By Pauline Go
Indoor Soccer is quite interesting. Though rules of play differ from one administrating sport body to another, there are certain common arenas which apply everywhere and which determine how the game is to be played.
In indoor soccer, the field is a 200-foot by 85-foot sized one, covered by artificial turf that is rectangular in shape, surrounded by six feet high walls. Minimum team size must be six players. The general game duration is a period of one hour, spread over four quarter of fifteen minutes each. After the first and third quarter, there is usually a three-minute break.
Contact rules as seen in outdoor soccer are applicable here in the same way. The are three lines used in the indoor soccer arena, which consists of a line in the centre and then one line in each half part of the court. While playing, players are not allowed to pass the ball directly over all three line of the court at the same time it has to touch either a player or the floor. The reason why this rule is implemented is to curb the use of long balls and to encourage more the use of short passes.
In Indoor Soccer, since the turf is artificial, players have to be prepared to deal with a ball that's bouncier and tougher to deal with. There is no offside rule applicable here. This form of soccer enables players to be substituted as many time as possible, but on the condition that the substitute leaves when a new player steps into the field.
About Author:
Pauline Go is an online leading expert in sports. She also offers top quality articles like :
Boxing Day Origin,
Martial Art Violence
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Soccer at the Beach?
By Brenda Simard
"Is it different to enjoy a game of soccer on a field than to play it on the beach?" That is a good question. "You bet it's different," he answered.
Beach soccer, as the name implies, is a game played on the beach, usually in the spring or summer. Although soccer on the beach has been played in an unorganized fashion for years, it was given its official name and rules only recently, specifically in 1992. Since that time beach soccer has managed to become a rather popular game and I believe that if you definitely want to educate yourself about soccer you should begin to play soccer on the beach in the sand.
Playing soccer in the sand is thought by many to be the best place for a newbie. Learning on a soft sandy beach can correct some usual errors for a beginner, because the soccer ball often doesn't roll well on the sand. Actually, the element of sand doesn't only facilitate the efforts of new players, but it can actually be thought of as a large barrier even for the long time players that want to demonstrate their proficiencies. In addition, the smaller field - measuring 28 x 37 meters if you can find an official beach soccer complex- is by far smaller than a normal grass pitch and therefore scoring is easier, even for athletes who want to give it a go for the first time.
A great advantage of beach soccer is the fact that the athlete doesn't have to have any unique equipment to join in. An adequate size soccer ball and the sand of the beach are just what you need to start learning the nature of this unique game's play. Even when no organized facility on the beach exists, those interested in enjoying a game of beach soccer need only two canes to symbolize the area of a goalpost. Sticks or maybe a pile of clothes are preferable in comparison to especially huge blocks of rocks, which are a hazard for stubbed toes, because footwear is not permitted in this game.
My son's soccer coach has his team out in the sand during the summer off-season building up their leg muscles and their basic skills on the sand. They start out running on the soft sand, head to the harder sand near the ocean's edge and then back to the soft areas. The fact that they are not wearing shoes acts as an incentive to learn to kick the ball using the insides of their feet, not their toes. The team does some skill drills and then they enjoy a short game of five-on-five to get them motivated and happy to be at practice. By the time the fall playing season rolls around they will all be in the best shape of their lives.
When practice is over the boys head, on the run, for the ocean to cool off and play in the waves. They go to practice in their swimsuits so there is no delay getting into the cold water. Soccer at the beach is a great way for kids and adults to play and build up their stamina, strength and endurance. It is after all, much easier to play on a grass field right?
Go Red Bulls!
The author has a young son playing on a traveling soccer team. She attends all the practices and games and has watched as the coaches put these kids through a grueling workout before they even get to their basic skills training. Her son has picked up some new moves just by watching soccer videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Simard
"Is it different to enjoy a game of soccer on a field than to play it on the beach?" That is a good question. "You bet it's different," he answered.
Beach soccer, as the name implies, is a game played on the beach, usually in the spring or summer. Although soccer on the beach has been played in an unorganized fashion for years, it was given its official name and rules only recently, specifically in 1992. Since that time beach soccer has managed to become a rather popular game and I believe that if you definitely want to educate yourself about soccer you should begin to play soccer on the beach in the sand.
Playing soccer in the sand is thought by many to be the best place for a newbie. Learning on a soft sandy beach can correct some usual errors for a beginner, because the soccer ball often doesn't roll well on the sand. Actually, the element of sand doesn't only facilitate the efforts of new players, but it can actually be thought of as a large barrier even for the long time players that want to demonstrate their proficiencies. In addition, the smaller field - measuring 28 x 37 meters if you can find an official beach soccer complex- is by far smaller than a normal grass pitch and therefore scoring is easier, even for athletes who want to give it a go for the first time.
A great advantage of beach soccer is the fact that the athlete doesn't have to have any unique equipment to join in. An adequate size soccer ball and the sand of the beach are just what you need to start learning the nature of this unique game's play. Even when no organized facility on the beach exists, those interested in enjoying a game of beach soccer need only two canes to symbolize the area of a goalpost. Sticks or maybe a pile of clothes are preferable in comparison to especially huge blocks of rocks, which are a hazard for stubbed toes, because footwear is not permitted in this game.
My son's soccer coach has his team out in the sand during the summer off-season building up their leg muscles and their basic skills on the sand. They start out running on the soft sand, head to the harder sand near the ocean's edge and then back to the soft areas. The fact that they are not wearing shoes acts as an incentive to learn to kick the ball using the insides of their feet, not their toes. The team does some skill drills and then they enjoy a short game of five-on-five to get them motivated and happy to be at practice. By the time the fall playing season rolls around they will all be in the best shape of their lives.
When practice is over the boys head, on the run, for the ocean to cool off and play in the waves. They go to practice in their swimsuits so there is no delay getting into the cold water. Soccer at the beach is a great way for kids and adults to play and build up their stamina, strength and endurance. It is after all, much easier to play on a grass field right?
Go Red Bulls!
The author has a young son playing on a traveling soccer team. She attends all the practices and games and has watched as the coaches put these kids through a grueling workout before they even get to their basic skills training. Her son has picked up some new moves just by watching soccer videos.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Simard
Scoring Soccer Goals
By Joshua Baker
In countries other than the United States, soccer is called football, and it is played with a soccer ball in a field. In this game, two different teams are in place on a field, and metal frames with woven soccer nets, or soccer goals, are behind each team's members. The object of the game is to kick the ball into the other team's goal, and the team with the most soccer goals, or points, is the winner.
Players cannot use their hands, so what seems easy is in fact quite challenging, with only the use of their head, bodies, and feet to get the ball into the other team's goal. However, each team has a goalkeeper who is allowed to use any part of his body, including his hands, to keep the ball out of the soccer net.
The referee will issue you a severe penalty if the ball is touched with your hands while playing. Even if a soccer ball that is airborne collides with another player's hand, it is known as a hand ball, and the opposing team is given a penalty kick for punishment. Elbowing, holding, or tripping other players, as well as kicking, can also result in penalties while playing the game of soccer.
Soccer has 11 players of each team, although in youth soccer games, they can have as few as 6 players on either side. Soccer players have uniforms that match the other players on their team, and include: jerseys, socks, shorts, cleats or soccer shoes, and shin guards. Oftentimes, a goal keeper will be dressed unlike the other team members, so that he is easily distinguishable, and he may also wear gloves that allow him to grab the ball easier. There are two linesmen that stay on the sidelines, to ascertain who is responsible for balls that are kicked over the line, and a referee presides over the game as well.
When the game starts, the teams get on either side of the field, with one team making a kickoff from the spot in the center that has been designated for this purpose. After that, the soccer ball is always in play, that is until a penalty whistle goes off by a referee. The advancement of the ball down the field in an attempt to make a soccer goal, is known as dribbling and passing. However, it is hard to keep possession of the ball while getting it down the field, so often times, possession changes are occurring.
Unless there is a tie, the team that is able to score the most soccer goals by the end of the game is the winner. Depending on the format of the competition, if a tie happens, then they either have a penalty shootout, or the game goes into overtime. Soccer is now one of the world's premier sports, perhaps because it takes a lot of skill and determination to play the game.
Joshua is a sports enthusiast who enjoys writing about the various types of soccer practice equipment, including soccer goals as well as soccer nets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Baker
In countries other than the United States, soccer is called football, and it is played with a soccer ball in a field. In this game, two different teams are in place on a field, and metal frames with woven soccer nets, or soccer goals, are behind each team's members. The object of the game is to kick the ball into the other team's goal, and the team with the most soccer goals, or points, is the winner.
Players cannot use their hands, so what seems easy is in fact quite challenging, with only the use of their head, bodies, and feet to get the ball into the other team's goal. However, each team has a goalkeeper who is allowed to use any part of his body, including his hands, to keep the ball out of the soccer net.
The referee will issue you a severe penalty if the ball is touched with your hands while playing. Even if a soccer ball that is airborne collides with another player's hand, it is known as a hand ball, and the opposing team is given a penalty kick for punishment. Elbowing, holding, or tripping other players, as well as kicking, can also result in penalties while playing the game of soccer.
Soccer has 11 players of each team, although in youth soccer games, they can have as few as 6 players on either side. Soccer players have uniforms that match the other players on their team, and include: jerseys, socks, shorts, cleats or soccer shoes, and shin guards. Oftentimes, a goal keeper will be dressed unlike the other team members, so that he is easily distinguishable, and he may also wear gloves that allow him to grab the ball easier. There are two linesmen that stay on the sidelines, to ascertain who is responsible for balls that are kicked over the line, and a referee presides over the game as well.
When the game starts, the teams get on either side of the field, with one team making a kickoff from the spot in the center that has been designated for this purpose. After that, the soccer ball is always in play, that is until a penalty whistle goes off by a referee. The advancement of the ball down the field in an attempt to make a soccer goal, is known as dribbling and passing. However, it is hard to keep possession of the ball while getting it down the field, so often times, possession changes are occurring.
Unless there is a tie, the team that is able to score the most soccer goals by the end of the game is the winner. Depending on the format of the competition, if a tie happens, then they either have a penalty shootout, or the game goes into overtime. Soccer is now one of the world's premier sports, perhaps because it takes a lot of skill and determination to play the game.
Joshua is a sports enthusiast who enjoys writing about the various types of soccer practice equipment, including soccer goals as well as soccer nets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joshua_Baker
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A Couple European Football - Want Ideas About Strategies And Positions?
By: RalphMcarther
Improving Accuracy in Soccer
If you want to become a great soccer player, it is crucial to be (and stay) in control of the soccer ball. This can be tough, especially when facing slippery fields and skilled opponents. There are many exercises you can do to help you improve accuracy with the ball. Try dribbling around several kinds of objects, such as cones, arches, or other players. As you improve, tighten the space you use around each of these objects, and try to improve your reaction time. Accuracy is obviously also important with goal shooting. One way to improve your accuracy is to use a kickspeed target. This helps you aim for a specific target and measures the speed of your kicks. You also want to be accurate in capturing the soccer ball. Kicking nets can help you develop this skill. Since few other soccer players bother to practice this skill, you will have an advantage over others on the field.
Why Anyone Benefits from Soccer Practice
Even if you are just starting out in soccer, you have probably experienced how thrilling the game can be. You have probably also realized how beneficial this active game is for you physically. In addition to these benefits, soccer is a great training ground for general life skills, like teamwork. Even if you do not want to play soccer at a competitive level, developing your game is beneficial to you. For those who plan to pursue a scholarship or a career in soccer, consistent practice and skill development is of the upmost importance. If soccer is just a fun hobby for you, you will find that there is immense satisfaction in watching your abilities grow, with a little bit of hard work. Understanding the fundamentals of the sport and using the right equipment are important, regardless of why you are playing. The Internet is a great place to look for both equipment and information.
Great Equipment for Goalies
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for a goalie is his or her goal. Start out with a small goal and develop your ability to defend that goal against any kind of shot that comes your way. Then, you can move on to defending a larger goal space. Though the size of the goals will be different, the agility and techniques you developed previously will greatly enhance your ability to guard this larger area. Agility and reaction time are crucial skills for any soccer goalieIf you buy a rebounding net, you can work on both shooting and goalkeeping at the same time. You can practice shooting at a specific area, and as the ball rebounds you can improve your ability to capture it. Some goalies choose to have a goalie net face the rebounding net for improved practice. A good pair of gloves is a final, fundamental piece of equipment for soccer goalies. Look for a flexible material with a good grip.
Flexibility
If soccer players are not flexible, they can cause damage to themselves by overextending their muscles. It is all too easy for soccer players to overextend themselves and cause muscle or ligament damage. To prevent this, players must learn correct stretching techniques and apply those techniques on a daily basis. Coaches need to educate themselves in proper stretching techniques and then pass that information on to their players. A player need not stretch for hours and hours, but a good stretching session of 15 to 30 minutes at the beginning and sometimes at the end of practice can increase mobility and flexibility. Some stretches soccer players need are pretty simple; others are quite complex. When trying a new stretch, players should always know what muscle groups they are supposed to be focusing on. Remember to stretch well and stretch often to ensure
Improving Accuracy in Soccer
If you want to become a great soccer player, it is crucial to be (and stay) in control of the soccer ball. This can be tough, especially when facing slippery fields and skilled opponents. There are many exercises you can do to help you improve accuracy with the ball. Try dribbling around several kinds of objects, such as cones, arches, or other players. As you improve, tighten the space you use around each of these objects, and try to improve your reaction time. Accuracy is obviously also important with goal shooting. One way to improve your accuracy is to use a kickspeed target. This helps you aim for a specific target and measures the speed of your kicks. You also want to be accurate in capturing the soccer ball. Kicking nets can help you develop this skill. Since few other soccer players bother to practice this skill, you will have an advantage over others on the field.
Why Anyone Benefits from Soccer Practice
Even if you are just starting out in soccer, you have probably experienced how thrilling the game can be. You have probably also realized how beneficial this active game is for you physically. In addition to these benefits, soccer is a great training ground for general life skills, like teamwork. Even if you do not want to play soccer at a competitive level, developing your game is beneficial to you. For those who plan to pursue a scholarship or a career in soccer, consistent practice and skill development is of the upmost importance. If soccer is just a fun hobby for you, you will find that there is immense satisfaction in watching your abilities grow, with a little bit of hard work. Understanding the fundamentals of the sport and using the right equipment are important, regardless of why you are playing. The Internet is a great place to look for both equipment and information.
Great Equipment for Goalies
One of the most crucial pieces of equipment for a goalie is his or her goal. Start out with a small goal and develop your ability to defend that goal against any kind of shot that comes your way. Then, you can move on to defending a larger goal space. Though the size of the goals will be different, the agility and techniques you developed previously will greatly enhance your ability to guard this larger area. Agility and reaction time are crucial skills for any soccer goalieIf you buy a rebounding net, you can work on both shooting and goalkeeping at the same time. You can practice shooting at a specific area, and as the ball rebounds you can improve your ability to capture it. Some goalies choose to have a goalie net face the rebounding net for improved practice. A good pair of gloves is a final, fundamental piece of equipment for soccer goalies. Look for a flexible material with a good grip.
Flexibility
If soccer players are not flexible, they can cause damage to themselves by overextending their muscles. It is all too easy for soccer players to overextend themselves and cause muscle or ligament damage. To prevent this, players must learn correct stretching techniques and apply those techniques on a daily basis. Coaches need to educate themselves in proper stretching techniques and then pass that information on to their players. A player need not stretch for hours and hours, but a good stretching session of 15 to 30 minutes at the beginning and sometimes at the end of practice can increase mobility and flexibility. Some stretches soccer players need are pretty simple; others are quite complex. When trying a new stretch, players should always know what muscle groups they are supposed to be focusing on. Remember to stretch well and stretch often to ensure
Soccer Fitness
There are different definitions of fitness actually means, but one common way it is described is as the 5 S's:
* speed
* strength
* stamina
* suppleness
* skill
Two other S's sometimes associated with describing fitness are:
* specificity (what do you need to fit for)
* spirit (psychological aspect)
One key element is specificity, in that what you want to be fit for, determines which of these S's has the most weight or importance. For example, a golfer would not need much speed but would need a lot of skill.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #1
Proper warm up:
Too many coaches train their players to do static stretching while they are cold. This is one of the most dangerous holdovers from the past that is out there. You need to do light calisthenics to warm the muscles up before you stretch them and when you stretch them you should be doing dynamic stretching.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #2
Sprint Training
Too many coaches have their players jog for miles at 50% intensity. That's just stupid. Do you want your athletes chasing the ball at 50% of what they are capable during a game? Then why would you have them train for a subpar performance. Never sprint until you are properly warmed up. Do not do sprinting the day before a game. Always allow 48 hours of recovery before a game.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #3
Plyometrics
Too often coaches hear a bout plyometrics and through their players into the exercises without a proper understanding of how they need to do the exercises properly. Plyometrics are powerful and dangerous. It's important that you follow good form.
I'll explain examples in another article.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #4
Recovery
I cannot stress enough the importance of recovery. Too often I see coaches destroy players with their "No pain no gain mentality." When you push your players 100% you need to give them a day off or at least do an active recovery day.
Soccer players need a combination of aerobic and anaerobic fitness due to the nature of the game and the fact that there is continuous movement with lots of short bursts of more intense activity. Some positions require higher levels of anaerobic fitness than others, some require more aerobic fitness. A midfield player is required to cover a lot of ground during a game and needs a good aerobic engine. A striker on the other hand requires short bursts of repeated activity and requires more speed and anaerobic fitness.
One key aspect of fitness that soccerfitness.net recognizes is that each player is different and has different training requirements dependant upon their inherent physical abilities, their desire to train, age and position played. Soccer is a team sport and as such, players train together as a team. This is important for many reasons, but it also means that not all conditioning type sessions or activities have equal benefits across all players.
Where time is available to test and analyze results, it is much better if programs can be tailored for each player or group of players with the same requirements. I feel this is important from around the age of 13 and up, when the effects of training have much more of an impact. Conditioning and speed training at 10-13 years has less impact. A recent FA coaching report, suggested that players 10-12 benefit from training in that it prepares them physically and mentally for training when they are older. Their motor skills develop and they learn skills like how to run fast, as well as obvious ball skills when carrying out normal soccer skills training.
Once past puberty, speed endurance and strength, speed sessions will have more impact. Before that stage, sessions should not be too intense, involving shorter sessions with little emphasis on stamina. Plyometrics and strength building activities should be carried it with great care pre-puberty.
* speed
* strength
* stamina
* suppleness
* skill
Two other S's sometimes associated with describing fitness are:
* specificity (what do you need to fit for)
* spirit (psychological aspect)
One key element is specificity, in that what you want to be fit for, determines which of these S's has the most weight or importance. For example, a golfer would not need much speed but would need a lot of skill.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #1
Proper warm up:
Too many coaches train their players to do static stretching while they are cold. This is one of the most dangerous holdovers from the past that is out there. You need to do light calisthenics to warm the muscles up before you stretch them and when you stretch them you should be doing dynamic stretching.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #2
Sprint Training
Too many coaches have their players jog for miles at 50% intensity. That's just stupid. Do you want your athletes chasing the ball at 50% of what they are capable during a game? Then why would you have them train for a subpar performance. Never sprint until you are properly warmed up. Do not do sprinting the day before a game. Always allow 48 hours of recovery before a game.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #3
Plyometrics
Too often coaches hear a bout plyometrics and through their players into the exercises without a proper understanding of how they need to do the exercises properly. Plyometrics are powerful and dangerous. It's important that you follow good form.
I'll explain examples in another article.
Soccer Fitness Training Tip #4
Recovery
I cannot stress enough the importance of recovery. Too often I see coaches destroy players with their "No pain no gain mentality." When you push your players 100% you need to give them a day off or at least do an active recovery day.
Soccer players need a combination of aerobic and anaerobic fitness due to the nature of the game and the fact that there is continuous movement with lots of short bursts of more intense activity. Some positions require higher levels of anaerobic fitness than others, some require more aerobic fitness. A midfield player is required to cover a lot of ground during a game and needs a good aerobic engine. A striker on the other hand requires short bursts of repeated activity and requires more speed and anaerobic fitness.
One key aspect of fitness that soccerfitness.net recognizes is that each player is different and has different training requirements dependant upon their inherent physical abilities, their desire to train, age and position played. Soccer is a team sport and as such, players train together as a team. This is important for many reasons, but it also means that not all conditioning type sessions or activities have equal benefits across all players.
Where time is available to test and analyze results, it is much better if programs can be tailored for each player or group of players with the same requirements. I feel this is important from around the age of 13 and up, when the effects of training have much more of an impact. Conditioning and speed training at 10-13 years has less impact. A recent FA coaching report, suggested that players 10-12 benefit from training in that it prepares them physically and mentally for training when they are older. Their motor skills develop and they learn skills like how to run fast, as well as obvious ball skills when carrying out normal soccer skills training.
Once past puberty, speed endurance and strength, speed sessions will have more impact. Before that stage, sessions should not be too intense, involving shorter sessions with little emphasis on stamina. Plyometrics and strength building activities should be carried it with great care pre-puberty.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Soccer Balls
Submitted by Mike-Jones
Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.
There are three basic categories of soccer balls. Match soccer balls used in professional international matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted with the organization’s logo on the ball. They are also the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competition balls used in college and high school competition. Recreational and training balls fill are the least expensive.
Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable and water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a real value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice and training.
Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to the international standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.
Additional factors to consider in soccer ball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining underneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape and responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls have only two layers of polyester lining.
Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latex bladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don’t hold air as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive in play. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend of 80% butyl with 20% rubber.
The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flight characteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccer in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually have panels that are glued together.
Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make good all-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most young players today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need to get into soccer and start having fun.
================================================
About The Author:
Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in Los Angeles California. For more info please visit www.soccerballs.com
Selecting the right soccer ball boils down to choosing the size and construction of the ball based on the player’s age and league requirements. The younger the player, the smaller the ball in most cases. Cost is also a big factor in selecting the correct soccer ball. Synthetic-leather balls are the most expensive and basic rubber-type soccer balls cost the least. Leather is no longer the favorite choice of soccer ball coverings because leather absorbs more moisture than synthetic soccer balls. A wet leather ball gets heavier over time and becomes much slower in play.
There are three basic categories of soccer balls. Match soccer balls used in professional international matches meet all Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) requirements and are imprinted with the organization’s logo on the ball. They are also the most expensive type of soccer ball. In the middle range are the competition balls used in college and high school competition. Recreational and training balls fill are the least expensive.
Most soccer balls are made of blends of polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and common rubber or nylon. The best and most expensive PU balls feel like leather and are very firm, durable and water-resistant. The PVC balls are also very durable but are not as soft and responsive as the PU-blend balls. Common rubber and nylon balls can present a real value because they cost the least and last the longest. Although the rubber and nylon soccer balls lack the feel of match balls, they are fine for practice and training.
Soccer balls are all clearly marked in one of three sizes with the smaller the size number, the smaller the ball. Most all soccer balls come marked in sizes 3, 4 or 5. Size 3 soccer balls are used for beginners under 8 years old are 23-inches in circumference and weigh 12-ounces. Size 4 balls are designed for players between the ages of 8 and 12 and weigh about the same as the smaller balls at 12-ounces but are larger in circumference at just over 25-inches. Size 5 soccer balls are designed for use by all players 13 and older and are built to the international standard size for all sanctioned competition. The size 5 balls weigh about 15-ounces and have a circumference of 28-inches.
Additional factors to consider in soccer ball construction are the lining and inner bladder. The lining underneath the outer covering controls the shape and feel of the ball. The bladder contains the air inside the ball and also contributes to shape and responsiveness in play. Match soccer balls usually have four layers of a combined cotton/polyester-blend lining. Mid-range balls have two layers of cotton and two layers of polyester lining, and the least expensive balls have only two layers of polyester lining.
Soccer ball bladders come in both latex and butyl. The latex bladders are considered the best type of ball construction, but they don’t hold air as long as butyl bladders and need attention to proper inflation. Butyl or butyl-blend bladders hold their air better but are harder less responsive in play. The most common bladder found in mid-priced balls will usually be a blend of 80% butyl with 20% rubber.
The number of panels on a soccer ball can influence flight characteristics and how much control the player will have in play. A 32-panel ball is the type used in international soccer competition. Major League Soccer in the United States uses an 18-panel ball, and most indoor soccer leagues use 6-panel balls. The panels on high-end soccer balls are hand-stitched with synthetic thread. Mid-priced soccer balls have the same high-quality thread but are machine stitched to reduce cost. Low-cost practice and training balls will usually have panels that are glued together.
Adidas, Nike, Voit, Puma, Brine and Diadora all make good all-around quality balls that are relatively affordable, ranging from $20 to $80. Good practice balls can be purchased for as little as $15. For most young players today, an inexpensive training ball is usually all they will need to get into soccer and start having fun.
================================================
About The Author:
Mike Jones is an experienced blog master and published author. He lives in Los Angeles California. For more info please visit www.soccerballs.com
Deadly Worries for Soccer’s Youth in Africa
By ROB HUGHES
There is a potentially deadly situation brewing for U.S. soccer in Africa — and it has nothing to do with the Americans feeling hard done by because its player Ricardo Clark received a red card for a knee-high kick at Italy’s Gennaro Gattuso in South Africa in the Confederations Cup.
There is a potentially deadly situation brewing for U.S. soccer in Africa — and it has nothing to do with the Americans feeling hard done by because its player Ricardo Clark received a red card for a knee-high kick at Italy’s Gennaro Gattuso in South Africa in the Confederations Cup.
All the United States lost in Pretoria on Monday was a game at the start of a tournament that serves as a rehearsal for next year’s World Cup finals.
More serious, by far, were the murder late Sunday of a player gunned down by armed robbers in Nigeria, the terrorist attacks on three American oil facilities in the Niger delta, and a warning that the Under-17 World Cup scheduled for Nigeria in late October and early November could be a target.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta — MEND — issued an e-mailed statement sent to, among others, several news agencies, of its intent to widen the attacks and concluded: “We also take this opportunity to advise FIFA to have a rethink about Nigeria hosting the Under-17 World Cup tournament at this time, as the safety of international players and visitors cannot be guaranteed due to current unrest.”
This specific mention of the youth tournament should concern FIFA, soccer’s world authority, rather more than the usual laments that referees are not doing their job, or that, in South Africa, stadiums are only half full, buses are late or the playing fields not pristine.
FIFA has made this Africa’s year. South Africa now, and in 2010. Egypt hosts the Under-20 World Cup in September and October. Nigeria is struggling to convince FIFA that its stadiums are ready for the Under-17 event.
The United States is one of the 24 nations that has qualified for this tournament. And Chevron is an American company pumping oil in the delta.
FIFA’s first duty, surely, is the safety of those boys. They follow in the footsteps of Cesc Fàbregas, a Spaniard; Nii Lamptey, a Ghanaian; Landon Donovan, an American; and Toni Kroos, a German, the golden ball winners of past world youth tournaments.
The countries qualified to send teams to the championship this fall are Algeria, Gambia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Iran, South Korea, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay and New Zealand.
As FIFA rules stand, any of those nations could be punished for pulling its boys out of the conflict zone in Nigeria. Once FIFA has decreed that the games go on, attendance is compulsory.
Jack Warner, a FIFA vice president from Trinidad and Tobago, heads the inspection committee that is due to revisit Nigeria in July. His task is onerous.
Sports have a long history of refusing to be frightened off by the terrorist threat, and there would be little hope of sustaining the Olympic Games or the World Cup if it were to bow to every threat or warning.
However, the murder of Abiel Tabor as he drove home to his family after the team that he captains, Bayelsa United, won Nigeria’s Premier League on Sunday, exacerbates the issue facing FIFA. If Tabor were the victim of random armed robbery, it is scary enough; if the gunmen knew who he was and had a more sinister agenda, the implications for the Under-17 tournament are horrendous.
Meanwhile, some 2,500 miles, or 4,000 kilometers, south, the drum beat is rolling toward the senior World Cup.
The organizers of the World Cup trumpet the noisy exuberance of local fans as one of the selling points of next year’s competition for traveling fans and the vast audience of armchair viewers alike. But it’s a personal wish that South Africans be reintroduced to their skills on the drums. What we have right now, transmitted by television, is a tuneless cacophony of horns, bugles and sirens that sound like swarms of irritated wasps.
There may be nothing FIFA or anyone else can do to relieve us of this headache now, but the promised sight and sound of real Africa it is not.
The authentic skills on the ground, however, are visible.
Now that all eight countries invited to test four of the 10 stadiums being built for 2010 have each had one match, a shape begins to grow.Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Women Soccer Uniform
There has always been a common perception that men enjoy an exclusive franchise on outdoor sports. Whether it is cricket, hockey, football, baseball, or soccer, men are seen dominating the sports world as players, referees, coaches and even as commentators.
Well the time now has changed. The women are not behind men in any field not even in sports. We not only find women teams in different clubs, schools and colleges, but also they are now playing at national level.
It has been said that more people in the world play soccer than any other sport, and there is almost no reason to doubt the authenticity of that claim. With little more than an open field, a makeshift goal, and a ball, you can have a soccer game at just about any time. That is why; this game has become famous worldwide in a very little time. It has created hype among people of all age groups, being equally popular among both men and women.
Women started playing soccer as men did in England. Just because women may play soccer like men, it doesn’t mean that a woman wants to wear a man’s soccer gear.
Women clothing choice has always been very different from that of men. If men admire blues and grays, girls go for pinks and reds. Therefore whether women are part of the soccer team or the die-hard fans of soccer, they want their soccer uniforms to look different, beautiful and elegant. Women’s soccer gear apparel consist of jerseys, T-shirts, lined and knitted pants and sphere shorts, shoes tailored specifically for the female players.
Initially soccer uniforms were only worn by the soccer players. With the passage of time, as soccer became more popular and built its strong fan following, the fans of a particular team thought that the best way to show their allegiance to their team was by wearing their team’s uniform. Many brands started manufacturing replica soccer uniforms for fans besides original soccer uniforms for the players. As a large part of the soccer fan following constitutes women and teenage girls, therefore, every soccer uniform selling company make sure that it offers a good selection of women’s soccer wear as well.
The women’s soccer uniform usually comes in combinations and contrasts of white and black with attractive pinks, reds, oranges, yellows and gold. Customized soccer uniforms are in great fashion now-a-days. Women being the fashion freaks love to get their uniforms customized according to their own style and taste. They get their uniforms personalized in diverse colors, with variety of designs and logos. Some even get different patterns imprinted or embroidered on their soccer shirts and jerseys. Today, a woman can find a pink jersey, a vibrant jersey, a fashion jersey, or a glitter jersey from virtually any team in the NFL, MLB, NHL, and NBA.
The women want their soccer shorts to completely complement the color scheme of the jersey or shirt. For that, women either opt for combinations like pinks and yellows, red and whites or prefer contrasts like red and gold, pink and blues etc. Women, like any other male soccer player, try to choose shorts which are not baggy because it does not provide any aid in improving the performance on the field. Rather it restricts the movement of the legs and it is the last thing which any soccer player wants. Women also love to wear matching tie and dyed soccer socks with their shirts and shorts.
Although the girls and women want to wear trendy outfits, at the same time, comfort remains their first priority. That’s why like the men’s uniforms, women’s uniforms are also made with lightweight materials, mostly 100% polyester so that they don’t get sticky due to sweating. Most jerseys now are made from synthetic material that will prevent moisture from being absorbed. Comfortable outfits are very important so that while on the field, the players could concentrate totally on the game rather than on their clothing.
Special uniforms are designed for women goalkeepers. The color of their uniform is kept different from the rest of the players on the field so that they remain easily identified by the referee. Their gloves are designed for goal keepers with narrow hands and most suitable for women. These gloves are usually made of highly durable foam that lasts 25-30% longer than the usual mega foam. The flexible and removable finger protectors also greatly reduce the chances of injury.
Soccer shoes are another vital part of the soccer uniform. While designing them for the women, along with the comfort, style is also kept in mind. In other words, companies try to design pairs that speak of both fashion and comfort. Comfort includes cooling, lightweight, great cushioning and layering that gives the player the most feel for the ball.
These combined is just the ideal sporty, feminine style.
While choosing the appropriate women soccer uniform, internet is your best ally as here one can find hundreds of dealers online offering vast variety of soccer uniforms. You can browse their websites and find the one that best suits you. With a little exploration and intuition, you can find an ideal soccer uniform for yourself or for your team.
Soccer Trips to South African Safari for World Cup 2010
Yet another Soccer World Cup is around the corner. World Cup Qualifying Matches are in full swing and fan’s frenzy has already started building up and most of the football freaks must have already booked their travel packages for their much awaited soccer trip. 2010 Soccer World Cup is expected to be one of the most spectacular events of this most loved and widely played game in the world. The world has already witnessed some dramatic results in the 2010 Soccer World Cup Qualifying Matches recently. Australians were the underdogs for many years but this time they are all set to have back to back appearances in the upcoming world cup. They are on the verge of qualifying and must have started planning for their soccer travel too. But may be Argentina has other plans, the way they are playing it seems they have plans of booking some other travel packages. Chances are they won’t be there for playing but they can always register there appearance as tourists in the picturesque South Africa. After all the country has something or the other for anyone visiting this proud nation which is honored to host the Grand Event for the very first time.
Even though people who are least interested in the game have found another reason to get their travel packages booked well in advance as bookings for the soccer travel are already on a high for South Africa. South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. This is one of the reasons why people who won’t be watching any football matches are queuing up for bookings under soccer travel packages fearing they are not left behind in the rush and perhaps for while they would be unconventional football fans having an unexpected soccer trip to Africa. But nobody is complaining and there is no reason to. People are taking full advantage of various soccer travel packages on offer. So, this time around the whole world seems to be preparing for its “soccer trip” to South Africa.
There is every reason why one should spent a bit over budget on his travel packages. This glorious country has so much to offer that even if your teams or players didn’t do well, your hard earned money spent on soccer travel packages won’t go down the drain. Whether you are looking for a wildlife, beach or adventure holiday with family, it is all there. So your dream soccer trip cannot just end at the soccer stadiums. African Safari must find its place on your soccer travel destinations.
And your soccer trip just doesn’t end there. You must book your soccer travel packages for the iconic and adventurous Kruger Park. A visit at the Garden Route would be memorable which is spread out along the coast, like a giant natural theme park, it is a rich tapestry of very large trees, freshwater lakes etc. It won’t be a bad idea if your soccer trip also includes a visit at Devil’s Peak in Cape Town, Nature Reserves of St. Lucia and Drakensberg in Durban and Shamwari Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth to say the least but South Africa has far more to it what you can imagine and it is up to you, how much you can add to your soccer trip. One thing is assured that your 2010 soccer trip to this glorious country of South Africa would be one you would cherish for the rest of your life.
For More information on World Cup 2010 Packages or Soccer Tickets and Travel Packages for any major soccer tournaments or matches across the world visit: www.worldfootballtravel.com
Even though people who are least interested in the game have found another reason to get their travel packages booked well in advance as bookings for the soccer travel are already on a high for South Africa. South Africa is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries in the world. This is one of the reasons why people who won’t be watching any football matches are queuing up for bookings under soccer travel packages fearing they are not left behind in the rush and perhaps for while they would be unconventional football fans having an unexpected soccer trip to Africa. But nobody is complaining and there is no reason to. People are taking full advantage of various soccer travel packages on offer. So, this time around the whole world seems to be preparing for its “soccer trip” to South Africa.
There is every reason why one should spent a bit over budget on his travel packages. This glorious country has so much to offer that even if your teams or players didn’t do well, your hard earned money spent on soccer travel packages won’t go down the drain. Whether you are looking for a wildlife, beach or adventure holiday with family, it is all there. So your dream soccer trip cannot just end at the soccer stadiums. African Safari must find its place on your soccer travel destinations.
And your soccer trip just doesn’t end there. You must book your soccer travel packages for the iconic and adventurous Kruger Park. A visit at the Garden Route would be memorable which is spread out along the coast, like a giant natural theme park, it is a rich tapestry of very large trees, freshwater lakes etc. It won’t be a bad idea if your soccer trip also includes a visit at Devil’s Peak in Cape Town, Nature Reserves of St. Lucia and Drakensberg in Durban and Shamwari Game Reserve in Port Elizabeth to say the least but South Africa has far more to it what you can imagine and it is up to you, how much you can add to your soccer trip. One thing is assured that your 2010 soccer trip to this glorious country of South Africa would be one you would cherish for the rest of your life.
For More information on World Cup 2010 Packages or Soccer Tickets and Travel Packages for any major soccer tournaments or matches across the world visit: www.worldfootballtravel.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
Arsenal soccer business!!!
Arsenal have started getting their form back but it is a little bit too late for them. If they had played this way in the earlier parts of this season then they would be one of the title contenders. But they have has mainly improved after they spend quite a great amount on the Russian play, Andrei Arshavin. As many soccer lovers would know, Arsenal are never big spenders. In fact of all the teams in the premier league, it is probable that Arsenal make profits while the others are still making major loss. The Arsenal policy is quite good. It's something like this: buy cheap young talented players, develop them and sell them at a higher profit.
One good example of this Arsenal soccer business is Thierry Henry. When he arrived at Highbury in London, he was not well known. But he was a young talented player with great skill and a wonderful finishing touch. He arrived in Arsenal in 1999 and in his debut season was very marvelous. Having to play alongside Arsenal legends such as Bergkamp was an added advantage. He was acquired for less than 10 million pounds.
As time got by he became better and was able to lead the gunners to win a number of trophies including the famous unbeaten run that led them to win the English premiership title. He also helped them to win a number of FA cup trophies and led them in the finals of the 2005 Champions league. That was probably one of his greatest highlights. But after a season of misfortunes he decided to go to Barcelona in 2007 at a cost of 12 million pounds. See how the profits are made.
Another player I can recall is...read more on arsenal soccer business
Soccer Health Benefits
There are few sports which are popular and practiced all over the world. Soccer is mostly a team game of constraints and concentration, rather than a game of short bursts of intensity and repetitions that focuses on individual performances. Maybe we just do not value those qualities as much. Soccer is challenging footy as the sport in which most people are interested, according to the 16th annual Sweeney Sports Report. These reports have recorded almost a continual increase in soccer's popularity since summer 1988-89 based on a range of measures of interest, including participation, attendance, radio listening, television viewing and print media readership.
In many parts of the world football evokes great passions and plays an important role in the life of individual fans, local communities, and even nations; it is therefore the most popular sport in the world. Because of this it is often dubbed the World's Favourite Pastime.
A soccer game is won or lost in a common effort. This simple fact, combined with the innate desire to win, leads towards socialization of the individual. Generally, children who play a team sport are socially well-integrated, have friends, have less problems with their parents and master typical crises of childhood and adolescence more easily. Through their sport they have acquired conflict management skills as well as the ability to act with respect for others. Due to soccer’s popularity, children also experience social acceptance, recognition and support outside their team.
Physical Activity can help condition the body
- Some activities improve flexibility, some build muscular strength and some increase endurance.
- Some forms of continuous activities involve using the large muscles in your arms or legs. These are called endurance or aerobic exercises. They help the heart by making it work more efficiently during exercise and at rest.
- Brisk walking, jumping rope, jogging, bicycling, cross-country skiing and dancing are examples of aerobic activities that increase endurance.
Health benefits
Soccer can be a great workout and lots of fun. The health benefits include:
- Increases aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health
- Lowers body fat and improves muscle tone
- Builds strength, flexibility and endurance
- Increases muscle and bone strength
- Improved health due to shifts between walking, running and sprinting.
Other benefits
There are many other benefits from playing a team sport like soccer. For example it:
- Is generally a non-contact sport
- Teaches coordination
- Promotes teamwork and sharing
- Teaches you to think on-the-go
- Helps to increase skills in concentration, persistence and self-discipline
- Is a great way to meet people and exercise with friends
- Can provide an opportunity to increase your confidence and self-esteem, and help to reduce anxiety
- Requires very little equipment so can be played in the backyard or park
- Is relatively easy to learn, so beginners can easily join in on the fun and play basic soccer for recreation
- Is an international sport.
Soccer gives you a cardiovascular workout while working on stamina, strength and endurance. You can build a team spirit and have fun at the same time. It is 90% mental and 10% physical. You can kick the ball around, but it's your mind doing all the work. So through soccer you can build concentration, which really helps if you start young.
Soccer is an all-round form of practice because it keeps the pulse up and has many high-intensity actions. When you sprint, jump and tackle your opponents, you use all the fibers in your muscles. Regular exercise through this game lowers body fat and improves muscle tone. This sport builds strength, flexibility and endurance. It increases muscle and bone strength.
Some activities are especially beneficial when done regularly:
- brisk walking, hiking, stair-climbing, aerobic exercise.
- jogging, running, bicycling, rowing and swimming.
activities such as soccer and basketball that include continuous running.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tips for Soccer Coach
Whether you're new to coaching soccer or you want to achieve the highest level of soccer coaching advice, we have unique program to coach soccer. guarantee the great level of personal attention and high quality soccer tips. Experts soccer training ensuring a high level of personal attention and high quality advice soccer. All go4goldsoccer efforts are being made to solve the physical and psychological demands of the game.
We recognize the needs of each player and ensure the best training methods. These training tips to improve your soccer skills and exercises to achieve better results.
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No one can make and, if it has not learned the tactical advice or special training before making soccer goal. Learning soccer academy reliable is important but you have to make a judgement about your coaches and their ability to learn. Although not an easy task to be done, but their assessments with regard to the communication soccer techniques such as the long pass forward, before running, receiving and turning the ball, and so will help you make a valid decision for learning soccer.
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Our trainers value the need of children and young people and try to increase their ability to pay soccer. Our surprising Youth Soccer coaching advice to maintain and increase their interest in playing soccer., Soccer Shooting etc. depending upon the talents and needs of the players. We have developed and teach the weekly soccer soccer as Counsel to attack, Crosses soccer, soccer defence before Runs soccer, Soccer Goalkeeping, etc. Shooting soccer according to the talents and needs of players .
Sessions planned
With contributions from the expert soccer trainers, we are confident enough to offer world-class soccer coaching advice. All sessions are planned that we want to offer the best advice of our experts. We also strive to cultivate positive change for the overall development of the player that our intention is that one must enjoy playing soccer without losing their enthusiasm. These sessions are provided very useful they bring the remarkable change in the players personalities that their interaction with team members, coaches, parents have also increased.
We recognize the needs of each player and ensure the best training methods. These training tips to improve your soccer skills and exercises to achieve better results.
About Coaching Tips
No one can make and, if it has not learned the tactical advice or special training before making soccer goal. Learning soccer academy reliable is important but you have to make a judgement about your coaches and their ability to learn. Although not an easy task to be done, but their assessments with regard to the communication soccer techniques such as the long pass forward, before running, receiving and turning the ball, and so will help you make a valid decision for learning soccer.
Supporting Youth soccer
Whenever a young plans to learn soccer is very excited and I wanted to learn all the tricks of coaching soccer. The expertise has go4goldsoccer at the highest level of understanding of strategies soccer and that is why we are recognized as the best coaching youth soccer advice of trainers. Their years of practice as soccer during the attack, how to pass the ball, where to cross the ball, how to keep a compact team, has helped us so much for coaching soccer.
Weekly soccer training
Our trainers value the need of children and young people and try to increase their ability to pay soccer. Our surprising Youth Soccer coaching advice to maintain and increase their interest in playing soccer., Soccer Shooting etc. depending upon the talents and needs of the players. We have developed and teach the weekly soccer soccer as Counsel to attack, Crosses soccer, soccer defence before Runs soccer, Soccer Goalkeeping, etc. Shooting soccer according to the talents and needs of players .
Sessions planned
With contributions from the expert soccer trainers, we are confident enough to offer world-class soccer coaching advice. All sessions are planned that we want to offer the best advice of our experts. We also strive to cultivate positive change for the overall development of the player that our intention is that one must enjoy playing soccer without losing their enthusiasm. These sessions are provided very useful they bring the remarkable change in the players personalities that their interaction with team members, coaches, parents have also increased.
The Evolution of the Soccer Kit
The soccer kit is not just the uniform that a soccer team wears when playing. It means so much more and has evolved from its humble beginning in much the same way as the soccer boot. Beginning life as a simple top to help distinguish one team's players from the other team, the soccer shirt has become a piece of design and innovation and more importantly to soccer fans across the globe - a fashion accessory.
When soccer became an organised sport in the mid 1800s, the formation of the English Football Association brought many rules to the previously anarchic sport. However, uniforms or kits were not one of the early rules as players generally wore whatever they liked with a coloured cap or scarf used to distinguish themselves from other players. Soccer in England was played mainly by wealthy gentlemen who were financially able to purchase a suitable shirt in their club's colours - with plain white t-shirts the most popular kit due to its ease to obtain and being relatively cheap.
In a handbook published in 1867, it was advised that 'if it can be previously so arranged, to have one side with striped jerseys of one colour, say red, and the other with another, say blue. This prevents confusion and wild attempts to wrest the ball from your neighbour.' However, from the inception of the Football Association in 1863, it still took over a decade for soccer kits to appear and become a regular part of the game.
The first kits that appeared were generally taken from public schools, with teams such as Blackburn Rovers adopting the colours initially of Cambridge University as many of their players were former students. Many of the original kits were garish and brash, shown by Reading's use of a salmon pink, claret and blue uniform - a million miles from the simple royal blue and white of today.
As the sport moved away from a middle class hobby and became popular as a working class occupation, the kits were to evolve with the sport itself. Individuals would no longer be responsible for providing their own uniform, as clubs began to adopt specific colours and provide the kit for their team to wear.
Association football became increasingly popular with spectators and so the soccer players' attire was to be affected to improve the ease of viewing. This led to the abandonment of bright, gaudy colours in favour of distinctive primary uniforms to enable viewers to easily identify their team from a distance.
As the game evolved, the equipment used also changed, with the invention of shin pads by Sam Weller Widdowson in 1874. His use of cut down cricket pads outside of his stockings would also evolve into smaller pads worn inside the socks, a more familiar concept to the modern-day soccer player.
Shorts and socks were not considered a part of the team's kit until around the turn of the century. In 1901, new regulations were introduced making socks officially part of the strip as well as so-called 'knickers' not being required to be lower than the knee leading to the 'soccer shorts' that we see today. It was in the first twenty years of the 20th Century that the soccer kit of today really began to take shape.
Forty years on from the first soccer kits, and with association football becomingly increasingly popular in the UK, soccer kit styles became more fashionable and design-conscious in the early 1900s. Popular shirt designs included the eternal favourite of vertical stripes, although the pinstripe of the 1800s was replaced with a wider stripe. The First World War prevented the UK soccer league from continuing from 1914 until the competition returned in 1919.
Between 1919 and the next suspension of professional soccer in 1939 with the outbreak of war with Germany, kit innovation had slowed down and the most notable change of the period occurred in the 1930s. Collars replaced crew necks and shorts were no longer plain with the inclusion of stripes down the side of the leg. The most influential change was shown by north London's Arsenal when their kit had red shirts with contrasting white sleeves, a design that is still their home kit to this day.
Another introduction that appeared in this period was the introduction of shirt numbers, experimented with by Arsenal before becoming more common in 1939 before the Second World War. Numbers would go on to play a significant role in the merchandise sales of shirts in the latter part of the 20th century, but were used initially to allow easier identification of players.
After the end of World War II, rationing would play a major part in the development of soccer kits. Clubs would struggle to replace old kits due to clothing rations and so would play in the same kits for years or borrow full strips from other teams, including rugby clubs. KIts began to keep a level of consistency and teams opted to maintain a specific colour uniform which would become associated with their club.
The baggy, loose-fitting shorts of the early parts of the century were gradually replaced during the 1950s when kits became more streamlined to aid speed and agility of players. This change in style and design coincided with the European influence on the previously English-dominated sport as soccer started to evolve into a worldwide phenomenon.
The 1950s saw the introduction of the European Cup, renamed as the UEFA Champions League, won for the first five years by Spain's all-white Real Madrid. As the game became publicised through the popularity of both club and country competitions, television also introduced soccer to a wider audience across the world. The sport gained followers from many countries and backgrounds and so the players' attire and the players themselves took on the role of soccer icons.
The arrival of the swinging 60s brought a new type of soccer player to the public's attention as the sport's popularity reached unprecedented highs. The club game was full of well-supported teams including the red of Liverpool and the black and blue stripes of Italy's Internazionale. Alongside the club game, the FIFA World Cup brought a whole new level of interest with the global superstars of the Brazil squad including such greats as Pele and Garrincha.
The popularity of the sport, combined with the new levels of skill demonstrated by some of the new stars of soccer ensured that team kits would need to be as eye-catching and iconic as the players. With television coverage increasing, soccer teams would have to improve the quality of their kits as a symbol of the success and skill that the team possessed. Clubs would begin to realise the potential of a commercially appealing soccer kit in the future, and this belief began to take shape as the 1960s rolled on.
The 1960s saw the arrival of football superstars like George Best, raising the profile of the game to encompass more than just fans of the sport. Often referred to as the 'fifth Beatle', Best would be symbollic of the new appeal that the modern 60s soccer player had in society. Best's fanbase extended past the Manchester United fanbase, in the same way that David Beckham's celebrity status would engulf the world thirty years later.
With the new soccer celebrity, clubs would realise the commercial potential of their assets and would develop their kits and sales techniques to achieve maximum financial benefits. It wasn't until 1975 that the first official shirts went on sale in England when Leeds United launched the first ever replica kit. The shirts were made by Admiral and featured a club badge, consequently raising the price for supporters wishing to wear their team's colours. Previously able to buy a generic white shirt, Leeds fans would now have to spend more than twice as much money on the official replica shirt.
The arrival of the replica kit would have the biggest impact imaginable on the evolution soccer kit. Club badges would become a marketable aspect of the kit, with clubs seeking to register the copyright to protect their investment. Kit makers such as Admiral, Bukta and Umbro would waive their fees for producing the kit in return for a cut of the profits generated by shirt sales, a commercial practice that continues to this day.
Another practice that would enter the soccer kit design would be the introduction of shirt sponsors in the late 1970s. Initially, clubs would show the name of the kit manufacturers, as demonstrated by the first UK club sponsor of Hibernian FC with shirts showing Bukta on the chest. This quickly evolved into a marketing strategy for both club and sponsor, with the soccer team earning substantial financial rewards for advertising the sponsor's name.
Kit sponsorship remained conservative in the UK, with teams only allowed to display one sponsor up until the 21st century when restrictions were stretched. Clubs would print sponsors on their shorts as well as on the backs of shirts - although this had been common practice in countries such as Mexico for years. Mexican club sides would display three or four sponsors on their shirts, often with two or three individual company names solely on the shirt's front.
The 1980s saw a trend for slim-fitting shirts and smaller shorts, epitomised by the all red Liverpool kit worn by such Kop legends as Dalglish, Rush and Hansen. These kits gave way to the baggy, retro look of the 90s that was introduced when the Premier League was launched in 1992. Bold colours and unusual patterns were often chosen, sometimes as a second or third kit with a traditional design as the club's main uniform.
Squad numbers were used by Premier League clubs in another attempt to boost revenue from shirt sales, as popular player's names were blazened across the backs of supporters in the stands. With so many kits available for each club, shirt sales became a major part of the soccer club's economy and so regular changes occur to boost club funds and profits. It is not unusual for a club to release two or three different shirt designs each year in an attempt to capitalise on the soccer shirt's commercial draw.
So what does the future hold for the soccer shirt? With skin-tight lycra, baggy-retro look, sleeveless shirts and animal prints all making an appearance in the last 150 years, the possibilities are endless. As new fabrics, designs and styles become popular, the soccer shirt of the future holds so many possibilities.
When soccer became an organised sport in the mid 1800s, the formation of the English Football Association brought many rules to the previously anarchic sport. However, uniforms or kits were not one of the early rules as players generally wore whatever they liked with a coloured cap or scarf used to distinguish themselves from other players. Soccer in England was played mainly by wealthy gentlemen who were financially able to purchase a suitable shirt in their club's colours - with plain white t-shirts the most popular kit due to its ease to obtain and being relatively cheap.
In a handbook published in 1867, it was advised that 'if it can be previously so arranged, to have one side with striped jerseys of one colour, say red, and the other with another, say blue. This prevents confusion and wild attempts to wrest the ball from your neighbour.' However, from the inception of the Football Association in 1863, it still took over a decade for soccer kits to appear and become a regular part of the game.
The first kits that appeared were generally taken from public schools, with teams such as Blackburn Rovers adopting the colours initially of Cambridge University as many of their players were former students. Many of the original kits were garish and brash, shown by Reading's use of a salmon pink, claret and blue uniform - a million miles from the simple royal blue and white of today.
As the sport moved away from a middle class hobby and became popular as a working class occupation, the kits were to evolve with the sport itself. Individuals would no longer be responsible for providing their own uniform, as clubs began to adopt specific colours and provide the kit for their team to wear.
Association football became increasingly popular with spectators and so the soccer players' attire was to be affected to improve the ease of viewing. This led to the abandonment of bright, gaudy colours in favour of distinctive primary uniforms to enable viewers to easily identify their team from a distance.
As the game evolved, the equipment used also changed, with the invention of shin pads by Sam Weller Widdowson in 1874. His use of cut down cricket pads outside of his stockings would also evolve into smaller pads worn inside the socks, a more familiar concept to the modern-day soccer player.
Shorts and socks were not considered a part of the team's kit until around the turn of the century. In 1901, new regulations were introduced making socks officially part of the strip as well as so-called 'knickers' not being required to be lower than the knee leading to the 'soccer shorts' that we see today. It was in the first twenty years of the 20th Century that the soccer kit of today really began to take shape.
Forty years on from the first soccer kits, and with association football becomingly increasingly popular in the UK, soccer kit styles became more fashionable and design-conscious in the early 1900s. Popular shirt designs included the eternal favourite of vertical stripes, although the pinstripe of the 1800s was replaced with a wider stripe. The First World War prevented the UK soccer league from continuing from 1914 until the competition returned in 1919.
Between 1919 and the next suspension of professional soccer in 1939 with the outbreak of war with Germany, kit innovation had slowed down and the most notable change of the period occurred in the 1930s. Collars replaced crew necks and shorts were no longer plain with the inclusion of stripes down the side of the leg. The most influential change was shown by north London's Arsenal when their kit had red shirts with contrasting white sleeves, a design that is still their home kit to this day.
Another introduction that appeared in this period was the introduction of shirt numbers, experimented with by Arsenal before becoming more common in 1939 before the Second World War. Numbers would go on to play a significant role in the merchandise sales of shirts in the latter part of the 20th century, but were used initially to allow easier identification of players.
After the end of World War II, rationing would play a major part in the development of soccer kits. Clubs would struggle to replace old kits due to clothing rations and so would play in the same kits for years or borrow full strips from other teams, including rugby clubs. KIts began to keep a level of consistency and teams opted to maintain a specific colour uniform which would become associated with their club.
The baggy, loose-fitting shorts of the early parts of the century were gradually replaced during the 1950s when kits became more streamlined to aid speed and agility of players. This change in style and design coincided with the European influence on the previously English-dominated sport as soccer started to evolve into a worldwide phenomenon.
The 1950s saw the introduction of the European Cup, renamed as the UEFA Champions League, won for the first five years by Spain's all-white Real Madrid. As the game became publicised through the popularity of both club and country competitions, television also introduced soccer to a wider audience across the world. The sport gained followers from many countries and backgrounds and so the players' attire and the players themselves took on the role of soccer icons.
The arrival of the swinging 60s brought a new type of soccer player to the public's attention as the sport's popularity reached unprecedented highs. The club game was full of well-supported teams including the red of Liverpool and the black and blue stripes of Italy's Internazionale. Alongside the club game, the FIFA World Cup brought a whole new level of interest with the global superstars of the Brazil squad including such greats as Pele and Garrincha.
The popularity of the sport, combined with the new levels of skill demonstrated by some of the new stars of soccer ensured that team kits would need to be as eye-catching and iconic as the players. With television coverage increasing, soccer teams would have to improve the quality of their kits as a symbol of the success and skill that the team possessed. Clubs would begin to realise the potential of a commercially appealing soccer kit in the future, and this belief began to take shape as the 1960s rolled on.
The 1960s saw the arrival of football superstars like George Best, raising the profile of the game to encompass more than just fans of the sport. Often referred to as the 'fifth Beatle', Best would be symbollic of the new appeal that the modern 60s soccer player had in society. Best's fanbase extended past the Manchester United fanbase, in the same way that David Beckham's celebrity status would engulf the world thirty years later.
With the new soccer celebrity, clubs would realise the commercial potential of their assets and would develop their kits and sales techniques to achieve maximum financial benefits. It wasn't until 1975 that the first official shirts went on sale in England when Leeds United launched the first ever replica kit. The shirts were made by Admiral and featured a club badge, consequently raising the price for supporters wishing to wear their team's colours. Previously able to buy a generic white shirt, Leeds fans would now have to spend more than twice as much money on the official replica shirt.
The arrival of the replica kit would have the biggest impact imaginable on the evolution soccer kit. Club badges would become a marketable aspect of the kit, with clubs seeking to register the copyright to protect their investment. Kit makers such as Admiral, Bukta and Umbro would waive their fees for producing the kit in return for a cut of the profits generated by shirt sales, a commercial practice that continues to this day.
Another practice that would enter the soccer kit design would be the introduction of shirt sponsors in the late 1970s. Initially, clubs would show the name of the kit manufacturers, as demonstrated by the first UK club sponsor of Hibernian FC with shirts showing Bukta on the chest. This quickly evolved into a marketing strategy for both club and sponsor, with the soccer team earning substantial financial rewards for advertising the sponsor's name.
Kit sponsorship remained conservative in the UK, with teams only allowed to display one sponsor up until the 21st century when restrictions were stretched. Clubs would print sponsors on their shorts as well as on the backs of shirts - although this had been common practice in countries such as Mexico for years. Mexican club sides would display three or four sponsors on their shirts, often with two or three individual company names solely on the shirt's front.
The 1980s saw a trend for slim-fitting shirts and smaller shorts, epitomised by the all red Liverpool kit worn by such Kop legends as Dalglish, Rush and Hansen. These kits gave way to the baggy, retro look of the 90s that was introduced when the Premier League was launched in 1992. Bold colours and unusual patterns were often chosen, sometimes as a second or third kit with a traditional design as the club's main uniform.
Squad numbers were used by Premier League clubs in another attempt to boost revenue from shirt sales, as popular player's names were blazened across the backs of supporters in the stands. With so many kits available for each club, shirt sales became a major part of the soccer club's economy and so regular changes occur to boost club funds and profits. It is not unusual for a club to release two or three different shirt designs each year in an attempt to capitalise on the soccer shirt's commercial draw.
So what does the future hold for the soccer shirt? With skin-tight lycra, baggy-retro look, sleeveless shirts and animal prints all making an appearance in the last 150 years, the possibilities are endless. As new fabrics, designs and styles become popular, the soccer shirt of the future holds so many possibilities.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Michael Irvin to launch football reality TV show
The Associated Press
The first time Michael Irvin watched " American Idol," he loved the concept of giving undiscovered singers the chance to become stars. Now Irvin is doing the same for NFL wannabes.
The Hall of Fame receiver is launching a reality TV show in which 12 "football neophytes" will compete for an impressive grand prize: a spot on the Dallas Cowboys' training camp roster.
"I don't know if you can walk upon any group of guys that wouldn't say they dreamed of playing in the NFL when they were playing in their front yard," Irvin told The Associated Press on Thursday. "So we're going to take a group of guys from their front yard, dwindle them to one and give that guy the opportunity of a lifetime."
The Cowboys confirmed that one of their 80 roster spots will go to the show's winner, but team owner Jerry Jones was not available for further comment. The NFL did not immediately return a call.
The show, which doesn't yet have a title, will air this spring on Spike. It is being produced by the same company that's behind "The Biggest Loser" and many other reality TV hits.
Contestants are still being selected. They likely will need a football background -- just not too much. They also must be the right age, size and condition to handle an NFL training camp. The Cowboys open camp in late July in San Antonio.
"We want someone who will have a real opportunity to make the team," Irvin said. He also indicated the better the back story, the better an applicant's chance of making the show.
"You could've played college ball and had to give up for some reason," he said. "You know how many stories are out there of players who for some reason or another had to walk away from the game. ... We want to find those guys."
Irvin will be the host and he expects to have guest appearances from friends like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders and Jerry Jones. Judges will include Jones and former players and coaches.
The show will pit six receivers and six defensive backs. As for how they will compete, all Irvin would say is, "Tune in and watch. It'll be groundbreaking in so many ways."
The winner's biggest payoff will be the fulfillment of playing for the Cowboys. While the rookie minimum is about $300,000, that's only if he makes the team. The salary in training camp is closer to $1,000 a week for an undrafted rookie.
Irvin said this is about far more than money. It's the chance to catch passes from Tony Romo or to line up opposite Terrell Owens.
"What young man do you know that's not going to read (about this show), then head straight to the gym and say, 'I'm going to get ready?'" Irvin said. "That's how this will inspire people."
Considering the Cowboys are coming off a disappointing season filled with all sorts of turmoil, adding a player more likely to be profiled in "People" than "Sports Illustrated" seems risky. It could be perceived as just another sideshow, like the cameras from HBO's "Hard Knocks" that tracked the team in training camp last year.
Yet Irvin, who hosts a local radio show that spends a lot of time analyzing the Cowboys, dismissed that notion.
"I don't see how you can make this a negative for the Dallas Cowboys," he said. "We all talk of doing good things for the community, for people, giving people opportunities. Jerry has stepped up and said, 'OK, let's do it.'"
Even if this is considered a well-intentioned publicity stunt, the Cowboys could be accused of wasting a roster spot, which may not be so trivial.
Just last spring the league considered proposals to expand training camp rosters from 80 players to 86, to replace the spots lost by the end of NFL Europa. Players who went overseas were exempt from the training-camp roster count, and teams could send up to six. Tampa Bay even wanted to up the roster limit to 90. But now Dallas will essentially be going with 79.
Team spokesman Rich Dalrymple compared this "signing" to when the Cowboys added a Mexican national player before an American Bowl exhibition game in Mexico in the 1990s. Dallas also signed two Japanese players before a 2000 game in Tokyo, but they'd played in Europe and were roster exemptions.
The first time Michael Irvin watched " American Idol," he loved the concept of giving undiscovered singers the chance to become stars. Now Irvin is doing the same for NFL wannabes.
The Hall of Fame receiver is launching a reality TV show in which 12 "football neophytes" will compete for an impressive grand prize: a spot on the Dallas Cowboys' training camp roster.
"I don't know if you can walk upon any group of guys that wouldn't say they dreamed of playing in the NFL when they were playing in their front yard," Irvin told The Associated Press on Thursday. "So we're going to take a group of guys from their front yard, dwindle them to one and give that guy the opportunity of a lifetime."
The Cowboys confirmed that one of their 80 roster spots will go to the show's winner, but team owner Jerry Jones was not available for further comment. The NFL did not immediately return a call.
The show, which doesn't yet have a title, will air this spring on Spike. It is being produced by the same company that's behind "The Biggest Loser" and many other reality TV hits.
Contestants are still being selected. They likely will need a football background -- just not too much. They also must be the right age, size and condition to handle an NFL training camp. The Cowboys open camp in late July in San Antonio.
"We want someone who will have a real opportunity to make the team," Irvin said. He also indicated the better the back story, the better an applicant's chance of making the show.
"You could've played college ball and had to give up for some reason," he said. "You know how many stories are out there of players who for some reason or another had to walk away from the game. ... We want to find those guys."
Irvin will be the host and he expects to have guest appearances from friends like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders and Jerry Jones. Judges will include Jones and former players and coaches.
The show will pit six receivers and six defensive backs. As for how they will compete, all Irvin would say is, "Tune in and watch. It'll be groundbreaking in so many ways."
The winner's biggest payoff will be the fulfillment of playing for the Cowboys. While the rookie minimum is about $300,000, that's only if he makes the team. The salary in training camp is closer to $1,000 a week for an undrafted rookie.
Irvin said this is about far more than money. It's the chance to catch passes from Tony Romo or to line up opposite Terrell Owens.
"What young man do you know that's not going to read (about this show), then head straight to the gym and say, 'I'm going to get ready?'" Irvin said. "That's how this will inspire people."
Considering the Cowboys are coming off a disappointing season filled with all sorts of turmoil, adding a player more likely to be profiled in "People" than "Sports Illustrated" seems risky. It could be perceived as just another sideshow, like the cameras from HBO's "Hard Knocks" that tracked the team in training camp last year.
Yet Irvin, who hosts a local radio show that spends a lot of time analyzing the Cowboys, dismissed that notion.
"I don't see how you can make this a negative for the Dallas Cowboys," he said. "We all talk of doing good things for the community, for people, giving people opportunities. Jerry has stepped up and said, 'OK, let's do it.'"
Even if this is considered a well-intentioned publicity stunt, the Cowboys could be accused of wasting a roster spot, which may not be so trivial.
Just last spring the league considered proposals to expand training camp rosters from 80 players to 86, to replace the spots lost by the end of NFL Europa. Players who went overseas were exempt from the training-camp roster count, and teams could send up to six. Tampa Bay even wanted to up the roster limit to 90. But now Dallas will essentially be going with 79.
Team spokesman Rich Dalrymple compared this "signing" to when the Cowboys added a Mexican national player before an American Bowl exhibition game in Mexico in the 1990s. Dallas also signed two Japanese players before a 2000 game in Tokyo, but they'd played in Europe and were roster exemptions.
USC will play Minnesota in football in 2010-11
USC announced today that the Trojans will play a home-and-home football series against Minnesota in 2010-11. The Gophers will be host to the first game, Sept. 18, 2010, and the Trojans will be host to the second, on Sept. 3, 2011.
The teams haven't played since 1980. USC is 4-1-1 in the six meetings lifetime.
Minnesota was 7-6 in 2008, sixth in the Big Ten.
Additonal nonconference opponents through 2011 are Ohio State, Virginia, Syracuse, Hawaii and San Jose State.
-- Mike James
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