Spalding adds "rookie" line for young children

Spalding, the Springfield-based sporting goods brand, said today it is introducing Spalding Rookie Gear, a line of youth-sized basketballs, footballs, and soccer balls that weigh 25 percent less than standard youth products.

The line is engineered for children 8 and under, and it is "designed so kids can shoot, rebound, kick, and throw more easily and successfully, and with better form," said Spalding, which added the Rookie Gear line is set to arrive in sporting goods stores this week.

(In the photo above, Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce and some young friends show off some products from the new Spalding line.)

In a statement about the brand's new line aimed at young children, Bob Llewellyn, Spalding's director of consumer marketing, said in a statement: “We want kids to enjoy, embrace, and achieve early success in sports. Spalding Rookie Gear is all about keeping young athletes 'in' the game because playing with a lighter ball builds confidence, enables sound fundamental skills, and keeps a child active. The end result is making sports more fun to play.”

Spalding is a division of Russell Corp.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)