EAT SOCCER

Women’s soccer In Japan Receives Boost from Toyota

2011-10-21T06:15:00.000-07:00

Automotive car giant, Toyota Motor Corporation has signed on to become the official sponsor of the Japan Women’s Football League. The agreement, which began this month, will be active until March 2013. As the official sponsor of the Nadeshiko League, the collective name of the Plenus National League and Plenus Challenge League, Toyota Motor Company’s name will be front and center when Arsenal Ladies makes its first appearance in Japan against the Nadeshiko League champions in the Toyota Vitz Cup on November 30th.

UK's Lawrence Appleby Gives Tips to Scouting Hopefuls

2011-10-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Lawrence Appleby has seen his share of football clubs. From scouting for Hereford United FC during their Welsh FA Cup winning year to serving as joint manager at Morepth with ex-Premier player Trev Benjamin, Appleby’s career inside the world of football has been filled with adventure and wisdom.

This season you can find him scouting for a number of lower division clubs. Even with his breadth of experience, he is still faced with his most difficult task-finding the right players at the right price.

For those players who dream to follow in Appleby’s footsteps, he has offered the following advice:

• Start watching games, of all levels, as many times as you can each week
• Watch individual players and watch teams (their formations etc.)
• Learn to take thorough notes. Appleby’s match reports are usually 10 pages long full report on all aspects of opponents, formation, set pieces etc
• In his player reports, he includes height/weight, details on passing, tackling and dribbling. He provides the statistics on number of good passes against bad passes in a game, their coverage of the field, and their position in looking for the ball. However in the end, Appleby finds a good player always stands out.
• Must be able to study the match without being distracted
• When watching players: If you see a good player in a game, watch him play multiple times. Talk to the coach and manager. Then mention the player’s name or stand next to bench and say something like, “They always take short passes.” Eventually, you will make contacts.

Turkish Men Behaving Badly: League Punishes Male Fans

2011-10-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to promote a more nonviolent,family friendly atmosphere, the Turkish league has banned male soccer fans from attending matches this past weekend. In their place, women and boys under the age of 16 were allowed to cheer on their favorite clubs for free. To read more of the story, click here.

Are there any other events, you think men should be given a timeout? Weigh in. We would love to hear your thoughts!

T&T Highlanders FC Has 3 Keys to Successful Season

2011-08-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

All around the globe, soccer clubs are nearing the end of their pre-season and looking towards the 2011-2012 campaign. Trinidad’s 1st division club, T&T Highlanders FC is no different. We profiled them earlier this year in an installment of the Eat Soccer News Page. This is the first year for the T&T Highlanders, and we caught up with their owner, James Baird to find out more about their 3 ingredients for success this season.

No club can begin to function successfully without funding. Since our last report, the club has secured Lensyl Products Limited, a privately owned, international soft furnishings manufacturer, as its major sponsor. According to Baird, “We really owe a lot to Justin Lall and the Lensyl team for helping T&T Highlanders FC to get off on the right foot financially.”

Secondly, Baird has been tapping his network of contacts to provide international opportunities for top players from his 1st team. Sean Aberdeen is a talented attacking midfielder/striker who came to the club from current pro league side Joe Public. With a track record as a very quick and reliable striker, there is interest in him going to an American university this fall. Another attacking midfielder/winger, Jabari Raphael came to the club from local side Valtrin United. Raphael’s talents have generated interest in him trialing with a few European clubs in the not-so-distant future.

Lastly, the club is discovering quality players in through its academy program. As detailed by Baird, “We have two 15 year old players, Kyron Glasgow and Gehorkey Nunes, who have been promoted to the first team squad. They are both talented wingers, and if they continue to improve, they will make excellent professionals.”

This formula seems to have the T&T Highlanders off to a solid start. A recent pre-season match against local side Sparta FC yielded a 5-3 victory, with Jason Patron scoring 3 and Sean Aberdeen scoring 2 for the club.
To follow the progress of the T&T Highlanders, click here.

Fiesta Georgia Features Youth Soccer Tourney

2011-07-21T06:14:00.000-07:00

For those Atlanta area soccer clubs that want to take on some new competition without traveling too far, the 4th Annual Fiesta Georgia may be just the event for you!

This one day celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month will feature a youth soccer tournament that will include Rockdale area soccer clubs. Hosted by the Lanza Group, LLC, all festivities will take place at the Georgia International Horse Park on Sunday, September 25th, 2011. For additional information visit Facebook: facebook.com/FiestaGeorgia or FiestaGeorgia.com.

GoGo squeeZ + Kick It Tour Bring Soccer, Fun & Healthy Snacks

2011-06-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

To encourage active play, GoGo squeeZ is partnering with Kick It, the nation's largest 3v3 soccer competition, to provide a healthier snack option to soccer fields at over 60 locations.

GoGo squeeZ is the first squeezable, re-sealable, 100 percent fruit applesauce snack. The packaging has a built-in straw, and requires no refrigeration, which means no cooler, spoons or mess, whether on the field or off.

In addition to serving as a sponsor for the Kick It tournaments and providing samples to thousands of people, GoGo squeeZ is encouraging families to join its GoGo Gang. Once membership levels reach 100,000, the company pledges to build a playground in an underserved community. More playgrounds have been pledged for construction when additional membership levels are reached.

So get your players ready for competition. To find out more information about location and registration for Kick It in your area, click here.

Here is a sample list of Kick It tournament cities below.

Charlotte, N.C. (June 25)
St. Louis, Mo. (July 9)
Indianapolis, Ind. (July 16)
Chicago, Ill. (July 16)
Atlantic City, N.J. (July 30)
The Colony, Texas (July 30)

Farmers Insurance & Mexican Legend Team Up For Free Soccer Clinics

2011-05-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

Want a chance to meet a soccer legend who is known for blocking shots as well as scoring them? Well, look no further because Mexican soccer legend Jorge Campos is teaming up with Farmers Insurance in the youth initiative "Juega y Aprende con Jorge Campos." (Play and Learn with Jorge Campos)

These free soccer clinics are open to 100 youth in each host city, and will allow each participant to develop their skills with the assistance of Jorge Campos and a number of MLS staff. Additionally, each child will leave with a gift pack that includes a ball, water bottle, autograph and more.

To participate in the drawing parents can go to the Play and Learn event page on the Farmer's Insurance web site. To translate the information to English, simply click the Ingles link at the top of the page!

Here are the event dates in your city:

San Antonio - June 4 (10 am - 12 pm)
Dallas - June 5 (11 am - 1 pm)
San Jose, June 11 (2 pm - 4 pm)

Alaska Airlines Gives Portland Timbers' Fans A Reason to Cheer

2011-05-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

Almost a week ago, Alaska Airlines debuted the final product of their "Paint the Plane" contest to fans. The MLS themed plane celebrates the city's very own Portland Timbers and was a combination of designs submitted by Paul Wright of Portland, Oregon and John Bode of San Mateo, California.

As the official airline and shirt sponsor for the club, Alaska Airlines has extended another benefit to Timbers' fans who will be flying out of the Portland International Airport during the current MLS season. Alaska Airlines will extend early boarding privileges to Portland International Airport passengers wearing an official Timbers jersey throughout the 2011 MLS season.

Where's Freddie Adu? PortuGoal.net Editor Fills Us In

2011-04-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

Quite a few years ago, the soccer community was abuzz about a 16 year old soccer phenom named Freddie Adu. The teenager was signed to a lucrative contract with DC United. After some time http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifwith the club, Adu was off to play in Portugal with powerhouse SL Benfica. After this point, the wires were silent. What ever happened to Adu? I had the chance to ask Tom Kundert, editor of PortuGoal.net, about the American star.

Soccer: A Tool to Communicate to the World

2011-04-28T04:27:00.000-07:00

My journey in the sport of soccer has been filled with conversation. Whether I have a ball in my hand or not, the subject alone has been a starting point for thousands of small conversations and shared moments with people who I otherwise wouldn't have entertained me.

During a taxi cab ride in New York this past February, the driver told me of an illustrious career that his son had in Europe. This conversation was the introduction to an even bigger story about his life as a retired engineer, taxi cab owner and world traveler.

On a more recent occasion, I sat beside a teacher from New Jersey who played soccer with her 5th grade class. She spoke about the girls in her class and their love of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the opportunity for 10 of her pupils to meet Pele at the Tribeca Film Festival during the upcoming week.

Now mind you, these interactions aren't started by some sort of waving of a soccer pamphlet or flag by yours truely. These are conversations that happen just as organically as a shared comment about Oprah between two people standing in line at a grocery store.

I say all of that to say that I am a firm believer in the language of soccer to give Americans an added dimension to their conversations. Most recently, I had the opportunity to share the idea, Embrace the Universal Language of Soccer, with about 400 people at TEDxGreenville.

I encourage you to take a listen, brood it over, discuss the thoughts with others, and...give a child a ball. Who knows what conversations it will allow them to participate in?

PortuGoal.net Editor Talks Up and Coming Portuguese Players

2011-04-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

With everyone abuzz over the latest Arsenal Developments and the upcoming Chelsea match, it’s only fitting that we keep our eyes focused on Europe. There is a wealth of new talent ready to make a transition to the global stage, and my in-depth conversation with PortuGoal.net Editor touched on that quite nicely. Check out who Kundert thinks will be the names we will be talking about in the not-so-distant future.

Coors + Jorge Campos + You = First Class Soccer Pass

2011-04-11T15:43:00.000-07:00

In 2010, Coors became the U.S. beer brand to sponsor the Mexican Premier League. Now, the top division sponsor wants to give American fans an opportunity to experience all of the pageantry and excitement of the 2011 Torneo Clausura.

Soccer fans have until May 15th to enter to win a trip to Mexico for the semifinals and finals of the 2011 Torneo Clausura (Closing Tournament). The winning fan(s) will watch the game alongside Mexican soccer legend and sports commentator, Jorge Campos. Also, selectees will have an opportunities to win framed, autographed memorabilia such as soccer balls, an assortment of Primera Division jerseys, goalie gloves and much more.

For more information on how to enter the contest, see Coors Light displays at retail locations or visit the "Pase de Primera" tab on the Coors Light Espanol Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CoorsLightEspanol).

Buena Suerte! (Good Luck!)

Verizon Announces Soccer Weekends for Players of All Ages

2011-03-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Do you have a child who wants to improve their skills? Raise your hand if your amateur adult team wants some tournament action. Where are the soccer players with a passion to go pro?

If you or someone you know falls in one of these categories, mark your calendars because Verizon is bringing free youth clinics, an amateaur adult tournament and open professional tryouts to 18 cities across the United States. The 6th Annual Copita Alianza youth clinics/ tournament, Verizon Copa Alianza adult amateur tournament and Alianza de Futbol open tryouts will take place from April to October.

The youth soccer clinics are free and open to youth between the ages of 5 and 17. Participants will engage in soccer drills and learn from professional players. Also, it is an opportunity for your child to meet Futbol legends Ramon Ramirez, Luis "El Matador" Hernandez, Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama and Jorge "El Brody" Campos, who are scheduled to participate in the festivities this year.

Each youth player will leave with a Verizon soccer jersey, ball and sack pack. Registration is required and parents can sign up at designated Verizon Wireless location one week prior to the clinic. To find the select store location in your area, go to www.alianzadefutbol.com

Verizon's Youth Soccer Clinic Registration Schedule is as follows:
• Dallas Clinic Registration – April 9-10
• Houston Clinic Registration – April 9-10
• Atlanta Clinic Registration – May 7-8
• Washington, D.C. Clinic Registration – May 21-22
• Chicago Clinic Registration – June 2-3
• New York Clinic Registration – June 4-5
• Denver Clinic Registration – June 11-12
• San Antonio Clinic Registration – June 25-26
• Los Angeles Clinic Registration – July 16-17
• Kansas City, Mo. Clinic Registration – July 16-17
• San Francisco Clinic Registration – Aug. 6-7
• Fresno, Calif. Clinic Registration – Aug. 20-21
• Miami Clinic Registration – Aug. 20-21
• Philadelphia Clinic Registration – Sept. 3-4
• El Paso, Texas Clinic Registration – Sept. 10-11
• Newburgh, N.Y., Clinic Registration – Sept. 24-25
• Yakima, Wash. Clinic Registration – Oct. 8-9
• Hawaii Clinic Registration – Oct. 22-23

Benfica, Sporting & Porto: The Portuguese Football Powerhouses

2011-03-07T04:32:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! It's time for the third installment of our exclusive interview with Tom Kundert of PortuGoal.net. Kundert gives a quick lesson on the top clubs in the Portuguese First Division and a brief history of their efforts to stay at the top of the table.

Footvolley Documentary Release: Perfecting the Footvolley

2011-02-28T04:16:00.000-08:00

After almost a year ago, I was in Barranquilla, Colombia with Professor Liosh Alzate and the athletes of the Colombian footvolley team. It was a wonderful adventure that I am proud to showcase to the world in an 8 minute documentary entitled, Perfecting the Footvolley. Many thanks to the executive producer Yuvonne Bowens, editor Steve Young, Freedom Heights Studios, and, of course last but not least, Liosh Alzate, Gregory Hamburger, Katia Silvera, Ronald Orzco, James Jimenez, Omar Otero Ochoa, Adrian David Guerra Parejo and Cristo Anaya Sanches.

From Sports Illustrated to FIFA Presidency: Wahl Runs for Opportunity of a Lifetime

2011-02-25T05:11:00.000-08:00

When sportswriters draft their career plans, it is safe to assume that becoming the head honcho of a sports governing body does not enter the equation. However, Grant Wahl's recent actions may be just the catalyst to raise the bar for many of his peers.

Wahl, a sportwriter for Sports Illustrated, has publicly announced his bid to become the President of FIFA, the highest post in the international soccer world. It sounds like a tall order, and quite a long shot for an American guy who has never held an executive post in any national soccer association. Nevertheless, Wahl is hoping that the level of discontent within the global soccer community for Sepp Blatter's leadership decision will be just the ingredient to validate his chances.

To be formally considered for candidacy, Wahl needs to secure 1 nomination from a FIFA Association country by the April 1st deadline. He hopes that his positions on transparency, shirtless celebrations, instant replay and female inclusion in the FIFA governing body will allow him to cross the first obstacle to obtaining the post.

Out of the 208 FIFA Association countries, which do you think would consider giving him a public nod for the opportunity to run? We look forward to hearing your thoughts. In the meantime, enjoy this Grant Wahl for President video.

Sponsorship Spotlight: Sierra Leone Premier League

2011-02-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

A new season is set to commence for the Sierra Leone Premier League on February 26th with 14 clubs slated to compete for the league's top spot. In leading up to the kick off, the league office has received a financial boost from Africell.

Africell, a West African telecommunications company, has agreed to become the title sponsor of the league with a pledge of $23,500 USD. This is not the first foray of the company in soccer sponsorship as the company serves as a sponsor for the Gambia National Soccer Team.

Eat Soccer Exclusive: Portuguese Futsal Player Cabral

2011-02-20T19:13:00.000-08:00

There is a quote from one of my favorite movies, Akeelah and the Bee that goes something like this, “there are 50,000 teachers all around you.”

Although this was a piece of advice given to Akeelah, a little girl who was preparing for her moment in the spotlight at the Scripps National Spelling Bee, I believe this piece of wisdom rings true for those of us who are working to reach our highest potential in soccer, futsal, footvolley or freestyle.

While training with Coach Eric Parada and the open men’s team Grupo Recreativo Escorpiões Futebol Clube, I had the pleasure of learning from and playing with Euclides Cabral. Cabral is a highly accomplished futsal player who helped his club accomplish the impossible-climbing the ranks from the 4th division to the top national division in Portugal in less than 4 years time.

In this first clip, Cabral agrees to serve as one of our 50,000 and provides us with some excellent advice—and its sprinkled with some great footwork by a few of the guys at Grupo Recreativo Escorpiões. Enjoy!

PortuGoal Exclusive: Overcoming the Beginner Obstacles

2011-02-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

In the second part of our exclusive interview with Tom Kundert of PortuGoal.net, the editor explains some of the initial challenges he faced in the beginning stages of the soccer news site.

Forest Green Rovers Puts a Stop on Red Meat

2011-02-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

When Dale Vince took over as owner of the Forest Green Rovers, few knew how far reaching his dietary preferences would be. It wasn’t too long before everyone found out.

The boss, who doesn’t partake in meat or dairy products, issued an order to his players forbidding them to eat red meat. It was a decision aimed to improve the health and performance of the players.

Now, this policy has extended to the fans. The cottage pies, burgers and sausages are no longer an option at half time. Sustainably produced chicken and fish accompany lentil burgers on the new menu.

As a man who made his fortune in alternative power, Vince hopes that these dietary changes will not only improve everyone’s palette’s but make the Blue Square Bet Premier club more environmentally friendly.

Finding Ronaldo: Exclusive Interview with Portugoal.net

2011-02-10T03:10:00.000-08:00

Top of the morning to everyone! If you are anything like me,there are just some national teams that you look forward to watching. Portugal is one of those teams for me. Ronaldo, Nani, Liedson and crew are a few of the names that come to mind.

I am a firm believer that talented players come from a talented environment. With that notion, I had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Kundert. He is the editor of Portugal's definitive english language site, Portugoal.net. Take a look at the first installment of our conversation, where you will learn how a humble beginning now attracts over 300,000 unique readers each month. Enjoy!

Get Fit 3v3 Soccer Challenge: Las Vegas-2.13.2011

2011-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

In an effort to combat against the increasing rate of youth obesity in the state of Nevada, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is partnering with Las Vegas’ Neusport Football club for the Get Fit 3v3 Soccer Challenge on February 13, 2011. The event organizers are hoping to encourage kids ages 7 to 14 to become physically active and empower them to make healthy lifestyle choices now and in the future.

The Get Fit 3v3 Soccer Challenge will feature up to 160 teams with a maximum of six players on the roster. Each team is guaranteed three games, which last 24 minutes (with 12-minute halves).

If you know of a player or team in the area that may still be interested in participating, go to https://www.gotsport.com/forms/app/?EventID=14869.

Mobile Application Developer Helps Clubs Recruit Brazilian Players

2011-02-01T20:11:00.000-08:00

Mobile application developer, AppTech Corp is providing a service that will link professional soccer recruiters with players in emerging markets worldwide. The company has completed the first phase for developing an app for a soccer development academy located in Parana, Brazil.

The initial rollout includes a website and app called www.silviowalenga.com, which features the premiere Brazilian goal keeper. The website and app provides player information, stats and video of players who are candidates for international soccer opportunities.

After a review of the first phase, AppTech Corp is in negotiations with several European clubs and recruiters. The company predicts that they will be able to generate revenue from their soccer apps during the first half of 2011.

New York Cosmos Take Another Shot at Once-in-a-Lifetime

2011-01-26T04:02:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, a friend invited me to see a documentary on the New York Cosmos. I must admit. I found the movie, Once In A Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos to be quite entertaining. It was a cinderella story of an American soccer club that appeared out of nowhere, did the unthinkable by signing the best player in the world and then crashed out of existence in a larger-than-life fashion.

Who would've thought that a club once valued at less than $10 (at its demise) would rise from the ashes to do the unthinkable yet again? It seems that Pele, a former player and the Greatest Player to ever touch a ball, has faith in the Cosmos most recent campaign. Add former USMNT player Cobi Jones and King Eric, as in the famed Manchester United Eric Cantona, to the mix overseeing the acquisition of talent, and one could say this club has a powerhouse recipe to turn the American sports fan into radical soccer fans in a throwback to its glory days of the late '70s.

We will keep you posted on this story as it continually develops. Do you think the New York Cosmos can revive themselves and do the unthinkable in 2011? Tell us your thoughts.

Sports In Translation (5): Advice for Soccer Players Going Abroad

2011-01-18T12:02:00.000-08:00

Your networking, planning and learning have equipped you with the tools to have a rewarding time overseas. Now, you should begin thinking about life after this journey. It may seem like you are heading from A to Z before even boarding the plane, but you may want to keep your eyes and ears open for ways that this experience can provide dividends long after it is over.

Consider thinking about the following questions:

• What do I expect to gain from this athletic experience?
• How can I utilize THIS experience to further my future athletic goals?
• Are there other ways that I can harness this experience to generate additional income?

If you have not created a written plan for your athletic career, these three questions can help you develop an outline that will get your wheels turning. More importantly, it will make you aware of the small actions that you can take during your experience abroad. These measures are sure to serve as a huge springboard for accomplishing your larger goals.
For instance, your unique slant on your athletic activities abroad can peak the interests of American print and new media journalists. Notifying these sources of your experiences, whether through blogging, vlogging, interviews and cool videos, can increase the awareness of your brand in the sports industry and serve as the foundation for cross-cultural consultant opportunities.

Within your athletic endeavor, there are unlimited opportunities. A commitment of hard work and service to others can leave a remarkable impression. These actions can be as simple as showing up to trainings early or offering to let teammates practice their English with you after a practice session. Who knows the playing, coaching or goodwill offers that will stem from these actions?

Additionally, the slightest inconvenience or fascination, with a local product or practice, can be a new stream of income in disguise. Don’t just look at them superficially. Turn those complaints and new discoveries into an export or import endeavor.
Sports is a business, and as an active participant, you owe it to yourself to make the most of your international endeavor. Immerse in your new culture with the assistance of a great support network. Invest in your athletic career and your new community by sharing your skills and talents. Tap into this life changing experience to uncover larger athletic opportunities and new streams of income.

Sports In Translation is now available as an electronic download for $3.99 on Amazon.com.