Mitre Blog

The perfect technique: 4 tips for mastering the curved free-kick

When executed correctly, the curved free-kick is a thing of beauty. Having the ability to ping the ball around the the wall and back inside the post takes some serious skill – alongside a lot of practice! So here at Mitre we have decided to make it easier for you. Next time your team needs you to step-up to the mark, make sure you’re ready with these essential pointers. Vision First things first, pick a target. It’s all well and good having the ability to strike the ball with precision,... Read More

Dominating defence: the key to becoming a world-class defender

Potentially the most under-acknowledged position on the pitch. Rarely does a defender see their name up in lights for their goal-scoring abilities. But nevertheless, the role of a defender is as crucial as the next. Killing a potential threat on goal can be just as valuable as putting one away for your team up the other end. Protecting the keeper and ultimately your goal-line requires, grit, strength and sheer determination. Give yourself the best possible chance amongst the back-line with this ultimate guide to dominating in defence. Read the game As... Read More

The youngsters that have made the biggest impact on the EFL

  you cant win anything with kids –  – Alan Hansen MOTD 1995 Strong words from Alan Hansen regarding Manchester United and their opening game in 1995.  Despite his confident words and manner, Manchester United actually won the league that season – alongside the FA Cup! This was the start of United securing the first of what was to be two consecutive double-winning seasons – a feat never before seen in English football.  So it would seem Alan was wrong, you can win with kids. In fact, it’s possible to... Read More

Know Your Position Inbetween The Sticks

To get to the top of your game as a goalkeeper, it is essential you know where to position yourself in the box. Your body and mind must be at one, prepared to react to any form of attack. Having the agility of a cat is one thing, but a first-class keeper must possess undeniable vision and awareness. Being able to fully understand your angles during a match requires practice, there’s no denying it! However with dedication and the right guidance, any aspiring keeper can begin to understand what it... Read More

WICKES SIGN AS OFFICIAL HOME IMPROVEMENT PARTNER OF EFL!

Last week the EFL announced a partnership with nationwide retailer Wickes to become the Official Home Improvement and Building Materials partner of the EFL. The innovative multi-channel retailer has penned a three-year deal, providing the brand with a series of marketing and promotion rights across all 72 clubs. Wickes will directly engage with fans of the EFL through a newly launched initiative, ‘Because support begins at home’, which will include ticket promotions and appearances from some of the EFL’s top talent. A second promotion, ‘Kits for Kids’, aimed at supporting... Read More

The one’s to watch this season in the EFL

It’s safe to say that the season is well and truly underway, and some players are demonstrating to their managers and fans why they deserve their place in the starting 11. So here at Mitre, we have produced a rundown of the one’s to watch this season in the EFL. Josh Morris League One side Scunthorpe United are currently sitting in 3rd place, 3 points off the top spot – thanks to midfielder Josh Morris. So far this season, Morris has scored a total of 5 goals for United, averaging... Read More

The definitive guide to mastering the volley

The volley really is a showstopper. Scoring from a volley comes once in a blue moon for most players, but when it does happen, you can be sure the crowd will be up on their feet with their mouths wide open. Mastering this form of aerial acrobatics takes a lot time and some serious skill. Make it easier for yourself in the air with out definitive guide to pulling off the perfect volley! Step 1: Decision It is crucial that you make your mind up early when going for the... Read More

FIAT Tradesman Trials Update…

The FIAT Tradesman Trials were launched earlier this year – in the hope of finding a tradesman who could make it professional. Geoff Horsfield, Dean Windass and Stuart Pearce put a group of tradesman through an exhausting trial, with the winner being confirmed as River Humphreys. The reward? A one month contract at an EFL club of his choice.  He chose League One club Rochdale. After putting all the players through their paces in the morning, it was clear that River was head and shoulders above the rest – Stuart... Read More

Leagues 1 & 2: This summer’s biggest signings!

John Marques Doncaster Rovers have finalised a deal for Millwall striker John Marques. The Millwall forward has signed a two-year deal with Doncaster. At the end of last season Marques went on loan to Northampton where he scored 6 goals in 16 appearances. Rovers boss Darren Ferguson told the club’s official website that: John has been on our radar for quite a while now and we’re glad to get this signing over the line – the squad is now really starting to take shape SHOP NOW SHOP NOW SHOP NOW... Read More

How do footballs become approved by FIFA?

You might be too busy kicking the football around the look at the balls detail – but if you check out most of the Mitre footballs you’ll notice a stamp of approval.  Mitre’s professional and match footballs all bear these marks – the FIFA Quality Pro, FIFA Quality or IMS (International Matchball Standard) logo. So what is that stamp of approval? There are two types of FIFA stamps – FIFA Quality Pro and FIFA Quality. To get a ball approved there are tight regulations the ball must meet from the... Read More