The UEFA unveiled the official match ball of the UEFA Under 21 EURO 2009, the adidas TERRAPASS, at the tournament draw in Gothenburg with a futuristic design to celebrate the colours of host nation Sweden.
The bright blue and yellow of the Swedish flag are enhanced by 12 watermarks containing the silhouette of Europe, along with the official event logo. The technology involves adding an extremely fine structure to the ball's outer skin, similar to "goose bumps", to improve the grip between ball and boot.
This gives players better control of the ball and improves their ability to direct it whatever the weather conditions. The extra grip will offer a particular advantage to goalkeepers, who find it an easier ball to catch.
The adidas TERRAPASS is constructed from 14 panels joined together using a thermal bonding technology which, along with the new surface, will give the ball greater swerve and accuracy in flight.
The TERRAPASS follows in a long line of official match balls, which adidas has provided balls for all of the UEFA and FIFA football championships since 1970.
