Volume 1, Issue 3
Craig Johnston’s Second Stroke of Luck
August 10, 2009
How the Aussie Soccer Legend Hit the Jackpot
EAT SOCCER!
ALWAYS SERVING UP ANOTHER DISH...
Although born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Craig Johnston was the first Australian to make an impression on the English game. He used his versatility as a midfielder and striker to make a name for himself at Middlesbrough, Newcastle and Liverpool. In 1986, he was a member of the Liverpool side to ever win the third League championship and FA double of the 20th Century. Despite his success on the pitch, his global influence on the game is unknown to many. Johnston toyed around with figuring out a solution to miss hitting the ball. Using the question, “how do you get more grip if you swerve the ball,” Johnston began searching
for materials to aid in the development of a boot design. As luck would have it, he overheard a kid mention table tennis rubber, and rest was history-at least with the shoe design. Johnston invested five years and $500,000 to patent the idea before presenting it to Adidas and a few other shoe companies. Initially, there were no takers, however he represented the idea to Adidas with football legend Franz Beckenbauer using the boot while playing in snowy conditions. It was a done deal.
Go to Eat Soccer!
Now that’s a second stroke of luck!
SOCCER POP Match Play Meets Art in Proposed World Cup Inspired Paintings During Euro 2008, seven Austrian artists collaborated with seven South African artists to assist, acclaimed Austrian artist, Walter Stach in creating one-of-a-kind soccer inspired paintings. The concept paired artists from each country together
to work on one of seven pieces. Work time was only performed within the confines of match play. Therefore, when play was halted, the artists would rest their utensils as well. The project was considered a huge success, and
Sign Me Up! Burger King Gives You the Face Burger King has signed on to sponsor the Spanish soccer club Getafe for the 2009/2010 season. The soccer jerseys are emblazoned with the King's face on the inside of the shirt for those dramatic goalscoring moments when players flip their jerseys over their heads and run around.
Want more soccer?
The Adidas Predator has been worn by some of the world’s greatest footballers, and has become the best selling boot of all time.
For fans, the jerseys come with an instruction guide so you too can join in on the fun!
there are plans to replicate these soccer inspired collaborations for the 2010 World Cup. The Euro 2008 paintings were recently unveiled and are now available for public viewing. They are on display near the Arts on Main gallery on Berea Street in Johannesburg, South Africa. MUST SEE TV
USA v. Mexico, August 13 2:00p (Mun2, Telemundo) Palmeiras v. Botafogo, August 15 5:30p (GolTV) Everton v. Arsenal , August 16 12:30p (Fox Soccer Channel)