The Fact File
soccer sock invented by James and Ahmad Manning.
The Shock Sock padding allows the player to maintain complete control of their touch and feel for the ball. Today's soccer cleats fit closer and are more lightweight (for higher performance) than ever. Soccer cleats today are designed for speed. They aren't designed for protection and as a result, players are more prone to these types of foot injuries. The Shock Sock gives the wearer the confidence and satisfaction of feeling protected without hindering full motion.
The padding is
4mm in thickness (which is thinner than wearing
two pair of socks) allowing for a snug fit
inside of the cleat. The Shock Sock is designed
to be lightweight with low bulk and is
constructed with lightweight materials and the
complete product weights an ounce.
About Shocksock - 2011 "Product of the Year" Award Winners
James is an assistant coach at the University of Connecticut, USA and primarily works with the goalkeepers this season. In addition to his coaching duties, Manning is a recent graduate from the Neag School of Education where he received his bachelor's degree in Coaching & Administration.
Manning began his coaching career in 1999 at his alma mater Farmington High School.
After 6 seasons as the freshmen coach at Farmington, he coached varsity boys soccer at East Windsor High School. James is currently the JV Coach at The Watkinson School in West Hartford, Conn. and is a staff member for the Premier Club FSA SoccerPlus in Farmington, Conn. In 2005, James was the head coach for the Boys U-15 Olympic Development Program. He currently holds a USSF "D" license and a NSCAA license.
As a player, Manning was a standout performer for Farmington High School. He then played two years at Champlain College in Burlington, Vt. where he earned First Team All-Region honors, as well as the Offensive Player of the Year award in 1996. He then transferred to Central Connecticut in 1997 for his final two collegiate years. Manning moved onto professional soccer, playing in the A-League, first for the Western Mass. Pioneers in 1999, then as a member of the Connecticut Wolves from 2000-01.
Manning currently resides in Farmington, Conn.
Ahmad Manning
Ahmad Manning is an assistant coach at Sienna College.New York, USA. He helped guide Siena to its best season in 10 years and a spot in the MAAC Tournament in 2008. Manning is the first assistant to head coach Gareth Elliott, helps in the day-to-day operations of the program and recruits domestically and internationally.
Manning was integral in recruiting 2009 MAAC Rookie of the Year Emery Welshman who led the team in scoring with six goals and 15 points.
Manning is currently Director of the Starting 11 Training Academy and a technical staff member for Black Watch Premier FC in Albany.
A native of West Hartford, Conn. by way of Rochester N.Y., Manning enjoyed a stellar four year playing career from 1998-2002 at the University of Rhode Island. A midfielder with the Rams, Manning started all four years alongside Elliott (forward) as the pair teamed up for two Atlantic 10 Tournament Championships (1999, 2000), two NCAA Tournament appearances (1999-Second Round; 2000-Round of 16), and three consecutive regular season championships (1999-2001).
Manning also achieved a pair of Atlantic 10 All-Academic Team nominations (1998, 1999) and was twice named to the Atlantic 10 All-Conference Team (2000, 2001).
Following his collegiate playing career, Manning starred for three years in the professional ranks, competing for the United Soccer League's Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2005) and Western Mass Pioneers (2007). Manning also played for the prestigious FC METZ of the French League (2006) as well as the Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew (2006).
Manning carries a USSF "C" license and a NSCAA National Diploma.
Manning also has coaching experience with FSASoccerPlus as a head coach in the development U-12 league, serving alongside former U.S. Women's National Team World Cup winning head coach Tony DiCicco.
Manning earned his bachelor's degree in business management in 2002.