Honoring its 125 years of history and the countless more to come, Nike Soccer , along with forward Theo Walcott, forward Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain , and defender Kieran Gibbs, unveil the Arsenal ‘s newest Home Kit for the 2012-2013 season. Predominately red and white, colors long held by the Gunners, Nike added a third, obsidian blue, in its updated design. Partly to complement the tricolor of Great Britain’s Union Jack, the addition of blue was to commemorate legendary team manager Herbert Chapman, who laid the foundation of common practices on a modern soccer game. Credited with usage of white soccer of visibility, hoops on socks and numbered jersey for identification, Chapman’s pragmatic tactics helped the Arsenal to three league titles and a FA Cup win between 1925 and 1934. Hidden designs such as graphic in reference to Chapman’s “WM” formation and Arsenal’s motto “Victoria, Concordia, Crescit” (“Victory Through Harmony”), all instills a sense of unity among players and fans. While the team’s history played a part in its redesign, the new home kit bears completely new methodology including a Double Knit construction, one where the jersey is 50% more breathable, 21% stronger, and 210% more flexible, yet weighing in at only 145 grams. To lessen its impact on the environment, Nike utilized 100% recycled polyester in each shorts, and 96% recycled polyester in each jersey, an equivalent of 13 recycled plastic bottles. An integrated part of the Nike Pro Combat system, the kit protects its wearer from injuries yet in relative comfort. The new Arsenal F.C. Home Kit for 2012-2013 season is now available for pre-order at www.arsenaldirect.com and soon at other retail locations.
