My thoughts on soccer and…well…. soccer!
Maybe Diego Maradona finally got around to reviewing the tapes from Argentina’s 1986 game against England. Ya know, the time where he handed the ball into the goal.
Or maybe his conscious has caught up to him.
What’s interesting is that him and Pele were choosen by FIFA as history’s best soccer players. Certainly a cheater shouldn’t be considered the “best?”
Ajax America, which organizes national training and premier soccer tournaments, is looking to expand its “soccer reach.”
To make a long story short, they are looking to buy equity stakes in current MLS soccer teams.
“Investing in a professional soccer team is the next logical step in our company’s growth plan,” says Ajax America president and CEO Mark Dillon, in a prepared statement. “We will aggressively pursue the opportunity that meets our expansion objectives.”
It certainly sounds like Ajax is on the right track. Check out the full article here.
What youth job could be more ideal then refereeing youth soccer?
Yes, you’ll get the occasional obnoxious parent, but overall things seem to be pretty smooth for teenagers these days.
Watching the kids enjoy the game and seeing funny plays is just an extra perk, as one ref says:
“Something else you see is when the ball goes out of bounds, kids will tackle each other to see who get to throw the ball in.”
Certainly sounds like another way to enjoy such a great game.
And kids, don’t forget those pads and helmets the next time you start tackling!
Youth soccer training isn’t as clear cut as it may seem; but that’s not a bad thing.
Naturally, different coaches have different styles. That’s good because it makes games interesting. But it’s also important to note that different countries have different coaching styles as well.
Take the gentleman from England now coaching in the US. It’s certainly good for kids to experience these various styles as it deepens their understanding of not only soccer, but life in general.
Learn to respect each others differences, for it’s respect for others that makes us human (stepping down from soapbox now)….
While modern soccer has its English roots, various derivatives of the sport formed in many different countries.
This article gives a good soccer history overview from varioius regions of the globe.
“While it is undisputed that the origins of modern soccer, or football, originated in Britain, there is a great deal of evidence that points to this beloved game as having an older history. ”
No one likes getting hurt; especially in the heat of the game when your team really needs you.
Rebecca put together some soccer safety tips worth reading by coaches, players, and parents alike.
“With over 80,000 adults and children going to emergency rooms every year as a result of soccer, knowing the safety rules is vital.”
As a security measure in regards to the London bombins, no bags will be allowed at matches at their Stamford Bridge grounds.
Undoubtedly, some self-centered fans will make a scene and not consider the well-fare of others.
Perhaps they should try sneaking in snacks another time….
Perhaps one of the smartest things Team USA has done lately is keep a watchful eye on US players that play in foreign leagues.
After all, the better players from the US generally do leave the MLS because of it’s low salary caps in favor for higher pay and better competition overseas.
Now, once the MLS figures out how to keep the players from leaving in the first place, we’ll be all set.
An accomplishment to some, or simply a blip on the radar to others; the MLS begins its 10th season.
Certainly an accomplishment for the #1 International sport, but it’s certainly still in the doldrums of popularity in the US-of-A.
Now, if they could only find a way to keep their talent from going overseas (Brian McBride rings a bell) then they’d be set. Perhaps changing the salary cap for veterans and not just rookies would be a start…
Once again, it’s been reported that the Italian soccer league is once again saddled with problems, ranging from financial issues to match-fixing.
This makes roughly four straight years of pre-season problems.
Why can’t soccer simply get back to it’s roots? Why can’t people just play for the love of the game?
Sigh…. maybe I’m not a realist, but come on already. Enough is enough..
