Japanese design studio nendo just launched the My Football Kit project which aims to popularize soccer (or soccer depending on where you live) in hopes of bringing more players to the sport. In impoverished communities around the world, soccer balls are not easy to find, and if acquired, children do not have access to air pumps or any means to repair the damage that occurs to the wire. time. In order to give children a chance to play and enjoy this beloved sport, nendo designed a non-inflatable soccer ball that mimics the feeling of hitting an ordinary ball, with a design based on the structure of the bamboo ball. traditional Japanese woven fabric. Nendo has partnered with global ball manufacturer Molten to create My Football Kit, a set of 54 pieces that come together like a puzzle to form a soccer ball.
There are three types of soft and recycled polypropylene and elastomeric synthetic resin components that create a durable surface that is also safe for bare feet. If any of the pieces fall out during a game, the rest of the nested shape will stay together, letting the game continue. If a component breaks, it can be easily replaced instead of having to get a new ball. Replacement parts are shipped disassembled in smaller packages, which helps reduce shipping costs. In addition, multiple colors of the components are available so that a new color scheme can be developed, making it easier to remember who owns the ball.
The kit includes illustrated instructions that anyone can follow as there is no text to translate. In addition to the instructions and 54 pieces, the kit comes with a bag that can be worn as a backpack to carry the ball.
The design of the ball allows for the addition of original logos or brand specific colourways, giving businesses and organizations the opportunity to contribute to schools and club teams.
For more information on My Football Kit, visit myfootballkit.jp.
Photos by Akihiro Yoshida.
