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Select Sport

Select Sport A/S is a Danish sports equipment manufacturer founded in 1947 by Eigil Nielsen, a former for the Danish , specializing in the production of high-quality, hand-sewn balls for , , , and related sports accessories. Based in , , with manufacturing facilities in and final quality inspections conducted in , the company has grown into one of the world's leading producers of such equipment, selling over 4 million balls annually. Key innovations define Select Sport's legacy in the industry. In 1951, the company secured an agreement to supply balls to the () and introduced the valve , enhancing playability. By 1962, it pioneered the 32-panel design, which became a global standard for its aerodynamic properties and durability. In 1974, Select revolutionized ball materials by developing synthetic leather coverings, replacing traditional leather and improving weather resistance—a technology now ubiquitous in professional sports. The 1970s also saw the introduction of the 32-panel by Eigil Nielsen, further solidifying the company's expertise in handball equipment. Today, Select Sport serves as an official supplier to major leagues, including the , and maintains rigorous quality controls to ensure its products meet elite standards. The company's commitment to innovation extends to and supports, positioning it as a trusted partner for athletes and teams worldwide.

Company Overview

Founding and Headquarters

Select Sport A/S was founded in by Eigil Nielsen, a for the Danish football team from 1940 to 1951 and a medalist at the , who began operations with a focus on producing high-quality, hand-sewn balls in a small workshop. Nielsen's passion for creating the "perfect ball" drove the company's early emphasis on craftsmanship and innovation in manufacturing. The company's headquarters are located in , , at Fabriksparken 46, where it maintains manufacturing facilities and the Select Lab, a dedicated testing center for product development and . This central hub supports the design, production, and rigorous evaluation of sports balls to meet international standards. Over the decades, Select Sport has evolved from its modest origins into a private company with a global presence, including subsidiaries such as to serve international markets. The company produces over 4 million balls annually, underscoring its scale as a leading manufacturer in the industry.

Leadership and Operations

Select Sport A/S is led by CEO Peter Knap, who oversees daily operations and strategic development, alongside Chairman Preben Kønig, who guides the board on long-term vision and governance. The executive team also includes CFO Michael Karlsen, Purchase & Development Manager Claus Philipsen, and board members such as Peter Eigil Nielsen, Peter Bruun, and Knud Odgaard Pedersen. Under Knap and Kønig's leadership, the company has prioritized international market expansion, leveraging partnerships and quality standards to strengthen its global presence since the 2010s. The centers on premium production, with a strong emphasis on hand-sewn balls crafted from synthetic in a 32-panel design for superior performance and durability. Manufacturing occurs primarily in at facilities like Anwar Khawaja Industries, with rigorous quality inspections conducted in to ensure compliance. Select Sport holds certifications exceeding Quality Programme standards, providing comprehensive warranties that underscore its commitment to reliability. Additionally, efforts include the use of eco-friendly materials, such as recycled bottles and natural in Planet series soccer and balls, alongside reduced plastic packaging and solar-powered production reducing CO2 emissions by 270 tons annually. These initiatives reflect a broader focus on environmental responsibility, with factory certifications like ISO 14001:2015 and SMETA 4-pillar audits. The global distribution network spans over 50 countries, with key partnerships including official supplier agreements with the German Bundesliga and the for and equipment. Retail collaborations extend to major markets in Europe (e.g., and ), North America (via dedicated U.S. operations), and , facilitating widespread availability through specialized sports retailers. Complementing this, Select Sport maintains an e-commerce platform at select-sport.com, enabling sales worldwide and supporting efficient logistics for both professional and amateur users. The company demonstrates steady growth, producing and selling over 4 million balls annually, with expanding exports that constitute the majority of its business outside .

History

Early Years and Founding

Select Sport was founded in 1947 by Eigil Nielsen, a prominent Danish who played 28 matches for the national team between 1940 and 1951, including earning a bronze medal at the . Motivated by his goalkeeping career and frustrations with the poor durability of footballs available in post-World War II Denmark, Nielsen sought to create a more reliable ball that maintained its shape and performance during play. Drawing on his studies in sports psychology and experience in the leather industry, he established the company in to produce higher-quality sports equipment amid the economic recovery of the era. The company's earliest products were hand-sewn footballs crafted from panels, which were sold locally in from 1947 to 1950. These balls represented a modest beginning, with production limited by post-war material shortages, including limited access to and other supplies, as rebuilt its industries. Nielsen's hands-on approach focused on improving construction techniques to enhance the balls' roundness and bounce, addressing common complaints from players about irregular flight paths and rapid wear. During the 1950s, Select forged key partnerships with local sports clubs to distribute its equipment. A significant came in 1951 when the company secured an agreement with the to supply balls for national team matches, boosting credibility and sales.

Major Milestones and Innovations

Select Sport's introduction of the 32-panel in 1962 represented a pivotal in . Developed by founder Eigil Nielsen, the configuration consisted of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, ensuring superior roundness, stability, and aerodynamics compared to previous models. This became the global standard for soccer balls and was first implemented in an official match ball with Adidas's in 1970, influencing the sport's equipment for decades. In 1991, Select Sport expanded its market presence through the acquisition of Derbystar Sportartikel GmbH, a prominent German manufacturer specializing in synthetic ball production. This move strengthened Select's foothold in the German market, particularly for Bundesliga supplies, and integrated Derbystar's expertise in durable, synthetic materials, enhancing Select's portfolio of high-performance equipment. Building on early advancements like the first lace-less ball in 1951, Select continued innovating in the 1970s with synthetic leather constructions, culminating in the 1974 launch of the first hand-sewn synthetic football, which improved water resistance and durability while maintaining playability. In 1972, Select entered the handball market with the introduction of the first 32-panel . By the 2000s, the company adopted thermo-bonded technology, where panels are heat-sealed without stitches, further optimizing , reducing water absorption, and enhancing flight predictability for professional-level performance. Recent milestones underscore Select Sport's ongoing commitment to and . The company marked its 75th anniversary in 2022, reflecting on its legacy since with special edition products like the Leather Ball. In line with environmental goals, Select launched the ball series around 2022, utilizing recycled bottles for outer materials and natural bladders to minimize ecological impact while meeting standards. In 2025, Select updated its goalkeeper collection, introducing models like the 89 Women with enhanced grip and fit for professional use.

Products

Football and Futsal Equipment

Select Sport's football equipment primarily consists of high-performance balls designed for professional and competitive play, with the Brillant series serving as a line. The Brillant TB model features a 32-panel thermo-bonded , which minimizes absorption and enhances durability on wet surfaces, earning Quality Pro certification for official matches. Available in sizes 3 through 5, these balls weigh between 410-450 grams for size 5 and incorporate a diamond surface structure for improved stability and trajectory, often referred to as True Flight technology, ensuring consistent flight paths during play. The balls use a Zero-Wing with a balanced core and 4mm foam lining to provide optimal touch and air retention. In 2025, the Brillant Super line includes the match ball for the , , League Two, W League, and . For , Select Sport offers specialized low-bounce balls optimized for indoor hard-court surfaces, such as the Super Futsal TB, which adheres to Futsal Quality Pro standards with a circumference of 62.5-63.5 and weight of 410-430 grams for official size. This model employs a thermo-bonded 32-panel using material with a strong foam lining for enhanced touch and control, while a specially developed reduces rebound to promote ground play and prevent excessive bouncing. Fixed pressure is maintained via a Double-Lock valve system, making it suitable for high-level indoor competitions where quick, precise passing is essential. Complementing these balls, Select Sport provides goalkeeper gloves in its 2024 collection (updated for 2025 availability), featuring models like the 93 with Adhesion Plus palms that deliver superior grip in both wet and dry conditions through a textured surface and backing. These gloves include anatomic fit systems, spines for , and wide entry straps for secure during saves. Additionally, the company's shin guards, such as the High Safe series, incorporate ergonomic padding flexible with strong inserts for effective and extra ankle with lightweight shells contoured to the leg for comfort without restricting movement. Customization options allow clubs to personalize football and balls with team logos via in-house or full factory production, available in both thermo-bonded for professional-grade seamless finishes and hand-stitched variants for traditional feel and affordability. Building on Select Sport's historical in the 32-panel , these custom balls maintain high-quality materials while accommodating specific branding needs.

Handball Equipment

Select Sport produces a range of specialized equipment designed to meet the sport's requirements for , durability, and player safety. The company's flagship model, the , is officially approved by the (EHF) and serves as the match ball for major EHF competitions, including the . The Select Ultimate handball features a synthetic surface enhanced by a 4mm lining, which provides optimal grip and control during play, even under high-speed throws and impacts. It is hand-stitched with 32 panels for consistent roundness and balance, incorporating a patented Zero-Wing to maintain shape and liveliness throughout matches. Available in sizes 2 and 3, these s adhere to (IHF) standards: size 2 measures 54-56 cm in circumference and weighs 325-375 g, suitable for women's and youth play, while size 3 measures 58-60 cm in circumference and weighs 425-475 g for men's competitions. Complementing the handballs, Select Sport offers protective sportswear tailored for handball's physical demands, including compression shorts with integrated on the hips, thighs, and tailbone to absorb shocks from falls and collisions. These shorts, made from 80% and 20% , provide support and stability while minimizing injury risk during high-impact maneuvers. Jerseys, such as the Copenhagen long-sleeve model, utilize quick-drying, breathable fabrics to wick moisture away from the skin, ensuring comfort in intense, fast-paced games. Select Sport also manufactures official handball products, including the Profcare Resin, which is EHF-approved and used by national teams for enhanced grip on the ball's surface. Available in tubs of 100 ml, 200 ml, and 500 ml, this softer-consistency adhesive ensures precise throws by creating a strong bond between hand and ball. In 2024, Select Sport extended its with the EHF to supply resin for national teams through 2028, underscoring the product's reliability at elite levels. All Select Sport handball equipment complies with IHF regulations, guaranteeing consistent performance in official competitions, from weight and circumference specifications to material durability for prolonged use.

Accessories and Apparel

Select Sport offers a range of accessories and apparel designed to support , preparation, and logistics, emphasizing durability, functionality, and . These items complement the company's core equipment by providing practical tools for players, coaches, and s across and disciplines. Key products include bags for transport, aids for skill development, protective gear for , and apparel for performance and comfort. Bags from Select Sport are engineered for reliability during travel and storage, featuring duffle bags in three sizes with updated functional compartments, including dedicated spaces for balls and gloves, made from tough, durable materials. Team bags, available with or without wheels, facilitate group transport, while specialized bags ensure secure carrying for and days. Training aids such as marker sets, flat marker sets, slalom poles, and hurdles support drills and exercises, often bundled in packages suitable for indoor and outdoor use on grass or artificial surfaces. Additionally, tools like boards aid in sessions, and pumps with built-in hoses and pressure gauges maintain readiness. Apparel lines prioritize athlete comfort and environmental responsibility, with all clothing incorporating since 2023 as part of the company's initiative. Training kits consist of breathable, quick-drying shirts, shorts, sweatpants, jackets, and windbreakers in designs for adults and , suitable for various weather conditions. Base layers provide thermal regulation to keep players warm during sessions, while grip socks enhance foot stability and traction. Protective gear includes sports braces and supports for joints and muscles, such as ankle supports, alongside guards to mitigate impact risks in and , though mouthguards are available as general safety items without sport-specific customization.

Sponsorships

Football Sponsorships

Select Sport has established significant partnerships in football, serving as the official match ball supplier for several prominent leagues as of 2025. Through its subsidiary Derbystar, the company provides the official match ball for the and , a partnership that began in the 2018/19 season and was extended through the 2025/26 campaign. Similarly, Select supplies the (USL) with the Brillant Super USL v24 ball for the 2024–2025 seasons, following an extension announced in 2022 that secures the deal through 2025. In , Select is the official ball provider for the , , and several other top divisions including the Norwegian , Finnish , Icelandic , and Swedish . At the national and collegiate levels, Select maintains long-standing supplier agreements with key federations. The company has been the official ball supplier to the () since 1951, a that encompasses the national team and continues to support elite-level play. In the United States, Select partners with various state high school associations and collegiate organizations, including the (NAIA), where it serves as the presenting sponsor for the 2025 NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship. These agreements extend to semi-professional leagues like the (NPSL), where Select has been the official match ball sponsor since 2018. Select also collaborates with individual clubs, providing customized balls to teams within its sponsored leagues, such as FC Midtjylland in the Danish Superliga and various U.S. clubs in the NPSL and NAIA. These partnerships emphasize tailored equipment that enhances performance, with the Brillant Super series—known for its hand-stitched construction and FIFA Quality Pro certification—widely used across these affiliations. In 2025, innovations in ball design were highlighted in the USL and Bundesliga models, featuring advanced texturing for improved grip and flight consistency, which have been credited with reducing variability in gameplay and aiding player control during high-stakes matches.

Handball Sponsorships

Select Sport serves as the official match ball supplier for the European Handball Federation's (EHF) premier club competitions, including the and , marking its tenth consecutive season of partnership in 2025/26. A new ball design was unveiled in May 2025 for use in the season-ending EHF FINAL4 events and throughout the 2025/26 campaign. This agreement, extended through 2028, ensures Select's handballs are used across Europe's top club handball events for both men and women. The company is the preferred ball supplier for several national handball teams, including those of , , , , , and , with these partnerships ongoing as of 2025. Select also provides for EHF national team events under a contract extended to 2028. These arrangements support elite international play, emphasizing Select's role in equipping high-level competitions. In domestic leagues, Select supplies official match balls to the Danish, , and men's leagues, contributing to consistent equipment standards in these prominent competitions. Additionally, a new announced in July 2025 positions Select as the official ball and supplier for the German and starting from the 2026/27 season. This deal expands Select's presence in one of Europe's strongest professional markets. Prominent clubs such as and Handball utilize Select's Ultimate balls in EHF competitions and domestic play, benefiting from the balls' durable synthetic leather construction and enhanced grip features.

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