It's a piece of sporting history with its roots firmly in Huddersfield.
And when the new soccer season kicks off this weekend, the name Mitre will be in the frame once again.
The company - founded in Huddersfield almost 200 years ago - has been chosen to supply the matchball for Football League games.
The Delta Hyperseam, described by the firm as the most technologically advanced football ever produced, has today been unveiled as The Football League’s official match ball for the 2015/16 season.
The new ball marks a renewed partnership deal that will see Mitre Sports International continue as Official Ball Supplier of The Football League for the next four years.
Football fans around the world will get a first view of the Mitre Delta Hyperseam as Nottingham Forest travel to Brighton and Hove Albion in the opening game of the Sky Bet Football League season on Friday.
Huddersfield Town will use one when they kick off their season at Hull City’s KC Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The ball will feature in 1,656 matches across the Sky Bet Championship, League 1 and League 2. All 72 Football League teams will play home fixtures with a customised version of the ball featuring club logos and colours. Bespoke editions of the ball will be used for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and the Capital One Cup which kicks off on Tuesday 12th August.
Jon Godden, managing director at Mitre Sports International, said: “We are delighted to announce our continued partnership with The Football League. Together we have a strong history; Mitre has been the Official Ball Supplier for the League for over 40 years. We look forward to continuing our shared passion for the game and, through the new Delta Hyperseam football, will continue to provide the teams with the very latest football innovation and technology.”
Mitre is the worlds oldest sports brand. The British sportswear and equipment supplier is based in England and owned by the Pentland Group.
It was back in 1817 that Benjamin Crook opened his tannery in Huddersfield, giving his own name to the company he founded.
The company moved to premises at Bay Hall, Birkby, and remained there for many decades.
By 1949 the name changed to “Mitre”, producing footballs and rugby balls for clubs all over the world and in 1959 Mitre expanded into cricket, soft leather and bags. Sports footwear followed a year later.
Former Huddersfield Town and Manchester United footballer Denis Law became the first official Mitre spokesman in 1964.
