Travel/Premier Uniforms

 Uniform Change FAQ

  1. What exactly happened?
    West-Mont has struck a deal with Nike to obtain higher quality uniforms at a lower cost. This will mean an end to the current striped shirts for travel and the solid royal blue premier uniforms. 
     
  2. Are both travel and premier affected by this?
    Both travel and premier will have new uniforms next season. They will be wearing the same uniform. It is important that the club have a unified look. 
     
  3. Why will travel and premier be wearing the same uniform?
    There will continue to be the distinction between travel and premier in terms of coaching, training, State Cup competition, and level of tournaments in which they participate. However, as we continue to grow the premier program all our top level teams will eventually fit into the premier category from U9 through U18. A unified uniform will tell other clubs that we consider all our teams to be of a caliber that is competitive. It will also allow easier movement between levels within the age range. 
     
  4. Why did all this happen?
    There are three primary reasons for this change:

    • First, the current premier uniform is no longer available. Uniforms like this are sold on three year cycles and after those three years, are discontinued. A replacement premier uniform had to be found for all premier teams.
    • Second, West-Mont needs to outfit its coaches. We wanted to have our coaches represent the club in a professional manner. Coaches' gear had to be obtained at a low cost so that the cost is not deferred to the players themselves.
    • Third, the current travel uniforms are of poor quality and look. The quality of the fabric does not allow for sweat wicking in the hotter months and the fabric breaks down quickly after frequent washing. Also, we have received quite a bit of negative feedback from both within and outside the club regarding the look of the uniforms. While we may have a unique look, it is unique in a negative way. Our players and coaches represent the club and we want our club to have a professional look.

     

  5. Why Nike ?
    All manufactures were analyzed in detail. Nike and Adidas presented significant financial offers and had the most selection. Under Armour also made a financial offer but it paled in comparison to Nike and Adidas. Under Armour's selection was limited with all uniforms expiring sooner. Also, only Nike and Adidas were able to offer uniforms in both male and female cuts.

    Between Nike and Adidas, only Nike carried the color of the club's choice which is Columbia Blue. This guideline is noted in the Travel and Premier Program Policies and Procedures which is available to view on the club's website. Nike's light blue matches the club's color perfectly while Adidas' light blue did not. Also, Nike's financial offer was much better than Adidas. Thus the Nike Brasilia III package was selected with a light blue jersey and navy shorts and socks. 
     

  6. The picture looks like two different uniforms, why not match?
    Travel and premier teams are also always required to carry an alternative jersey in case of a color conflict with an opponent. Our chosen color is white. In this case, the white jersey does not look good with light blue shorts and socks. Thus navy shorts and socks were selected to go along with the navy print. 
     
  7. What exactly to I have to spend my hard-earned dollars on and when?
    Each player will have to purchase the items below for the 2010-2011 season. All premier players were going to be purchasing these items regardless. Players will wear their current uniform through the spring of 2010.

    • Primary Jersey - Nike Brasilia III in light blue
    • Alternative Jersey - Nike Rio in white
    • Shorts - Nike Brasilia III in navy
    • Socks - Nike Classic in navy

     

  8. I just bought a new uniform, why again?
    It was this item that made this decision difficult. The current travel uniform was purchased new two years ago. However, in order to achieve our goal of outfitting the premier teams, outfitting the coaches, and representing the club in a professional manner, all players had to change now. Also, if the change were made next year, we would be in year two of Nike's three year cycle which means that all players would be purchasing uniforms again 2 years after. 
     
  9. It doesn't look good.
    The Nike Brasilia III jersey is Nike's top of the line uniform kit. The current premier teams are wearing the older Brasilia style from Nike. We have continued to use that model only with the newer Brasilia III cut and the updated colors. All teams are basically wearing the same style of uniform that the current premier teams are wearing. 
     
  10. What exactly is the "financial offer?"
    Nike's financial offer allows us to obtain the uniforms at a slightly reduced price from the current travel uniforms. The offer also allows us to obtain coaches' gear at an extremely low price. There will also be a new online ordering system for all teams and players that will make the ordering system much more streamlined. 
     
  11. Who made this decision?
    The entire West-Mont board made this decision. 
     
  12. Is the logo changing?
    We are investigating a change to the logo. Any suggestions are welcome. 
     
  13. Will this uniform expire in three years?
    Yes. We are now using a standard uniform package from Nike which means in three years, a whole new uniform will need to be ordered. This includes the primary jersey, alternate jersey, shorts, and socks. West-Mont recommends that you handle sizing accordingly so that the uniform lasts three years, if possible. 
     
  14. Are there any other changes I need to be aware of?
    West-Mont will also be restricting what types of items players can wear underneath their uniforms i.e., compression shorts and shirts. If players wish to wear these items, they must conform to West-Mont's uniform color and chosen vendor Nike logo policy. This is that any top, underneath the uniform must be navy. Any shorts or leggings under the uniform must be black. We will make these items available to players as optional items. These players are representing the club and we want the club represented in a positive, professional, unified manner. These are also FIFA rules concerning uniforms.

    Also, the uniforms will not have any names on the back. This is a safety issue and it is recommended by the USSF and EPYSA that player names are not placed on their uniforms. Players can place their name/number on any of the optional items that will be available, warm-ups, bags, etc. 
     

  15. What about the Goalkeepers?
    Once again to show a unified professional look, goalkeepers will be provided an approved, printed jersey. The jersey will also be a Nike issue and will be reversible. One jersey will be provided to the team at no additional cost. Additional goalkeeper jerseys of the same issue may be purchased by the team. 
     
  16. Professional? They are just kids.
    Agreed, and West-Mont wants those kids to simply be kids and have fun. However, when wearing our uniform, they are representing the club. Club branding and marketing is an important factor the Board considers with every decision it makes. 
     
  17. How can I provide my input into these and similar decisions?
    These and other issues are discussed at the monthly General Meetings which are held on the first Wednesday of every month at the West-Mont Clubhouse at HillTop Farm. If you have ideas about how to raise money to contribute to the cost of uniforms and reduce the burden on the parents, please bring your ideas to our next General Meeting scheduled for February 3, 2010 at 7:30pm.