When Storelli asked me to review a few pieces from their top, NextGen, soccer protective gear collection, I knew that Rojia was the perfect person to show me how. And to make things a little more interesting, I decided to challenge her to some friendly competition......
This was not my smartest idea. I should've known how I, someone who's soccer experience and expertise peaked in 5th grade, would stack up against someone who has owned cleats ever since she could walk, has been captain of dozens of varsity level soccer teams, and won countless award on and off of the field. But what can I say, I love a challenge!
Before we get into the smack-down, I want to take a moment to talk about the holiday season and counting our blessings. Because Thanksgiving and Christmas and Chanukah and all those lovely times are coming up, I feel that it's important to take stock of all the things we are grateful for as well as recognize others that are not so fortunate.
Many of us are lucky to have grown up in a home where our families were most likely middle or upper class. Where we had the opportunity to participate in sports and extracurricular activities, and our parents had enough money to make sure we had the proper protective gear to ensure our safety.
This is not the case for many children in other parts of the world. As many of you know, I spend my summers in Panama City, Panama - where soccer is hands down the most popular sport. In fact, it's a huge cultural staple and you will see kids kicking around soccer balls in the park, in the street, you name it, everywhere you go. The faces of the kids change as you walk through the city, but one thing is always the same: they play unprotected.
That's why I've decided to donate the pieces I was sent by Storelli to review to the team of kids who play soccer outside of my apartment in Panama every day. I wish it was more. If you're interested in buying some of Storelli's protective collection to donate to children in need, you can click this link, send me an e-mail to get my address, and have it sent to me. I'd be happy to bring it down with me during my next trip to Panama. Tis the season of giving, right? :)
Okay onto the duel and product reviews!
~Soccer Pro VS 5th Grade Plateau Throw-down for Soccer Safety with Storelli~
Who needs hands when you can head bump that ball? Rojia found the ExoShield Head Guard "surprisingly natural" and after playing for about fifteen minutes when it was my turn to try it out she laughed, "I forgot it was even there!"
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The chest area is also generally vulnerable during soccer matches, and for females, this spot is even more sensitive to injury. Rojia tried out a variety of contact moves with the BodyShield Sleeveless Undershirt, during all of which the soccer ball caused no pain to her chest.
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" We're not here to merely introduce ourselves to the world of soccer. We're here to change it."