Watch in HD.

Matt and I finished up our trip to Pittsburgh by heading to the Riverhounds soccer game in nearby Bridgeville, PA at Chartier Valley High School. The Riverhounds are a USL team that feature some top line talent. Among them was our contact, Justin Evans, not only is he the Assistant Coach and Director of Communications & Business Relations, but he is also a mid-fielder for the Riverhounds.

As the skies darkened, fans continued to come through the gate, including the Steel Army Band. The band assembles at every game, decked out in soccer scarves to cheer on their team. We were joined by Ammo, the team’s mascot, for a little football fun by the south gate. Ammo showed some football skills, but he really is a soccer dog.  As the first half ended, the rain began to fall. It rained steadily throughout the second half, and the hounds went on to lose 1-0 to Harrisburg.

We are headed back to Canton, Ohio this week (Sorry Erie, PA!). We will be at the Fun in the Sun Carnival at the Massilon Recreation Center on Friday (5/22). Hopefully, there will be some sunshine. Check back later for video and pics.

-Mick

Friday, the Team USA Road Tour was in downtown Pittsburgh at the famous Market Square in heart of  the Steel City. Located at the intersections of Forbes Avenue and Market Street, we had a prime location to catch the eyes of thousands as they cruised by, whether for lunch or just a plain stroll through the city.

There was an lively crowd during the lunchtime event, that not only included the Team USA Road Tour, but live music, a rock climbing wall, as well as a host of other booths. Our football toss had the largest participation numbers, with a constant line as well as many impressed with the official Team USA Jersey and helmet that were on display.

We had a wide variety of people check us out, from business people in the suits, construction workers, custodians, to the casule onlooker who was just taking in the square for the day.

Pittsburgh is a football city that’s excited about our Junior National Team gunning for a  gold medal in Canton!

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Thursday was my first experience with downtown Pittsburgh as we set up for an event just outside of PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates. What started out as a very questionable day with 90% chance of rain with thunderstorms ended up being fairly nice. The weather report and the mid-week game did not keep the fans away, as they poured across the shut-down Clemente Bridge and down Federal Street, where we were conveniently located.

With music pumping from outside the Team USA Road Tour van, and the Football Toss testing arm accuracy the Pirates fans couldn’t help but come check us out. While this may have been a baseball game, football was the name of ours, and everyone wanted in, as they were all really excited about Team USA and the Junior World Championship. Mick couldn’t help but get into the fun himself, playing catch with some the kids, interviewed Bobber the Army Corps of Engineers Mascot, as well as playing MC at the event.

The fun continues tommorrow as we will be set up in downtown Pittsburgh in Market Square from 11am-1pm. Should be another good day as we will be in the heart of Steel City.

Let the tour roll on!

-Matt

Matt and I are in Pittsburgh. We will be at the Pirates-Cardinals game tonight from 4-7 pm. Even though it is baseball season, football is not too far off. We are hoping to catch a glimpse of Heinz Field, home of the Super Bowl Champion Sixburgh Steelers.

We will be downtown on Friday, make sure to stop and say “hello.” Also, we will be at Chartiers Valley High School in Ridgeville this Saturday 4/16 for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds Game (United Soccer League).

Last thing, our 45-man roster is now complete. Check them out!

-Mick

When you’re rolling around in a van as attractive and eye catching as the The Team USA Road Tour van, you are bound to get some reactions. From simple waves, honks, thumbs up, stares,  and many, many questions. Something that comes with the territory of being the ambassadors of the Road Tour, and something that Mick and I enjoy, spreading the word about USA Football, Team USA, and the Junior World Championship.

This was the case of Will Dowell, who spotted the van while on a bike ride with his family. When he approached us it was immediate that his interest in the Road Tour was more then just simple curiosity, but genuine intrigue to the mission of USA Football and the Junior World Championship. Will, himself is an active member in North Ridgeville youth football community, part of the Mini-Ranger coaching staff that is fielding a U-12 and U-10 teams to play in the North Coast Football League.  Will invited us to the coaching meeting to be held the following day, an offer Mick and I couldn’t pass up.

When Mick and I walked in to the meeting a team of 6 coaches were working hard to hash out the final details of a try-out camp.  With papers spread everywhere, and empty appetizers dishes on the table, it was clear that these men had been at this for a while. Will introduced us to all the coaches, including, Head Coach Terry Murray and Commissioner Richard Mees.  Mick and I gave the coaches the lowdown on USA Football, Team USA, and the Road Tour, all very excited, particularly about the opportunity for the USA to take on other countries at “Americas Game.”

We even talked about the possibility of showing up at their June 12th clinic. A perfect opportunity to interact with the future of football, and possible next generation Team USA members. With an already packed schedule, it’s something Mick and I will have to figure out if we can squeeze it in. After all, we are the ambassadors of the Road Tour, and goal is to meet as many people as possible. Especially football fanatics such as the Mini-Rangers and their families.

The Team USA Road Tour Strikes Again!

Pittsburgh here we come,

-Matt

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Matt and I made our way to Elyria, Ohio just outside of Cleveland to visit with George Maczuga of Riddell. Riddell is the official football helmet and protective equipment partner for USA Football and the 2009 Junior National Team.

Maczuga was enthusiastic about Riddell’s new partnership with USA Football. “It’s perfect fit for us.” Citing USA Football’s commitment to youth football development, he lauded the partnership as an opportunity to help protect football players at the grassroots level.

As for Team USA and the Junior World Championship, “It’s going to be pretty exciting. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” Maczuga said. He echoed the sentiment that kids will have four years to play for their college team, but only a short time to represent the United States.

Riddell’s predecessor, All-American Sports, founded in 1945, focused on reconditioning sports equipment. Riddell acquired the Elyria-based All-American Sports in 1994. In 2000, the company moved to its current facility in Elyria. And, in 2005, Riddell expanded to bring its manufacturing plant to Elyria and closed its Chicago location. Primarily a reconditioning plant, they now are charged with new helmet production.

The $2.5 million expansion increased the facility to 150,000 square feet. More than 300 employees work at Riddell plant in Elyria. The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Chicago, but Elyria processes more than 120,000 orders a year. The Riddell plant is busy year-round with only seven weeks of down time from September through October; oddly enough during football season. Each year, more than three million Riddell football helmets are used at all levels of football. More than 80 percent of the helmets worn in the National Football League are Riddell helmets.

Matt and I were able to tour the facility to see the Team USA helmets come through the production line. Team USA will be wearing the new Revolution Speed helmets (pictured here, here, and here). The helmets are molded in nearby Independence, Ohio. When they reach the Elyria facility they are sanded, buffed, primed and painted with up to three coats of high quality finish. The helmets are cured for up to 18 hours in a heated drying room, as the paint hardens into a glossy finish. The Team USA helmets are flecked in a white metallic finish.

The helmets move along on racks from station to station. Once reinforced with a bumper and padding, a facemask is attached. There are dozens of facemasks to choose from depending on the style of helmet, or player preference. The helmets are tested for impact and safety. We were able to watch several helmets being tested. They are fitted onto a head-shaped sensor, raised and then dropped to mimic the force of impact a player might experience. Once the helmet is approved, safety labels, trademark, and date of production stickers are added.

The helmet moves on to Betty, who applies the team decals. Betty has been applying decals for more than eight years at Riddell. She took great pride in being able to apply the Team USA logo on these helmets. Lastly, a hard-cup chinstrap  is attached, before final inspection.

With our newly manufactured Team USA helmet, Matt decided it was time to get suited up. He was fitted with Riddell’s CPX shoulder pads, which Team USA will also be wearing, pulled on the Team USA jersey, and strapped up his chinstrap. As we get closer to the first practice for Team USA and the IFAF Junior World Championship, the excitement continues to build. Riddell has already fitted most of the players for Team USA. And, the players are looking forward to putting on that jersey, pads and helmet and represent the USA.

We’re off to Pittsburgh for some fun in the Steel City.

– Mick

Matt and I will be heading over to the Riddell factory in Elyria, OH today. Riddell is the official helmet and protective equipment partner for USA Football and the 2009 Junior National Team. Riddell has been the leading innovator in high performance athletic equipment for 80 years.  Team USA will be wearing the Revolution Speed football helmet that includes the ideal fit and quick release face mask. Sorry for the sales-pitch, but it’s a really cool helmet!

Today is the day they are building the helmets for Team USA, so we’re excited to check it out. We’ll get as many photos and video clips as they’ll let us take! Don’t forget, we’ll be in the “Burgh later this week.

- Mick

The USA Football Road Tour will be passing through Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on these dates:

• Wed, May 13
• Thu, May 14
• Fri, May 15
• Sat, May 16
• Sun, May 17

Check back on this post to see where Matt and Mick will be setting up or follow the Road Tour’s Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/TeamUSAFootball.