Wheelchair Power Soccer

Muddy fall at the Swamp Soccer World Championships 2009 © Rob Watkins by Aland Rob

WM 2010 Trikot kaufen

When will USA Basketball learn from US Soccer and look to the future of its sport through development of its future players? In 2003, I published an article titled Arrested Development; How US Soccer became a Role Model for USA Basketball, most of which appears here. It's now 2005, and the chasm between US Soccer and USA Basketball appears to be growing. While the NBA attempts to rid itself of some of its best players through the use of an age limit, US Soccer has expanded rosters, encouraged younger players to join its league and created an avenue for the players to train with professionals and get minutes on the field through a Reserve league. While the NBA proposes an age limit to help veteran players maintain roster spots (a flawed concept in and of itself as explained below), the MLS seeks more talent to bolster its growing league and provide competition for its burgeoning talent: “The kick-off of the new reserve division is another milestone in the League's commitment to developing new stars and world-class professionals in the United States,” said MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis. “The reserve division will be the proving ground for countless young players and will increase the competition for roster spots on every senior team in MLS.” What a concept? Competition for jobs, not guaranteed salaries! At UCLA, legendary men's volleyball coach Al Scates uses the “blue curtain” to motivate his players; basically, any player can be banished behind the curtain to play with the red shirts and walk-ons, and the players behind the curtain do not suit up for the next game. A player has to work his way back onto the main floor to play on game day. Eighteen national championships later, the curtain works. Instead of forcing LeBron James to sit through college lectures and inhibiting his development by not allowing him to work with his coaches for more than three hours per week during the off-season due to the NCAA's archaic rules, why not develop a Reserve League for NBA teams, allowing those on the end of the bench to play an abbreviated Reserve League schedule? Instead of forcing these dis-interested athletes upon universities, allow them to make some money playing professional basketball and earn their way onto the “real” team. This would be a fantastic development. Teams could play double-headers, or allow the Reserve Teams to play in nearby smaller towns. The Clippers could send its Reserve team to Orange County for games, while the Lakers could its team to the Inland Empire. The Kings could concur Reno, while Golden State could send its team to the South Bay. The Supersonics could play in Spokane and Portland in Eugene. Instead of forcing players like Ndubi Ebi and Trevor Ariza into classrooms, let them play for pay and learn the professional game on a Reserve Team. College is not for everyone; why force it upon borderline students uninterested in classes with minds totally focused on a professional basketball career? And, why allow players like Ebi to rot on the end on an NBA bench with a guaranteed contract? The Reserve League is a win-win. Players like King James have access to the League, while other players not yet ready for NBA play get paid to work on their games with professional coaches in a professional atmosphere, and universities remain educational institutions, not minor league stopovers.

from: Chayas Weblog

The Columbus Crew and Los Angeles Galaxy continue to be the top two teams in Major League Soccer. The Crew won two matches this past week while the Galaxy won without two key players who were away with the National Team. The Western Conference remains very crowde with only six points separating 2nd place and 8th place. In the Eastern Conference, DC and Philadelphia remain at the bottom and don’t appear to be playoff contenders.

Toronto FC is off to a good start and could make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history while second year franchise Seattle Sounders FC is struggling. The MLS Power Rankings for Week 9 are below and through matches completed on Sunday, May 23, 2010.

Major League Soccer 2010 Week 9 Power Rankings

  1. Columbus Crew – Two matches in one week and two victories for Columbus. They have been in great form and getting contributions from a variety of players. While Schelotto is an important player, they proved on Thursday they can win matches without him.
  2. Los Angeles Galaxy – No Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan no problem as the Galaxy won 1-0 at FC Dallas. Their defense has been superb and the biggest reason they are leading the Western Conference by 10 points.
  3. Real Salt Lake – A good win for RSL on the road as they are the highest scoring team in MLS (17 goals in 9 matches). Robbie Findley is on the final USA World Cup roster so they will need Pablo Campos and others to fill in for the next month.
  4. Houston Dynamo – The Dynamo won their 4th home match of the season as Dominic Oduro is emerging as a star in MLS. They will have Bring Ching back (who was left off USA roster) which is very good news.
  5. San Jose Earthquakes – Chris Wondolowski scored his 5th goal in 6 matches as the Earthquakes have won three of their last four matches. Frank Yallop is an early contender for MLS manager of the year but there’s still a lot of season left.
  6. Toronto FC – Preki is starting to make his mark on TFC as they won 1-0 against the Revolution Saturday. They are third in the Eastern Conference, undefeated at BMO Field, and have two clean sheets in a row.
  7. Seattle Sounders FC – Seattle are suffering the same problem as last season with only 9 goals scored in 10 matches. They are creating chances but can’t seem to convert any of them. A breakout win with 3 or 4 goals could turn things around.
  8. New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls had a great start but are becoming inconsistent. They lost 1-3 against Columbus but should get some confidence from a 3-1 win over Juventus in a friendly.
  9. Colorado Rapids – A bye week for the Rapids who play the Sounders on Saturday.
  10. FC Dallas – A 0-1 loss at the Galaxy has FCD 7th in a very crowded Western Conference.
  11. Chicago Fire – A bye week for the Fire who will play two matches in the upcoming week (RSL & a friendly match against AC Milan).
  12. Kansas City Wizards – The Wizards lost against the Crew and only has eight goals in eight matches. Excluding their first week 4-0 win over DC United, KC has scored four goals in seven matches.
  13. Chivas USA – Chivas lost their fourth match in a row and now are in last place. They will have Sacha Kljestan back (from the USA National Team camp) but will be without defender Jonathan Bornstein (will be at World Cup).
  14. New England Revoution – The Revolution did get Shalrie Joseph back for Saturday’s match against TFC but lost 0-1. Even if they get healthy, it’s not clear if the club will make the playoffs this season.
  15. Philadelphia Union – A bye week for the Union who aren’t in too bad of shape with several home matches in the second half of the season. Their only results are at home and they play 13 of their 15 home matches starting June 27th.
  16. DC United – DC already looks out of the playoff race but it is only May. There’s not much more to say than only 4 goals scored, 18 conceded, and a 1-0-8 record.

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I keep waiting for the day when the international media gets on the wagon to push for soccer progress. What I mean is that FIFA needs to change the rules of this antiquated sport. They should take the example of american sports that are so progressive. The fans are important in a way that the sport is ruled to please the spectator, the way it must be. Unfortunately soccer has been stuck in the 1800s, when it was created. Why not chronometer? All the faking and delaying the game would disapear. Suspend and fine players coachs and clubs for players deceiving the game. Goals with hands, diving etc. No player would return the ball to the goalkeeper and he would use his hands.
Marcos
3 referees, 4 linesmen with these few simple rule chages the game would be so much more enjoyable

  • The Official World Cup 2010 Jabulani Official Match Soccer Ball by adidas
  • adidas’ 11th FIFA World Cup official match ball. Designed for never before seen power, swerve and control
  • COVER: Thermally bonded PU for exceptionally true and straight flight
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adidas World Cup 2010 Jabulani Official Soccer Match Ball

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#42040 Jabulani means to celebrate in Zulu, one of the 11 languages of South Africa, and the design of the Jabulani has 11 colors to honor those 11 languages, in addition to the 11 communities of South Africa and and the 11 players on a team. The 11 colors also honor the fact that this is adidas’ 11th FIFA World Cup ball. Constructed with eight new thermally bonded, spherically shaped, 3 D EVA and TPU panels, the Japbulani is perfectly round and has been equipped … More >>

adidas World Cup 2010 Jabulani Official Soccer Match Ball

The Top 7 Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Technophobe Dad!

2010-04-24-wm-qualifikation-kanupark-markkleeberg-00146 by it-spirit

Retro Trikots

We all know that Father's Day is a brilliant chance to show your dad how much you love and appreciate him, but it brings a major dilemma with it. Men, and especially fathers, are notoriously difficult to buy for. This especially applies if your father is a technophobe because the majority of Father's Day gift ideas are electronic goods.

Well, if your dad is a technophobe and you are struggling for Father's Day gift ideas, look no further than the top 7 technophobe gifts below!

  1. A Fussball Table – This is the perfect gift for a technophobe dad because there is absolutely no technology involved. The game is fun and can be enjoyed by the whole family, especially if you happen to be competitive. It will also no doubt take him back to his youth! The cheapest ones cost as little as $50 so it is an absolute bargain too!
  2. Tickets To A Soccer/Basketball/Baseball Match – For the sporty dad, tickets to a sports event can provide a memorable experience that he will not forget for years to come. This Father's Day gift idea is difficult to top in future years but need not be expensive. Some tickets are as little as $10 a piece, although you might want to throw in a hotdog as well for good measure!
  3. A Universal Remote – No technophobe dad wants to use one remote for the TV, another for the DVD player and a third for Tivo/Sky so get him a universal remote. At $20 to $25 for a really good one, he can enjoy all of his TV shows with no difficulty at all.
  4. A Sports Car For A Day – You can now rent sports car for a couple of hours or even a whole day for upwards of $200. This is a pricey but fabulous present that could help your technophobe dad to live all of his childhood dreams and pose for a while. It's the stuff dreams are made of!
  5. Prehistoric Man Gifts – You can actually buy these on the Internet at http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/p/pre-historic_man_gifts.asp. They are hilarious cartoons that feature cavemen making jokes about inventions like the wheel. If you want to have a bit of fun with your technophobe dad and make him laugh then this is a must!
  6. A Personalized Number Plate – These would vary in price but they are very safe as far as Father's Day gift ideas are concerned. What man would not want his very own number plate for his car to show off with?
  7. The Dummies Guide To The Internet – Obvious but necessary! Your father could have hours of fun on the Internet if he knew how to use it so invest $20 and get him the book that will teach him to do just that!

Even if you do not get your father any of the above, your Father's Day gift ideas should be original and relevant if you really want to show you care. One word of advice though – avoid socks at all costs!

from: Arionnas Blog
Graegleahs Weblog
Maieles Site

You are now watching: End of Soccer Season Party 2010

This years End of Season 2010 was bigger than ever with players from all over the world flying in for this special event. Enjoy the video and feel free to make comments.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa by EA – Video Game Review

Swamp Soccer World Championships 2008 © Rob Watkins by Aland Rob

Deutschland WM 2010 Trikot billiger

FIFA 09, football has a new king.

The king to his throne! No, not a quote that goes back into the Middle Ages, but simply a fact: the FIFA series back to summit overbearing schedule of simulations and the whole football after a decade spent in the background. Already in past editions, FIFA had left a glimpse of the significant steps forward, at least in relation to the questionable quality of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.

This year, just to confirm its good intentions, FIFA 09 debuts with a bunch of content to say the least impressive, filing here and there that defect in recent editions have penalized the direct comparison with the historic rival. Now, while failing to hand Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 demo aside, we can safely say that the new production of EA Sports is the best soccer game currently available on the market for next-generation console. The PC segment, however, deserves a speech to party, addressed to the last page.

The foundations of FIFA 09 were resurrect his predecessor, but especially the chapter on transition, UEFA Euro 2008. The graphical interface, first of all, is exactly the same. The menu does not show substantial changes, as well as numerous game modes. The database is simply impressive in every single aspect, from the major leagues with anonymous Mexican groups. In-class teams, also, you can find up to age 18, each with its own characteristics. The transfer market is updated to the latest changes. In short, not lacking anything.

Game

But the real (and hold) revolution is in the gameplay. Filing where needed, Electronic Arts has managed to significantly increase the quality of his game, focusing his attention on three specific aspects: animation, collisions and physics of the balloon. A practical example is undoubtedly the management of conflicts between two players. Whether air or ground, the duels offer a real feeling of power and fragility. Similarly, all the movements resulting create situations credible and considerable visual impact. Programmers speak well of 250 improvements made to the gameplay, a number of colossal proportions, but at the same time need not to divert from a decidedly beautiful aspect of football: the variables. That's right, every action has a concentration of unexpected factors and constantly changing, which can affect the whole trend of the lots. The FIFA last generation, and a small part also 08, suffered the lack of these variables, almost always turning around to the same type of passes, shots and, most importantly, actions that will make a certain goal. With FIFA 09 – thank God – we will change the registry and the monotony of the series turns into a concentrated challenges dall'animo decidedly more realistic.

Returning to play, there are other small innovations worthy of being mentioned. First, is to reveal the introduction of an automatic control mode, which allows players to a recovery groped desperately for a ball near the line side or bottom. Meravigliatevi not, so if you see them slip to avoid a store or a corner kick. Another significant step forward was made in the pace of the game, now well faster, and in the management of passages, accurate calibrators and finally without being prisoners of animations inconsistent.

Not always perfect

FIFA has 09 in various sleeve to play, but at the same time suffer from some defects rather blatant and irritating. The rule of the benefit is one of them. The referees tend to use it very often in the course of action, but sometimes you totally forget their existence, blocking the potential dangerous actions. Another flaw, not the least, is the response time for players to input. As the gap has been significantly reduced compared to FIFA 08, some shots require a timing exaggerated, almost inhuman. For example, the blows class with the right analog stick are almost useless against the CPU, because its propensity to advances is innate. To skip the enemy, then you should burn on time, but time to move your thumb on the stick and the ball is already over between her feet.

In closing, it is strongly recommended a shift in the menu dedicated to the mentality of the team, because defenses have the bad habit of playing very high, even covering some areas of midfield and attack not their responsibility. This strange tactic default discovers a lot of the defensive zone, creating holes unbridgeable for the joy of attacking opponents, always ready to exploit the counterattack. . From this point of view, Pro Evolution Soccer boasts an enviable balance that even FIFA 09 manages to achieve.

Online with more charisma

There are three items that stand out in the cauldron: Adidas Live Season, Pro and FIFA Club 09. The first is nothing but an online database that updates weekly conditions de players taking account of reality. Ronaldinho scoring in a derby, for example, may receive an increase in some statistics. Currently, EA offers this service free for formula one championship to their choice. Any update of foreign leagues are always accessible, but if you use a credit card.

Pro mode, however, is an incentive not indifferent to the purchase of the game. This mode allows up to 20 players for a new challenge in a single game, everyone in the shoes of an individual player (goalkeepers separately). Finding a game is really easy since EA's servers have been taken literally assault. To ensure that all players choose the strongest, the names were blacked, but are equally visible positions in the field. Sure, all pointing to roles in attack. For the rest, I leave to you the pleasure of discovering the true delirium, a must for all current and future customers for FIFA 09. The third and newest addition is the Club, which allows anyone to create their own dream team by inviting their friends or any other player connected. In this mode, all the formations have the same attributes, so the only difference are the skills of individual components.

Reality? Yes, thanks!

If there is one aspect that FIFA has never been overlooked is that technical. Even when the series annaspava in a ridiculous gameplay, detailed graphics and sound industry have always governed the comparison with PES, posted on several occasions. FIFA 09 is not less but still fails to achieve the maturity that it was lawful to expect after more than two years of the new generation. Compared to FIFA 08, the leap forward is not so marked, with some stages really rich with detail.

As anticipated at the beginning, the PC version of FIFA 09 is not exactly like their counterparts for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Needless to turn around too, the game is ugly, but quite ugly. The graphics engine, although it was slightly improved compared to last year (increase of details, higher resolution, more realistic faces) does not embrace modern technology, suffering excessively comparison with the other versions. We could almost say that I find in front of a PlayStation 2 version rather than an enhanced PlayStation 3 version depotenziata, which is saying. The gameplay does not benefit from changes introduced in the last two years, annaspando between ridiculous and unacceptable. Unfortunately for us, however, the ridiculous almost always has the upper hand. Online, the speech improves slightly, except that the mode Pro 10 versus 10 is simple utopia.

Needless rages further. FIFA 09 on PC, as it is offered, has no reason to exist. but compared to how it has evolved the series on console are we really in another era, prehistoric unfortunately.

from: Cougars Blog
Consolatas Blog

LEEDS – Leeds United secured automatic promotion to the Coca-Cola Championship after a tense final day in League One.
With Norwich already promoted as champions, the permutations for who could join them in winning automatic promotion were vast, with five teams in with a shout. Three points separated second-placed Leeds and sixth-placed Huddersfield before kick-off, with Millwall, Swindon and Charlton the other sides guaranteed at least a play-off place.
Leeds came from behind a man and a goal to beat Bristol Rovers 2-1 and join the Canaries in returning to the Football League’s top tier thanks to second-half strikes from Jonny Howson and Jermaine Beckford.
Millwall beat Swindon 3-2 to finish third and set up a play-off meeting with Huddersfield, who lost 2-1 at Exeter.
The Robins will meet Charlton in the play-offs after the Addicks’ 2-0 win at Oldham secured fourth place.
At the other end of the table, Gillingham joined Stockport, Southend and Wycombe in being relegated to League Two after a 3-0 loss to the Wanderers.

Popularity: unranked

The Championship play-offs kick off this weekend. We'll take a closer look at the matches later in the week.

First of all, Nobes takes a look at the four teams fighting it out for a place in next season's Premier League.

Final top of the table:

………………………..P…..GD…..PTS
1. Newcastle……….46…..55……102
2. West Brom………46…..41…….91

——————————————–
3. Nottm. Forest…..46…..25…….79
4. Cardiff……………46…..19…….76

5. Leicester…………46…..16…….76

6. Blackpool………..46…..16…….70

——————————————–
7. Swansea…………46……3……..69


Nottingham Forest

Story of the season:

After narrowly avoiding the drop last term, Forest have been rejuvenated under the wily Billy Davies.

An expensive summer rebuilding job took time to settle in, but the team went on a 20-match unbeaten run from September to January lifting them right into the automatic promotion mix.

Ultimately, they were unable to last the pace with Newcastle and West Brom, but comfortably took 3rd place.

Manager:

Billy Davies kept up his proud record of never finishing outside the top six in the Championship when in charge for a full season. The 45-year-old is now embarking on his fourth play-off campaign.

He twice lost with Preston, in the 2005 final and 2006 semis, and was promoted with Derby through the play-offs in 2007.

A passionate Scot, he is known for his attention to detail on the training ground and fiery temperament on the touchline. Tactically very shrewd.

Strength:

Forest have turned the City Ground into a fortress. They have lost just three times on home soil and are unbeaten there since September – a run of 19 matches.

They've also conceded just 13 goals at home this season, including keeping clean sheets in nine of their last ten City Ground contests.

The experience of manager Davies in play-off situations must also count in their favour.

Weakness:

Davies's men were the last professional team to be unbeaten away from home this season. However, after going 13 games without defeat on the road, they've failed to win any of their last 11 away matches.

Having finished third, Forest will also have pressure on them – and expectations will be high that they can improve upon their disappointing play-off record and return to the top flight.

Key players:

Forest have conceded just 40 goals in their 46 games, and have an excellent defensive unit – including keeper Lee Camp . His performances this season have led to him being suggested for the England World Cup squad.

He's also taken as captain after a long-term injury to influential midfield man Paul McKenna.

That also increases the importance of winger Paul Anderson. The former Liverpool man has shown glimpses of pure quality this term and his pace can electrify any encounter.

Powerful and pacy striker Dexter Blackstock – who's found the back of the net 14 times this season – could also play an important role.

Play-off history:

Forest have appeared in the play-offs twice – losing in the semi finals both times.

In 2002/3, under Paul Hart, they lost to Sheffield United 5-4 over the two legs in the Championship play-offs.

In 2006/7, Colin Calderwood's Forest team threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 5-2 in the second leg to Yeovil in the League One play-offs.

Top flight pedigree

Unbelievably, promotion to the Premier League would see Forest make their first appearance in the top flight since 1999.

The former English and European Champions were constant members of the top flight during the '80s and most of the '90s.

They have fallen on harder times recently – including a three year spell in League One – but can still legitimately claim to be at home in the Premier League.

Cardiff City

Story of the season:

One of the pre-season favourites for the top six, Cardiff have, for once, lived up to their billing and consistently held down a play-off spot this term.

They missed out on the top six by the narrowest of margins on the final day last season. However, this time they have put off-field financial worries aside and shown greater resilience.

Rarely out of the top six, they have shown the typical attacking flair and quality associated with their play to take 4th.

Manager:

Dave Jones has been in charge in the Welsh capital for five seasons, and has finally taken them into the play-offs.

The Scouser has experience in the end of season lottery – taking Wolverhampton Wanderers into the play-offs twice – winning them the second time around.

At 53, he is the oldest manager in the play-offs, and likes to encourage his team to play good football and entertain.

Strength:

Quite simply, on their day, Cardiff have the ability to score plenty of goals and beat anyone in the division.

They hit Derby and Bristol City for six, and scored four past Sheffield United, Scunthorpe, Watford, Peterborough, and play-off opponents Leicester.

A rich array of attacking quality up-front, in midfield, and out wide makes containing them a difficult prospect.

Weakness:
Even with them making the top six this term, Cardiff have still shown the kind of brittleness associated with previous campaigns.

Throwing away a 4-0 lead at struggling Peterborough was typical of their ability to squander good positions. A willingness to play good football can often lead them to being exposed at the back too.

Key players:

With Cardiff's attacking emphasis, striker Michael Chopra can always be guaranteed good service and plenty of opportunities. He's found the back of the net 19 times.

City's top scorer though is actually midfielder Peter Whittingham . The left winger and dead-ball specialist has notched up an outstanding 23 goals for the Bluebirds this term.

At the back, summer signing from Walsall, Anthony Gerrard, has matured into an excellent centre back whose presence at the back will be important if Cardiff are to prosper.

Play-off history:

This may be Cardiff's first time in the Championship play-offs, but they've appeared twice in the end of season lottery in the lower leagues.

In 1996/7 they lost out to Northampton in the League Two play-offs in the semi finals.

However, they had more success in League One in 2003. After seeing off Severnside rivals Bristol City in the semis, they defeated QPR in the final to seal promotion to the Championship.

Top flight pedigree:

Cardiff have never played in the Premier League. Indeed, it's been 48 years since City appeared in the top flight of English football.

During the '80s and '90s, City struggled along in the lower two tiers before winning promotion to the Championship in 2003.

That's where they have remained ever since – flirting with the play-offs on occasions and holding down a comfortable mid-table position.


Leicester City

Story of the season:

The Foxes were last season's League One winners, and have continued their form this term as they have mounted a second successive promotion campaign.

They've never dropped lower than 10th, and were always in the running for the play offs.

A run of four straight defeats late on threatened their top six position, but City recovered to win their last five games and secure 5th spot.

Manager:

Nigel Pearson has been the architect of Leicester's renaissance after taking charge of the club in 2008.

City walked away with the League One title in his first season at the helm, and the step-up in division hasn't stopped them from continuing the same impressive form.

A talented coach, he has marshalled a team who work very hard and are well organised. His record in the transfer market has also been very good.

Strength:

A side with an excellent work ethic and organisation, who have the ability to play good football, but also deal with the physical side of the game.

Leicester also have a group of players who are used to winning and have developed a great team spirit and unity over the past two years.

Five successive wins also means they come into the play-offs in good form.

Weakness:

Pearson is the only one of the four managers to have never experienced play-off football before. Can he prepare his side for the mental battle ahead in dealing with the pressure?

Given their form, winning mentality, play-off history, and impressive home record, it could be argued too that Leicester are the favourites. Can they handle that title?

Key Players:

Joint top scorer Matty Fryatt is returning from injury and is always a reliable source of goals for the Foxes – particularly in key games where chances may be few and far between.

Midfield man Richie Wellens has been a steadying presence on the ball for City this term and has the vision and guile that may be needed to open up a tight encounter.

Andy King has had another excellent season – getting into double figures in the scoring charts.


Play-off history:

Leicester are looking to make it a hat-trick of promotions via the Championship play-offs.

They've actually made the play-offs five times, losing the 1992 final to Blackburn and the 1993 final to Swindon.

However, they were finally promoted in the 1994 final under Brian Little after beating local rivals Derby County 2-1.

Two years later, and this time under Martin O'Neill, they were 2-1 victors over Crystal Palace at Wembley to gain promotion again.

Top flight pedigree:

After promotion in 1994, Leicester were instantly relegated but bounced back at the first attempt. That heralded the start of six successive seasons in the top flight before relegation in 2002.

They once again bounced back at the first time of asking, but were immediately relegated. Before this season, they've rarely looked like returning to the Premier League, and even suffered relegation to League One in 2008.

Blackpool

Story of the season:

The surprise package of the Championship. Despite having one of the smallest budgets and crowds in the division, the Seasiders have been a revelation.

They made a solid start to the season, without ever looking like top six challengers. However, by Christmas, they were firmly in the play off race.

An inconsistent spell at the start of 2010 left them five points off the play-offs with eight to play.

Six wins from seven saw them edge out Swansea on the penultimate weekend and a last day draw secured them 6th and the final play-off berth.

Manager:

After a disastrous tenure at Leicester, Ian Holloway has rebuilt his reputation with Blackpool.

Tipped to struggle before a ball had been kicked, the popular Bristolian was backed in the transfer market – including the signing of midfielder Charlie Adam for £500,000.

After a reputation for producing effective if dour sides at Plymouth and QPR, Holloway has the Tangerines playing an attractive, adventurous style of play which has won as many plaudits as points.

Strength:

They are massive underdogs. Nobody expected Blackpool to be in the play-offs, and their hopes looked dead and buried a couple of months ago.

They now come into the play-offs in good form and have turned Bloomfield Road into a difficult place for opponents to visit – only faiing to score once at home all season.

They will also be pleased with facing Forest – they are the only side to do the 'double' over the East Midlands side this term.

Weakness:

How much more can they give? Holloway has overachieved getting Pool this far – can they continue their fairytale over two legs in the pressure cooker environment of the play-offs?

They've also lost more games away from home than any other top six side – and must travel for the all-important second leg.

Key players:

The driving force behind Pool's play-off charge has been former Rangers man Charlie Adam . With 17 goals and numerous assists to his name this term, he will be vital to any hope they have of promotion.

Keeper Matt Gilks has taken over as the Number 1 at Bloomfield Road. An excellent shot stopper, he may be called upon regularly in the play-offs.

Veteran striker Brett Ormerod – in his second spell at the club – has been in typically good scoring form with 12 goals over the campaign. His goals could be key again.


Play-off history:

The Seasiders are appearing in the play-offs for the sixth time and have had a mixed bag of results.

They lost the 1991 League Two final to Torquay on penalties, but 12 months later were victorious at the same stage on spot kicks against Scunthorpe.

Their next taste of the play-offs came in 1996, where Sam Allardyce's Blackpool threw away a 2-0 first leg advantage to lose to Bradford 3-2 in the semis.

In 2001, they were promoted from League Two via the play-offs under Steve McMahon after a 4-2 win over Leyton Orient in the final.

Most recently, they gained promotion to the Championship after beating Yeovil 2-0 in the 2007 final to win the League One play-offs under Simon Grayson.

Top flight pedigree:

Promotion to the Premier League would be a first for Blackpool. The Lancashire team haven't played in the top flight of English football since 1971.

Since then, they've tumbled all the way down to the lower reaches of the basement division and, before their 2007 promotion to the Championship, yo-yoed between the bottom two divisions in the Football League.

We'll have an in-depth look at the two Championship play-off ties later in the week.

Tuesday, one of the most popular sports videogame series renews with 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

The Guinness World Records 2010 Gamer's Edition (yes there is a “world book” for videogaming) has highlighted some soccer records.

  • Best-Selling Soccer Franchise: FIFA (EA, 1993 to present) EA has shipped more than 65 million copies, well ahead of Konami's PES (48 million). PES, however, debuted in 2001, eight years after FIFA.
  • Largest Multiplayer Sports Game: FIFA 09 (EA, 2008) Allowing up to 20 gamers to play a match together, EA's FIFA 09 can accommodate more players than any other sports game. In online 10-versus-10 matches, each player assumes one of the 10 outfield positions on his team and plays there for the duration of the game. The only player not available is the goalkeeper.
  • Fastest-Selling Title in the FIFA Series: FIFA 09 (EA, 2008) EA's FIFA 09 sold 1.2 million copies in the game's first week of release in October 2008.
  • First Videogame to be Licensed by a Soccer Club for Recruiting Purposes: Football Manager 2009 (SEGA, 2008) In November 2008, the English Premier League's Everton Football Club signed a deal with game developer Sports Interactive to make use of the Football Manager 2009 database. Everton wanted to use the database to help with the scouting of new players, making the game the first to be officially used by a major soccer club for recruiting purposes.
  • Most Real-Life Players to Appear in a Sports Game: Football Manager 2009 (SEGA, 2008) When Sports Interactive and SEGA released Football Manager 2009in November 2008, it featured over 5,000 playable clubs from over 50 countries, and at least 370,000 players and staff from around the world. Sports Interactive believes it has accurately predicted the rise of several world soccer stars, including Argentinean Lionel Messi.
  • Longest-Running Soccer Series: Championship Manager (Eidos, 1992 to present) Management-focused soccer game Championship Manager has enjoyed an unbroken run of annual updates since its first release on September 1, 1992, a year before EA launched the FIFA series.
  • First Soccer Game to Use the “Stadium” Viewpoint: NASL Soccer (Mattel Electronics, 1982) The first soccer videogame to offer a side-on, or “stadium”, viewpoint was Mattel's pioneering NASL Soccer, which arrived on the Atari 2600 in 1982. This viewpoint has since become the default perspective for many of the leading action-focused soccer games, including the two genre-defining series FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer.

One of the most fascinating aspects of soccer is its formula for declaring a champion. In no other sport (mind you I come from an American sports background) can a match that pits the team at the top of the league versus a middle-of-the-pack team be the game that goes further than any other in determining that season’s champion.  Chelsea vs Bolton (left), for all the marbles.  Who knew?  But that is what makes the EPL and all soccer leagues so enthralling, because such a tepid-looking fixture at the start of the season can prove to be a title-deciding match, creating gripping drama where one expected little.

Warning:  American sports will be discussed below!

Here in the U.S., all major sports run a regular season of various lengths in which teams must qualify for a post-season playoff tournament, the winner of which is crowned champion of the sport.  So ingrained is the obsession with this so-called “second season” in each sport that to set up a round-robin style system akin to soccer would be tantamount to blasphemy in the American sports landscape.  So much so that even our only major soccer league (MLS) utilizes a qualification-for-playoffs format to determine its champion, which is certainly laughed at by the rest of the footballing world.

Certainly, playoff formats yield heart-stopping drama that any sports fan craves, for once in the playoffs your team is one loss away from season over, which sets up pulsating action whether in a one-off format (NFL), or a best-of, series-based format (NBA, NHL, MLB).  In fact, most of the greatest sporting contests in American history have been during playoff season, as the tension is at its highest, and where every play and every call are magnified to an absurd degree, creating talking points that can span decades.

As an American, I would never want to witness an attempt to replace our current model for determining champions.  Playoff season is a yearly rite of passage, it is a part of who we are:  rooting for the underdog, leveling the playing field, and forcing elite teams to earn their stripes by grinding their way through a “second season” to win a title.  And, frankly, the NFL playoffs are my favorite time of year.

But soccer’s format, which sets all teams on equal footing throughout the season by having each club play every other club in the league twice (once at home and once away), is the fairest and best system for determining a league’s best team over the course of a season, which is what each sporting league’s champion should unarguably be.

American sports fans have long seen upstart, yet largely inferior, teams run the table and win the championship because of the “crapshoot” nature of the playoff format.  Take for example the NFL’s 2007 New York Giants.  Here is a team that played inconsistently throughout the season, losing their first two games, then reeling off six wins in a row, then ending their season winning four and losing four.  Against teams that qualified for the playoffs, the Giants went a paltry 2 wins, 5 losses.  But their season was good enough to get them into the playoff tournament, where they shockingly knocked off the top-seeded Dallas Cowboys and second-seeded Green Bay Packers to reach the Super Bowl.  There, they faced arguably the greatest team in NFL history, the New England Patriots.  The Patriots had just gone undefeated in the regular season (a perfect 16-0 record), only the second time that had been achieved in league history.  The record aside, the Patriots were ruthless, with an offense that could score at will, and a ball-hawking defense that forced timely turnovers.  Yet, remarkably, the vastly overachieving Giants pulled off arguably the biggest upset in American sports history, defeating the invincible Patriots 17-14 to become NFL champs.

Wheelchair Power Soccer

Swamp Soccer World Championships Finland 2008 © Rob Watkins 2008 by Aland Rob

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Effective coaching of youth soccer teams can be daunting to new soccer coaches and even seasoned coaching pros have their moments. It is not an easy task to get a bunch of wild kids to play in harmony without having a nervous breakdown, never mind putting together a winning team.

Take it from me, it is not as difficult to be a winning coach as many folks think. You can have practices that the kids will enjoy and games in which you win most of the time. In my twenty-plus years of coaching youths from ages 5 to 16 in both travel and recreational soccer, my teams have never come in less than second place and most of the time we were the champions and there were no superstars that carried the teams, just regular players just like on your team. I say all this not to boast, I'm not the most skilled coach around, but to illustrate that you, as an adult, can get your kids to win. You don't need superstars. You just need team players and the right method to get them to play together. A well organized team will always outperform a team with merely a superstar or two.

The one strategy that has produced teams of well playing youths involves their self-esteem. My success with soccer kids stems from my one-on-one time with them and treating them like individuals and great achievers. I make each one feel important and explain exactly how he or she contributes to the team. I also let them know that I expect them to make mistakes because that is how you grow and that means that you are trying new and better things.

Sometime throughout our normal practices and then reinforced at every game, I take one of the kids to the side with my arm around their shoulders and say something like, ” You know, John, I've been watching you and I think that you are one of the best forwards I have ever seen”. And I say a few more words about their abilities and walk him or her back to the others as practice continues. I do this with each player, maybe one per practice or so, so that it is not a noticeable thing.

A very simple thing, but the effects are astounding. I can actually feel the youngsters' confidence rise dramatically as their bodies straighten, their heads are held high, and there is a spring in their step. You can even see an immediate improvement in their performance when they rejoin the practice. One by one these kids get an elevated sense of themselves as good soccer players and that is reflected on the field. As a team, I tell them that they are all winners and my job is to merely put them in the positions where they can do their best. And they do. And when they win, their self-esteem rises even more.

Yes, I know that some of you are thinking that winning isn't everything, but it is something and that is the whole purpose of the game. If you are not playing to win, why play? At the 5 and 6 year old level this does not hold so true, but after that, kids are playing to win and the more they win, each and every kid is part of that achievement and feels a certain pride that helps build their character.

As far as soccer skills training goes, you only need to concentrate on the basics. The kids will pick up little moves here and there as they grow and play against top players. You can find a lot of helpful coaching information online in that regard. One of my favorite websites is http://www.SoccerCountry.com where you can also find other soccer resources. There are easy to understand explanations of all that you will need to know and implement.

So, as a soccer coach, your job is to help build self-esteem and confidence to win soccer games and the best way to do that is to let them know that they are great soccer players and without each and every one of them, the team will not win. When they feel valuable, they become valuable. And you as a coach will have the greatest of times right along with those kids on the pitch.

Ciao for now,
Bernie Rosellen
“Soccer From The Pitch”

About the author:
Bernie Rosellen has been involved with soccer his whole life. He coaches youth soccer and is an active player on adult soccer teams in the Richmond, VA area. He has been playing soccer for over twenty years and writes articles as “Soccer From The Pitch” and provides content for http://www.SoccerCountry.com.

from: Aidans Blog

When Liverpool takes the field next season not only will they be sporting a new title sponsor, but they will also be wearing updated jerseys. Standard Charter has taken over for long standing Liverpool title sponsor, Carlsberg beer. The all red Liverpool home jersey and kit is set to launch May 6th, but we haven't heard a date on the away or 3rd kit as of yet. Pictures on the Internet are showing us that the away kit will be white with red pin stripes, while the 3rd kit will continue to be black. Check out some images of the new jerseys below…

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Throughout the years of apartheid soccer gave the people of South Africa hope and a since of excitement when there was little to be excited about. Soccer withstood apartheid,

With the first non-white soccer association being formed in 1903 (SA Indian Football Association) the SA Bantu Football Association was formed in 1933 and the SA Colored Football Association in 1936. After official Apartheid laws went into effect in 1948 these teams were denied funding and facilities yet they continued to play amongst themselves. On December 8, 1991 (following the fall of apartheid in 1990) the South African Football Association was formed on non-racial principles.

Soccer is the most popular sport in South Africa with a victory for a national team considered a victory for the country. On the day of his inauguration in 1994 Nelson Mandela left the official celebration to attend a soccer game between South Africa and Zambia. He was introduced to both teams during the half time break. In July 2007 thousands attended a game that was organized by FIFA to celebrate his 89th birthday at Newlands Stadium.

Now nine South African cities are gearing up to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament for the first time ever. The tournament will be held in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Pretoria. South Africa will renovate 5 existing stadiums and build 5 new stadiums in preparation for the most important event in international soccer. You can see the 10 stadiums by clicking here.

The history of the tournament dates back to 1930 with teams from Africa participating since 1934.Cameroon's upset of Argentina in the 1990 world cup finals brought Africa onto the world stage of soccer. Now the time has come for South Africa to host the game they have loved for so long. With an estimated 2.7 million spectators and an additional 28 billion watching on television when the finals are shown the eyes of the world will truly be on South Africa.

Between the roaring crowds, thrills and goals fans may wish to visit some of the other attractions that South Africa has to offer. South Africa offers a diverse combination of people cultures and natural beauty. For the more frugal travelers South Africa may be one of the cheapest vacation destinations in the world according to SouthAfrica.info website.

Some of the attractions fans may wish to visit are Victoria Falls, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Victoria Falls offers white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Visitors can also go horseback riding and take guided walking safaris.

Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are among the world's best wild life reserves, with over 30 South African National Parks to choose from this is sure to be a nature lovers paradise. South Africa offers a variety of Day Tours as well as scuba diving, shark diving, surfing and hiking.

South Africa's time has come and so has yours, be sure to enjoy all that they have to offer in 2010.

from: Beths Weblog
Audreanas Site

In our list of promotions yesterday, we neglected to mention the Wizards’ team poster giveaway for their home game this Saturday. The first 5,000 fans through the gate receive a 2010 team picture courtesy of Sprint.  The Wizards will host the Galaxy this weekend.

In England, the All England Club has announced that it will not show World Cup games during the Wimbledon tennis championship this year.  There will be a number of tennis/soccer conflicts including England’s third group stage game.  Tournament organizers are concerned that if the soccer matches are broadcast inside the grounds at Wimbledon, it will detract from the tournament. One of the big business questions is if the refusal to air these games will impact attendance and concessions at the All England Club.

MLS Rumors is reporting that the WNBA is following soccer’s lead by putting advertisers on the front of their jerseys. The Seattle Storm will now wear “bing” on the front of their uniforms joining the Sounders in the Microsoft family.  For now, such sponsorships are not yet in the picture for the “major” sports.  However, as attendance stagnates and player salaries rise, its is quite likely that other sports and teams will look to front of their jerseys for revenue.

BY SHAWN FRANCIS

When Red Bull GmbH purchased Anschutz Entertainment Group’s 50 percent stake in Red Bull Arena in July of 2007 it was widely reported that the two sides could not agree on issues of stadium design and purpose. AEG’s desire for a multipurpose concert facility with a permanent stage wasn’t to Red Bull’s taste, which was for a true soccer venue without a fixed platform. In parting ways with AEG the Austrian company and it’s MLS team also parted ways with one significant source of revenue but appear to be turning another revenue stream into a river: soccer.

With today’s announcement by Manchester City that they, along with Sporting Lisbon and Tottenham Hotspur, will face the Red Bulls in the New York Football Challenge it becomes increasingly clear that Red Bull eschewed a part-time job in the concert business for a career in the soccer business. Instead of augmenting the venue’s MLS schedule with 4-6 concerts a year, the club has opted to book international & club friendlies as well as collegiate soccer in it’s place; so far Red Bull Arena has hosted Brazilian side Santos with matches featuring Juventus, Turkey, Czech Republic and the Big East Championships soccer tournament already on the books in addition to the New York Football Challenge.

By focusing on soccer in place of moonlighting in live music, Red Bull New York and Red Bull Arena can position themselves as the heart & hub of professional soccer in the New York market –a feat the franchise has struggled mightily with in the past– and prevent the wear and tear on it’s precious grass field that standing concert crowds are notorious for dishing out at the Home Depot Center and Pizza Hut Park. But most importantly they can make money, which at the end of the day is the name of the game.

cuando digo cambio radical me refiero a nuevos movimientos , cesped mas real,que no parezcan robots,diferente forma de chutar y pasar y licencia de todas la ligas europeas y extranjeras.A parte el ultimo pro aburria, no habia emocion,como en anteriores.Cuando vas recto por ejemplo hacia la linia de puerta no puedes chutar no hay potencia en el esferico.AHH Y “OGmex” QUE PRETENDIAS hacerte el gracioso con lo del waterpolo y campos de arena? o simplemente para quedar bien?

  • Made from the same elements as a soccer ball
  • One-size-fits-all
  • Unique elastic soccer ball bead closure

Product Description
Show off your favorite team by wearing this stylish officially licensed soccer bracelet from GameWear. Each bracelet is made from same elements as a soccer ball and is boldly emblazoned with the team logo and colors. Bracelets are one-size-fits-all and have a unique elastic soccer ball bead closure. Available in multiple styles and sports!… More >>

Philadelphia Union Classic Soccer Bracelet

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