in France this June!
Discover what the Women’s Health initiative WinS is and how you can get involved here.
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