Sports engineering experts from Sheffield Hallam University have teamed up with Decathlon UK to design and develop official match balls for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.
The collaboration between the university’s Sports Engineering Research Group and Decathlon UK involved testing all aspects of the ball’s performance at the University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre.
A team of researchers led by Dr Katie Mills analysed the ball’s material composition and aerodynamic performance, ensuring it met the highest FIFA standards.
The results were instrumental in developing the new match balls which made their debut at the start of the current season. Will Taylor, UK Commercial Director – Teamsports at Decathlon said: “We are incredibly proud of the impact this partnership has had on professional football.
“By combining our passion for sport with Sheffield Hallam University’s cutting-edge research, we’ve created match balls that not only meet the demands of elite players but also elevate the playing experience for footballers of all levels.”
