Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, presented the Official Emblem and the Official Match Ball for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Dubai 2009 at a ceremony held today in Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum was handed the Official Match Ball, produced by FIFA Partner adidas, while the Official Emblem was shown on a giant screen during a spectacular 3-D presentation.

The event will be held at the Jumeirah beach area next to the Umm Suqueim Park from November 16-22.

The Stafford Rangers FC Kit Design Competition is now CLOSED.
 
The entries have poured in but now the floodgates must close.  Kit Design Competition #2 will be accepting no new entries and all that is left now is for Stafford Rangers to decide if any of the 250+ designs are suitable for their playing wear next season.
 
The standard of the entries in general seems very high so fingers crossed.  Remember, should Stafford Rangers choose a home and/or away kit from designs entered then the designer(s) will receive their shirt as a prize and the honour of seeing their creation(s) carried by the team next season.
 
For all those who have entered, thank you.  It's been a pleasure to see what you've come up with and although there is a certainly a range from the sublime to the ridiculous there's merit at both ends of that scale.  We await the decision and we certainly don't envy those having to choose.  Even if Stafford Rangers ultimately decide to go with a design created by an established manufacturer, please share our pride in what has been uploaded over the last week or so.

Major League Soccer's 16th club unveiled its name as the Union.

"What an exciting time," said Union president Tom Veit. "Everything is coming together and time is flying by. This was a big announcement and the fans loved it."

Union references the original 13 Colonies, which established the foundation of the United States of America. The clubs colors are navy blue and gold, symbolizing the uniforms of the U.S. continental army during the American Revolution, accented by the lighter shade of blue found in the Philadelphia city flag.

The primary symbol of a rattlesnake is derived from Ben Franklin's political cartoons and was featured in multiple editions of the Pennsylvania Gazette during the 1750s. The rattlesnake was utilized to emphasize the necessity of colonial unity and serve as a reminder of the danger of disunity. Franklin's rattlesnake gained enormous popularity and evolved into a primary symbol of the American Revolution.

So, long overdue, DesignFootball.com has its second kit design competition.  This time with a twist.  The English football team Stafford Rangers have asked us to submit designs for consideration for their 2009/10 home and away kits. 
 
The club are already viewing designs from manufacturers but are keen to see what DesignFootball.com members can come up with.  If both Stafford Rangers and their chosen manufacturer decide that a design from DF is the most suitable then it will be produced for the playing squad and fans.  Should this be the case then the successful designer(s) will receive an example of their shirt as a prize.
 
We would advise that those looking to enter who are less aware of the club's history should visit the official website to familiarise themselves and gain the best possible chance of tuning into the requirements.  The club is seeking professional and contemporary outfits in keeping with their ambitions of once again reaching the heights of their past FA Trophy and FA Cup successes.  Maybe the next Stan Collymore could even wear a strip created by a DF designer.
 
If you wish to enter this competition please read and follow the specifications outlined below.  Stafford Rangers Football Club require:

Entering its second season, Originals by Originals (ObyO) continues to bring together unique personalities who have each created a groundbreaking mini collection under one umbrella. Fashion designer Jeremy Scott and streetwear icon Kazuki remain creative partners of the concept. Sport and style icon David Beckham, in collaboration with James Bond from Undefeated, complete the line-up as an authentic addition that brings a luxury take on classic streetwear.

Each of the apparel, footwear and accessories articles celebrates the authenticity, creativity and originality that the Trefoil brand stands for. Products will be available in select boutiques and fashion doors from August 1st, followed by a second global retail launch in Originals stores on October 1st. This long-term partnership is represented by the adidas Originals Trefoil and the respective designer logos.

David Beckham and James Bond were inspired by the mix of classic American sportswear and fabrics with fashionable silhouettes and details. The apparel range features luxury materials such as cashmere and silk, whereas the footwear builds on iconic adidas products, such as the ZX8000. Key items of the FW09 range include the Leather Puffer Jacket and the Marathon TR Mid, featuring GoreTex® technology and a sole formed by small Trefoils, both highlighting David’s personal style. On top of the classic apparel and footwear pieces, David Beckham and James Bond have also developed accessories for men, and even a long sleeve thermal shirt and pants for underneath.