Umbro Neo - The official ball of the FA Cup
As attention this week turns to the FA Cup, we take a close-up look at the high-visibility Neo by Umbro: the football made to be seen and not saved! Engineered for unrivalled accuracy and true flight, in this hi-vis design it's a ball you can't miss...
More and more in recent seasons close attention is given to the performance of competition footballs, as technology becomes increasingly involved. The Umbro Neo though, is a ball with an increasing reputation for good performance and going exactly where you want it to.
The Umbro Neo has been redesigned and reinvented for this years competition, to deliver unrivalled accuracy and true flight. Visually it's competing with the likes of the hi-vis Nike Seitiro, but in terms of performance and ball texture it is very different to both the Nike Seitiro, adidas Jabulani and adidas Tango 12.
The ball features just 14 panels to offer larger strike zones and a smoother, more accurate flight. With the England crest and Umbro double diamond printed on the outer layer, the Neo Pro is laser cut and hand stitched for extra precision. 
Umbro's patented 14 panel configuration means the Umbro FA Cup Neo Pro football has cleaner strike zones for a better connection with the ball resulting in more power. It's 14 panel design also creates better shape retention for a smoother, faster and more accurate flight on the ball as it's flying through the air.
As you'd expect from Umbro, they've taken a slightly different approach when launching the new Neo Pro football. Acknowledging the 140 year history of the FA Cup, Umbro have labelled the Neo with classic cliche's from the game, such as: The Giant Killing Ball; The Cup Run Ball and The Clear The F#!@* Ball Ball!
The Umbro Neo is set to retail around £60 GBP and will be used when the FA Cup 3rd Round kicks-off this Friday. It's another chance to see a ball other than a Nike or adidas in action, so let us know what you think of the new Umbro Neo football and your predictions for the FA Cup? Share your thoughts online.
