Indiantelevision.com Team

(26 May 2006 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: On Sunday, 28 May, Nike will present the players of the US Soccer Federation with a limited edition 'Don't Tread On Me' uniform to mark the team's final send-off match before leaving for Germany.

Players from US Soccer have never been presented with a one-time-only uniform. US Soccer fans will be able to show their support for the team by purchasing one of the 2,006 limited edition 'Don't Tread on Me' jerseys priced at $75 at soccer specialty stores and online at http://www.soccer.com (home of Eurosport) and http://www.ussoccer.com (home of US Soccer) beginning 28 May.

The players will be presented with the new uniforms this weekend, in time for their Sunday match. Borrowing from a jersey that US Soccer players wore in the 1950's, the red jersey features a diagonal sash across the chest in blue and white. The players' numbers sit below the sash on their right. Over the heart rests a US Soccer crest reminiscent of that same 1950's era. On the left sleeve, is the 'Don't Tread On Me' mark with a snake coiled around a soccer ball, connecting the players wearing it on the field with the fans who back US Soccer with the Don't Tread rally cry.

Nike introduced the 'Don't Tread On Me' campaign in 2005. It was designed to give US Soccer fans a unifying rally cry and a mark they could use to celebrate their team. It began with the unveiling of a giant banner bearing the 'Don't Tread On Me' crest at a US Soccer game last October.

It was carried through different applications digitally throughout the fall. Then in December, US Soccer standout Clint Dempsey gave it a new dimension when he performed and recorded a rap song he produced titled "Don't Tread." Answering the call for new ways to celebrate the team, Nike introduced hoodies, jackets and tees bearing the Don't Tread On Me look.

At the game on Sunday, Nike will distribute 30,000 red 'Don't Tread On Me' rally towels bearing the snake and ball mark.