Growing up with the game, many of our heroes have come from the soccer fields. However due to the recent tragic events, new heroes have emerged: the firefighters who risk their lives climbing into burning buildings, the policemen and women who protect us, those who are willing to leave family and friends to fight for their nation and the countless citizens who have rushed to help their country in its time of need. These men and women who lay their lives on the line to defend freedom, democracy and everything for which this country stands, they have become our heroes.

To show support for these heroes as well as this great nation, beginning Thursday, Sept. 20, all MLS players began wearing a specially designed patch to commemorate those lost in the tragic events and those who continue to work in the recovery efforts both in New York City and Washington DC. These patches will be worn throughout the playoffs.

Now your team can also wear the patches and show your support. The same patches worn by the MLS players, as well as t-shirts, hats and pins with the Liberty logo, are available on this website. Proceeds from these sales will go to the Soccer United Relief Fund organized by the US Soccer Foundation. 100% of the funds received by the Soccer United Relief Fund will go towards the families of the victims and those who continue to help in the recovery efforts. Not only will this help raise funds, it will be a great way for the soccer community to stand together and show our support for the United States of America.

As soccer players we are part of a global family, a family that, like the rest of the nation, has come together in the face of adversity. More than ever we are proud to be a part of this great sport and proud to be a part of this great country.

We would like to thank the following companies that are underwriting the product being sold through this program: adidas, American Needle, Atletica, Kappa, KwikGoal, Nike, the Patchwork Company, Puma and Umbro. Their unselfish commitment to this effort has made this program possible.

As a part of the FIFA World Cup(tm) for more than 30 years, adidas balls have been there for some of the most memorable moments in the history of the game. Remember Gerd Müller's ten goals in six games in 1970? Or Maradona's "Hand of God" in 1986? Or what about Zidane's two goals with his head against Brazil in '98? The ball was adidas.

Until 1963, when adidas introduced its first match ball, the majority of soccer balls were heavy and brown. That first adidas model, called the Santiago, was rapidly followed by various successors, which have been regularly used in major international soccer events since 1968. Since 1970, adidas has been the supplier of the official ball used in all FIFA World Cup(tm) competitions.

To celebrate this unique contribution to FIFA World Cup(tm) history, adidas is proud to present the History of the FIFA World Cup(tm) Ball. We'll take a look at each ball and its memorable moments and finally, on December 1st, we'll reveal the ball sure to be a sensation in Korea/Japan: the adidas Official 2002 FIFA World Cup(tm) Match Ball!