2025.03.04

"I Want Kids to Keep Loving Soccer" – UMBRO's “Protect Head Band” Protects the Present & Future of Children

#UMBRO

#Descente

#Soccer

#Headband

#Sports

#Health

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Soccer is a national pastime. Many children start playing soccer inspired by the performances of the Japanese national team and Nadeshiko Japan in the FIFA World Cup.

However, soccer is known for its high risk of injury due to the intense contact between players and the potential for falls, compared to other sports. Heading the ball can cause significant damage to the head, leading some countries to impose restrictions during training.

In response, UMBRO developed the “Protect Head Band” to protect children from injuries. This item absorbs impacts to the head while also providing rebound suitable for heading.

Recently, we spoke with Katsumi Sanka from Descente Japan Ltd., who is part of the UMBRO marketing team, about the development background and the intent behind this product.

PROFILE

Katsumi Sanka

Since joining Descente Japan, he has been responsible for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding for a long time. He has consistently thought about what features or innovations are necessary to ensure sports can be played as safely and comfortably as possible, especially in potentially life-threatening fall accidents or tough weather conditions. This experience has also informed his work in developing soccer equipment. By questioning the norms in soccer, like why players don’t wear hats in the heat or if heading causes pain, he focuses on various concepts of "protection" during development.

Protecting Children from Injuries

In contact-heavy sports, preventing injuries is crucial

In March 2023, UMBRO announced the “Protect Head Band” to prevent head injuries among boys and girls playing soccer. The product is based on the concept of “protecting children, safeguarding the future.”

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