Over the next couple months we’ll be taking an in depth look into the products eligible to win at the annual Soccer Product of the Year (SPY™) Awards to be held January 15, 2010 in Philadelphia.

In Part one of our 10-part series, we examine the category of Soccer Balls.

With the highly anticipated SPY™ Awards just around the corner, it’s time to take a look at your nominees.

Through our special panel of judges who pored over the countless submissions we’ve narrowed down the products to just the elite remaining in our 10 categories.

The voting will conclude Dec. 15 at which point the winners will be sealed in their envelopes and presented at the show in Philadelphia on Jan. 15, 2010.

Until that time, we’ll be examining each of the 10 product categories. Today, we look at Soccer Balls.

Here are the five nominees with a short description on each:

• Adidas 2010 Official World Cup Match Ball: Yet to be unveiled, the ball will become public in December. It has been specifically designed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, giving it an obvious air of prestige.
• CALLE – Primero Ball: Designed for street soccer, this leather offering was made to stand up against the elements. As with all Calle products, it has a hip, cutting edge quality that separates it from its competition.
• Stanno Teamwear USA – Field Elite II Light 5: This all-around match ball is a European design with good consistency. It’s been tested to the competitive highest standards and is an enhancing addition to the Stanno catalogue.
• Wilson – NCAA Avanti Official Championship Match: Endorsed by the NCAA, this hand-stitched 32 panel match ball is highly regarded on the market and is one of Wilson’s best.
• Nike – T90 Ascente Ball: Aside from its contemporary look and design, the Ascente has a three-layered premium construction that increases its range and striking accuracy.

Each of these exceptional products has the chance of being named the overall Soccer Product of the Year. But of course, they have a very competitive category to contend with first.

VOTE NOW FOR THE 2010 SPY AWARDS