Soccer project scores winner with robust football design

Tim Jahnigen has designed a football that never goes flat, even when punctured multiple times. Inspiration struck while he was watching news footage about traumatized refugee youth in Darfur playing football on dirt, using a ball they had made by tying trash together with twine. Jahnigen realized there was a global need for a nearly indestructible ball that could withstand the harsh conditions often faced by youth living in refugee camps, disaster areas and other disadvantaged communities.

The project is now kicking off in the UK.

Jahnigen's idea remained in the concept stage until a conversation with the pop star Sting. Once Sting heard his vision for the ball he provided the initial funding to research and develop a One World Futbol prototype. In recognition of Sting’s crucial early support the name of the ball and the company are based on his song “One World (Not Three)”.

In this World Cup year, for every Futbol bought, One World Futbol Project will donate one to organizations working with youth in disadvantaged communities worldwide. This buy-one-give-one model has seen the company partner with TOMS shoes, who trail blazed this business model with charity at the heart.

Director of Loughborough University Sports Technology Institute commented: “Providing a ball that can be used in harsh environments without maintenance has potential to benefit many people. The properties of the One World Futbol are likely to allow for a more enjoyable game on rough terrain than a regular football, due to its reduced rebound, which will help players to control the ball and develop their skills.”

You can check out the initiative here.