Local Youth Game

A few months ago, when Jurgen Klinnsman was named head coach, we posted a survey on our Facebook page.  The question asked if the US can really change our international soccer fortunes without a fundamental change in the way we teach the game and way players progress.  We believe that a foundational shift in the way soccer is taught in America is necessary to really make a difference.  If the games I saw this weekend are indicative of what is going on around the country, I am completely convinced.

One of the best examples was a coach who should stick to “football” and stay away from the football pitch.  I don’t think he shut up for more than 30 seconds.  This coach started all 8 of his field players on the center line with the a big boot for the kick-off.  The idea was to just kick the ball as far down field as possible and hope that having numbers up would give a chance for a quick goal.  Something that might work once at this level, but they did it every single time.  He also yelled out every single pass (they couldn’t string two together), every single throw-in, every attack, every defensive assignment and every decision.  At one player stood on the sideline waiting for the coach to tell her to throw-in the ball.  She was the only one allowed to throw it in for the whole game, and yet she couldn’t do it without being told.  In general, the game plan was very simple: “Jane” the striker was the designated offensive player.  She was fast and relatively experienced and skilled.  “Sally” was the enforcer.  Her job was to bump, push, elbow the ball away from everyone on defense.  Everyone else was just supposed to kick the ball out, kick it up field, or kick it to Jane.

This type of coaching might win a few recreation league games, but it doesn’t teach the kids anything about how to play soccer.  Players other than the anointed ones get very few touches.  No one dribbles the ball for fear of losing it.  The players are not taught the tools to play at a higher level.  In fact, it isn’t really any fun.  This is a big part of the reason kids stop playing after U-12.  By the time they reach 14, most have either moved up to club or they have quit altogether.

If the US is going to have any chance to truly progress, we need to reset the way we train coaches, the way we train players and the way we play the game.  In the 70′s, the Netherlands went through the Total Soccer transformation.  That took a small country from an also ran to two World Cup Finals.  About 10 years ago, Germany initiated a similar transformation.  They changed the way soccer was taught at all levels and created a unified curriculum.  The US needs to do the same thing.  We must begin training coaches on how to train the game.  Both US Soccer and NSCAA offer good courses, but the percentage of coaches that attend these classes is very small.  Large recreational organizations like AYSO also offer coaching classes, but the quality of instruction and the level of participation by the parent coaches is generally low.  We need to do a better job of training the people that will train the next generation.

We also need to do a much better job of identifying talent and getting them into proper training.  Right now, the general progression in Southern California is rec league to travel team to club to ODP to National Academy.  There is little scouting that goes on outside of the premier clubs or ODP, leaving lots of talent unrecognized.  I have heard several ODP scouts tell me that “any one good enough to make the ODP team would already be playing on a premier club, so no one at the lower levels is worth considering.”  This bypasses the possibility of a player that cannot afford a premier club, has travel or time conflicts, is new to an area, or chose to play with friends.

The last fatal flaw in the US system is finances.  Clubs are expensive.  The premier clubs in Southern California can cost thousands of dollars each year and academies can cost tens of thousands.  In Europe and Latin America, smaller clubs survive by identifying talent and selling the players to larger clubs.  PSV Eindhoven has supported their youth academy this way for decades selling players like Ruud Van Nistory to Manchester United.  They only need to sell about two players every three years to support the academy and produce a top flight professional team.

If the US can start to produce real academies endorsed by US Soccer and sponsored by MLS/WPS and the manufacturers long enough to start identifying/training talent, not only would the US become the powerhouse it can be, but the entire game would be elevated.  If the academy is for profit, as it should be, there must be enough scholarship money to support talented players.  Others that can afford it, can pay, but the best cannot be a burden on their family or we will lose them.

We are excited about our partnership with California Footwear Company and their giving back program, said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. The simple gift of shoes can truly change someones life, and brands like California Footwear Company are making a huge impact on the international community with their long-term commitments to make a difference.

When we started California Footwear Company, we knew that our company would have a charitable aspect to it because we feel strongly about giving back, said David Bergum, co-owner and President of California Footwear Company. After all, our sandals and shoes make you feel good. Why not double that feeling by knowing you are helping others at the same time? Weve been looking for a partner with the right mix of relevancy, commitment, organization, and leadership.  Soles4Souls is the perfect match as they exceed our expectations in each of those criteria. They are truly making a difference in a meaningful way and we are very proud to be a part of their mission to help people in need, both here and abroad.

For more information on how to get involved, visit www.giveshoes.org and for a great pair of shoes that give to others, visit www.californiafootwearco.com.

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About Soles4Souls®, Clothes4Souls®, and Hope4Souls™

Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-enterprise efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org www.clothes4souls.org or www.hope4souls.org for more
information.

About California Footwear Co.

California Footwear Co. a Santa Rosa, California based company creates comfortable sandals, boots, shoes, and clogs that reflect the California lifestyle. California is a destination like no other. It is known for its focus
on health and well being, cutting-edge fashion, outdoor activities, and a connection with the people around them. Their mission is to combine all of the best that California represents into high-quality, affordable footwear for people who care about their foot health. Each of California Footwear Co. styles is named after a city, landmark, or beach that highlights a destination in this special state. Visit www.californiafootwearco.com for more information.

Ever since I was a small boy, I played soccer. In grade school, we made it a daily activity using the trees and fences to mark our field.  I tried out [for the high school team] my freshman year, but I could not make the team.  I dedicated myself to practice more during that next year just to find I did not qualify for the second time. I was quite disappointed that I was not allowed to participate in something I loved so much. I found myself the least played player both my junior and senior year, first on JV then on the varsity squad. [Editor's Note: Sometimes the bench is the best place to watch the game and learn.]

I spent hours daily practicing my skills. I trained in the garage, at the park, on my driveway, with or without anyone else. One might think, “wouldn’t you just give up” after failing so much, but I couldn’t. Something was born inside of me years ago.

The AVID Fan 2011 Presented by Calle Republic

I saw a match on television, where Wayne Rooney scored a magnificent goal.  The whole stadium was filled with an awestruck noise. It was like a hiss.  Though some were amazed, it was the sound of disbelief. I remembered that sound.

Many say that one can express themselves through various methods like music or art, but the most vibrant display of enthusiasm, passion, and dedication is on the pitch. From the sounds I hear in stadiums to the gasps of announcers as the incredible occurs, I am inspired.

For me, the joy of futbol is not just one of a spectator sport.  Feeling those butterflies in the stomach before the game and the impulse to cry after the loss of an important match are part of what makes this sport one to be animated about.

Trying out a new juke in a game, or creating a new one by instinct is joyous.  I love the diversity, I have played with people from Africa, South America, Central America, Europe, and Asia. Even if we can’t speak the same language we have a special connection: the dance of the ball. I love that you can play futsal, or a professional sized field, on cement, sand, turf, or dirt, and every surface gives the game a new twist. I love the game and everything it includes.  You have just got to love it.

I have always enjoyed playing soccer. I would try and round up a group of friends and have games going before I would practice for my other sports, and after I would still find some time to play a quick skirmish with a few teammates. I brought a soccer ball to school many times, and would stand in a circle with others and just practice juggling all my free time in high school.

My passion grew with each time I played, and all the games I would attend for my school team. Finally, I left home for a short period of time, and went to live in Mexico.

I was immediately immersed and awed by the how much the culture adored soccer. I quickly grew to love it even more, and dedicated all my extra time when I wasn’t working to playing what they called futbol in the streets.  The young children seemed to play better than I could! I became a fanatic at learning how to do all the tricks that they could do, and trying to play as well as them.

AVID Player 2011 Presented by Pele-Sports

Through time, I participated in a small adult league with other fellow coworkers. We were not nearly as good as some of the other teams, but we dedicated our energy and passion to help us be driven and have success. We found spare time to play quick games when there wasn’t work, and we would always stop to learn something new from all the barefooted children that ran around the streets in Mexico.

One weekend, we decided to give back to the small community that had given us so much of their soccer knowledge. Putting together all our time and talents, we organized, funded, and participated in a small cup that we made up for all the children around the town. We had quite a bi turn out, and were able to put together quite an event. We reffed the games, and watched all the young kids play hard, with the adults cheering them all on.

After, adults gave us all a jersey with the first letter of our titles, and our last names printed on the back. We graciously accepted, and everyone told us they were forever indebted for the games that we had shared. We knew that they had given so much to us, and we could only pay back a small amount of the energy and passion they had shown us for the game.

Always after, I participated in the neighborhood games, but there are no cheering crowds, no referees screaming fouls, or trophies for the winning team. There is only you, a small group of friends, a field, and a shared passion that drives you to do something together, and unites you out on the field of soccer. Always will we be driven by our passion to play our next greatest game, wherever we are.

The new Real Madrid [home] kit stands out for its sleek design. Gold is the chosen color for the details, including the adidas logo and the three stripes; a brand new feature which represents the many successes in the clubs history. For the first time since its foundation, the club has decided to include gold in the design of its uniforms. Players’ names and numbers will be golden too, matching the details on the jersey.

Kaka' in the 2011 Real Madrid Home kit

The badge has an innovative 3-D design, which reduces the weight of the garment, giving it an added feature. This jersey gets back to the classic polo collar, which carries the initials of the club on the reverse side.

Shorts and socks have the same classic lines as the jersey and include the  initials of the club:”RM”.  This jersey features adidas’ exclusive Climacool(tm) Technology which ensures body temperature control and ventilation, thanks to the use of technically advanced fabrics.

Chelea’s away kit includes turquoise squares are on a black background to create a striking design, while the shorts also feature a turquoise strip and the famous three adidas stripes in white. The socks include a revolutionary design that features anatomically placed cushioning and an Achilles protector.  The playing shirt features the adidas TechFit(tm) technology which will help
improve speed, increased endurance capabilities and enhanced awareness. This works by stabilizing and focusing the muscles’ energy to generate explosive acceleration and deliver maximum power output.

Frank Lampard in the Chelsea FC 2011 Away Kit

The replica shirt incorporates adidas Climacool(tm) technology, a mixture of  heat and moisture controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air flow to the skin in the key heat zones.

The new kit will be worn for the first time when Chelsea play Hong Kong champions Kitchee in their opening game of the Barclays Asia Trophy on July 27.

“adidas has been producing Predator cleats since 1994 and this version showcases how we as a brand adapt to the evolution of the game of soccer and players around the world,” said Antonio Zea, director of soccer for adidas America.  “Predator players today aren’t just about power, but their games now feature speed, control and versatility.”

The adiPower Predator features the Predator Element, a re-engineered technology which enables perfect ball handling. Featured on the medial side of the cleat, the Predator Element is an injected silicon-rubber component welded onto the base material that features two specific zones. One zone increases spin and power when striking the ball while another zone increases contact time with the ball to ensure perfect ball control in all weather conditions.

The adiPower Predator integrates the revolutionary Sprint Frame outsole construction featured in the adiZero F50, which reduces the weight of the cleat by 25% to 8.2 ounces. The addition of the Sprint Frame creates stability through geometry, reducing the number of material layers and the overall cleat weight.

adiPower Predator players in the MLS include Omar Gonzalez of the LA Galaxy, Kenny Cooper of the Portland Timbers, Shalrie Joseph of the New England Revolution and Teal Bunbury of Sporting Kansas City.

“In the new adiPower Predator cleats, I feel bigger, stronger and faster,” said Gonzalez. “The moment I put them on, I feel game ready. I didn’t have to worry about breaking them in.”

As with past Predator versions, the new adiPower Predator features Powerspine technology, which minimizes energy loss during a shot through a reduction of the kicking flex in the forefoot area, resulting in a more powerful shot. The flex grooves of the Powerspine also provide a comfortable running movement by keeping the element highly flexible in the right direction.

Additional key benefits of the adiPower Preadtor include an Alcantara leather-like soft and comfortable heel lining, Taurus leather for optimum fit, comfort and touch, Traxion outsole configuration for optimum grip and stud pressure distribution.

The new adiPower Predator cleat will be available in the Sharp Blue/Electricity/Black colorway for $200 on June 10 at soccer specialty stores and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Soccer players and fans can visit www.facebook.com/adidasSoccer for more information.

adidas is the global leader in soccer and partners with the world’s greatest soccer clubs and federations including Chelsea FC, Liverpool FC, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Germany and Japan. adidas is an official partner of FIFA, UEFA, Major League Soccer and the Confederations of African Football. adidas also sponsors world-class athletes like Lionel Messi, David Villa, Nani, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Xavi, Frank Lampard, Andres Guardado, Juan Agudelo, Jozy Altidore, Fredy Montero, Juan Pablo Angel, among others.

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Nashville, TN 5/3/11 Clothes4Souls, a division of the Soles4Souls charity, has committed to bringing hope and dignity to the hurting through the gift of clothing. Millions of people worldwide are benefiting due to the generosity of our partners such as XCVI Fashion.

We couldn’t think of a more worthy cause and organization. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people affected by the devastating tornadoes, said Daniela Zeltzer, XCVI.

“We are thankful to our friends at XCVI Fashion for recognizing the global need for clothing, and the importance of providing quality clothing to children and adults in need, said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. Their donations will be used to bring hope to people around the world who can now look forward to a brighter day.

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Nashville, TN 4/26/11 Soles4Souls Inc. has committed to collect and distribute 11 million shoes in 2011 to people living in extreme poverty and recovering from natural disasters through its 11 IN 11 campaign. The shoe charity provides one pair of shoes to a person in need every 7 seconds. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 13 million pairs of shoes because of the generosity and commitment of people and organizations like THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050.

Soles4Souls believes partners like THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 will challenge others to become a force of change by helping the charity reach its aggressive but necessary 11 IN 11 goal which reflects the evolving needs of the global community. The shoe charity recognizes its success is the result of individuals and industry partners such as THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 who clean out closets and warehouses so that individuals around the world can have a better life through American s excess.

For a limited time, Soles4Souls and THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 will be collecting your new or gently worn footwear and/or donations to make a tangible difference through the gift of shoes. Every donation will support the charity’s initiative to distribute 11 million pairs of shoes in 2011.

With tragedies such as the earthquakes in countries like Haiti and Japan, on top of the enormous needs elsewhere, we can use the estimated 1.5 billion shoes taking up space in the closets of ordinary people to change the world one pair at a time, said Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, Wayne Elsey.

Elsey added, We need partners like THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT 2050 ?to get behind our 11 IN 11 campaign and get a little crazy this year. Donating shoes is one of the most simple yet profound acts you can do, because it will greatly improve someone s life in the most difficult of times.

The limited play runs from April 29 to May 22, 2011 ?8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; Sundays , at 7 p.m. at the Skylight Theatre 1816 North Vermont , Los Angeles, Ca 90027 is a 99 seat theatre with GO from the LAWEEKLY, directed by famous producer Jonathan Sanger , winner of 3 Academy Awards and a current B Way Musical and THE Birthday Present 2050 in which shoeless children cause a society to change. The shoe collection will take place at the entrance of the theatre and be clearly marked.

People and companies interested in donating can visit the organization’s website at www.giveshoes.org.

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About Soles4Souls, Clothes4Souls, and Hope4Souls

Soles4Souls collects new shoes to give relief to the victims of abject suffering and collects used shoes to support micro-business efforts to eradicate poverty. Soles4Souls other two divisions, Clothes4Souls and Hope4Souls, provide the same relief and support through clothing and other necessities. Donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit
www.giveshoes.org, www.clothes4souls.org, or www.hope4souls.org for more information.

Mark Van Bommel, Clarence Seedorf and Luca Antonini

See below for the official release:

Somewhere between innovation and tradition, true to the style of adidas and AC Milan – for the 2011/12 jersey, the three-stripe label has decided to combine its most innovative technology with a design reminiscent of the Rossoneri strips of the early twentieth century.

The launch, too, was structured along the same lines – journalists from the traditional media and bloggers gathered at adidas Italy’s Brand Center in Monza but Milan fans from across Italy and the world were also able to attend the unveiling of the new strip and to ask the guests in attendance questions by means of live streaming at adidas.com.

Guests at the event

• Adriano Galliani – CEO and Vice President of AC Milan
• Salem Obaidalla, – Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Europe and Russian Federation) of Emirates
• Jean Michel Granier – CEO of adidas Italy

The star models of the new kit were Rossoneri players Clarence Seedorf, Mark Van Bommel and Luca Antonini.  The event was hosted by familiar television personality, and avid AC Milan fan, Daniele Bossari.  The strip will be worn for the first time on May 15th for the penultimate game of the league against Cagliari.

Design of the strip

AC Milan Jersey

• Reverting once again to the thinner 2cm-wide stripes compared to the 9cm-wide ones of last year
• There are 21 stripes in total, 11 of which are black and 10 red
• The white crew neck stands out with three stripes on the sleeves, which are white for the first time, on a red inset
• The back of the collar bears the words “Associazione Calcio Milan” underneath the Italian flag to highlight the fact that Milan is one of the best-known symbols of Italy around the world
• Reference to the colors of the Italian flag can be found on the insets at the sides on the front of the shirt as well as on the shorts
  and socks

Technology:

Next season, AC Milan players will be able to choose whether to wear the TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB uniform as a single layer or
whether to wear the base layers under the FORMOTION(tm) uniform, which has a traditional fit.

TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB is the most innovative technology used for sportswear. Thanks to the use of special compression fabrics and the application of TPU strips at specific areas of the body, the TECHFIT(tm) layers are able to concentrate muscular energy to the maximum to give the athlete explosive power, acceleration and resistance, whilst reducing muscle vibration, improving the athlete’s posture, the feel of their body and level of core stability in order to guarantee not just any performance but record-breaking performance.  Worn all together (shirt, shorts and socks), the TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB kit is able to increase players’ power by 5.3%*, their jump height by 4%*, their sprinting speed by 1.1%* and their efficiency by 0.8%*.   adidas TECHFIT(tm) PowerWEB kits, worn as a single layer, are 45% lighter than the classic two-piece kit worn together.

The ForMotion(tm) strip sees the use of three-dimensional and elastic fabrics which adapt perfectly to the body of the player and subsequently improve the fit of the
strip in order to optimize movement, comfort and increase freedom of action.  The addition of adidas ClimaCool(tm) and adidas FlowMapping(tm) ensures optimum breathability and helps the Rossoneri players to maintain an ideal body temperature, even under pressure.

adidas is the leading brand in world football and provides the official ball for all major tournaments organised by UEFA, FIFA and the IOC. The partnership between adidas and AC Milan is one of the most solid and long-lasting relationships – having begun in 1998, it has been renewed up until 2017 with an extension to the rights as
Master licensee. A new feature is to be added to the many synergies already in place, from the Milan Junior Camp to the activities which help to make Fondazione Milan projects a reality.

AVID Player presented by Pele-Sports; Pele-Sports wants to reward your passion as a player with a prize package worth $400 (http://www.pele-sports.com/)

• “FUTEBOL BONITO” It’s Pelé Sports‘ mantra. Our identity, our philosophy, what our brand is all about. Futebol bonito means the beauty of the game. It honors Pelé’s beliefs and values. Futebol bonito means looking after your teammates, of caring for anyone who kicks a ball. And keeping fit and staying healthy means any player can enjoy the beautiful game more.  Futebol bonito means going back to the sport’s roots. To the street players, to the kids doing their thing on urban courts, dirt pitches, or any patch of ground. It’s football stripped down to its simple, straight-forward best: no frills, no fuss, no compromise: football that’s about free expression, just the way Pelé and the boys from Brazil played it.  Futebol bonito is about reclaiming the game – rediscovering the joy and love for football, feeling the way Pelé played. It’s what football is really all about.

AVID Fan presented by Calle Republic; Calle Republic wants you to look your best on the sideline with a prize package worth over $200 (http://www.callerepublic.com)

• Calle (KAI-yay) meaning “street” in Spanish – bears two massively iconic logos that you will soon see everywhere: The CALLE logotype and the Pigeon.  From Los Angeles to Barcelona, Sao Paolo to Seoul, every great city is filled with pegeons wandering the streets and living off tof the available.  Kinda like us…

AVID Coach presented by Select Sport; Select wants to reward the dedication of a coach (http://www.selectsportamerica.com/index.php)

• Select Sport is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of hand-sewn balls and produces approximately 2 million balls per year. SELECT is recognized as an innovator in quality balls and is represented by its own sales network and distributors that export to over 50 different nations. SELECT is credited with the invention of the first laceless soccer ball, the first 32 panel soccer ball, and the first waterproof soccer ball.  Our history of innovation and commitment to success has helped us become the Official Ball supplier to the Danish National Team, the Royal Belgian Football Association, as well several of the top leagues and clubs across Europe and Asia.

AVID Goalkeeper presented by Reusch; Reusch wants to protect the one who protects the net (http://www.reuschusa.com)

• In 1934, when Karl Reusch manufactured his first pair of gloves in a small workshop in Metzingen, he had a vision: to create incomparable, innovative gloves of the highest possible quality.  Since 1974 when Reusch designed the first soccer goalkeepers glove, They have been the premier brand for goalkeepers. They are world renowned for producing goalkeeper gloves with innovative foams, cuts and extraordinary fit. Reusch is first in innovative and patented designs that protect goalkeepers

The contest launches on April 1^st.  Look to AVID Soccer (http://www.avidsoccer.com)  for contest details.

The new campaign, launching March 16, captures the passion athletes, musicians and artists put into their “game” and takes a gritty, authentic look into the visceral nature of raw passion. Directed by Romain Gavras and featuring the song “Civilization” by French electronic band Justice, the campaign features
NBA star Derrick Rose, soccer stars David Beckham and Lionel Messi, pop icon Katy Perry, hip hop artist B.o.B., University of Notre Dame football and skateboarders Silas Baxter-Neal, Lem Villemin and Jake Donnelly.

“Today’s consumers are not one-dimensional,” said Patrik Nilsson, president of adidas America. “They live across the cultural spectrum and that’s where adidas has its edge. The adidas brand extends beyond sports and ‘all adidas’ celebrates this breadth of passion from athletes, musicians, artists and beyond. The new campaign allows us to create stronger, truer connections with the consumer by encouraging and celebrating a mix of interests and passions central to their lives.”

The campaign is built around a 30- and 60-second TV commercial and a two-minute extended online
version. Fans can continue the conversation online through social platforms including ww.facebook.com/adidas and www.YouTube.com/adidas, where adidas will serve up in-depth content to consumers.

At the heart of the all adidas campaign is the celebration of the game face – the look of glory or
defeat we reveal at the most pivotal moment in the game. adidas is asking fans to submit their own best game face photo for a chance to be on a special TV commercial with other adidas stars during the MTV Movie Awards on June 5. Fans can visit www.facebook.com/adidas to submit their photo.

Montreal-based agency Sid Lee created and produced the global campaign. Sid Lee was hired as the global advertising agency for lifestyle label adidas Originals at the start of 2008 and developed the global campaigns for Originals in 2009 and 2010. In 2010, Sid Lee was announced as the global lead-agency for the
entire adidas brand.

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adidas designs and develops a broad range of athletic and fashion footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group that includes adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.

Founded in April 2009, K&S was the first film festival in North America devoted exclusively to soccer. The success of the inaugural, sold-out K&S/New York Festival spurred not only the highly successful second annual K&S/New York Festival in 2010, but also satellite festivals in Washington, DC; Houston; North Adams, Mass.; and, most recently, Amsterdam. K&S has screened more than 30 films from over 14 countries, including seven U.S. premieres, and has attracted thousands of attendees from across the globe.

Starting today, filmmakers can submit entries for the 2011 K&S/New York by visiting: http://www.kickingandscreening.com/blog/submissions.html.

Important dates include:

• April 20, 2011 – DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS
• June 6, 2011 – OFFICIAL FILM LINEUP ANNOUNCED; TICKETS GO ON SALE
• July 20-23, 2011 – THIRD ANNUAL KICKING AND SCREENING FILM FESTIVAL

Additional planned 2011 Festival dates include K&S/Portland in April and K&S/London in September.

Kicking & Screening to Benefit Soccer Without Borders

K&S is dedicated to using the Festival as an agent of change. To that end, a portion of the proceeds from every K&S Festival is donated to local, socially conscious organizations using soccer to promote positive change in the world. The chosen social partner for K&S in 2011 is Soccer Without Borders (SWB).

Founded in 2008 by Ben Gucciardi, SWB is a nonprofit organization based in San Francisco that uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change in the lives of marginalized youth. SWB runs soccer-related programs in New York, Oakland, and Baltimore in the United States, and in Nicaragua, Argentina, Guatemala, and Uganda internationally. Programs consist of four elements: Soccer Play and Instruction; Training Coaches, Training Leaders; Life-Skills Education; and Themed Camps and Tournaments. For more information about Soccer Without Borders, visit http://www.soccerwithoutborders.org.

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About Kicking & Screening

Founded in April 2009 by Greg Lalas and Rachel Markus, the Kicking & Screening (K&S) Soccer Film Festival is the world’s premier international soccer film festival held in New York City every summer and features satellite festivals around the globe. Kicking & Screening’s mission is to engage, connect, and inspire soccer and film enthusiasts through the celebration and presentation of soccer culture. Dedicated to showcasing the best soccer cultural events, K&S provides a forum for soccer-inspired filmmakers, artists, and writers to showcase their work and bring attention to this under-appreciated, emerging genre. For more information, visit: http://www.kickingandscreening.com.

Fast forward a few years and the AVID Soccer News, facebook, twitter and Kindle have all been added.  We now have staff on both coasts and have covered everything from professional games to human foosball.  In the second year, we created our annual awards.  They have been named the Oscars of Soccer in several publications.  To that, we have added a series of shoot-outs and a writing contest. (Look for contest details soon.)

Overall, it has been an exciting time.  More than once, we have considered shuttering the doors as our player/testers aged out and left for college.  Each time, reader feedback and manufacturer interest has kept us going.  Now, as the largest family of its kind, we have made one final compromise and added advertising.  Not something we wanted to do, but it was the only way to keep expanding.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the last five year.  Let us know what you have gotten out of AVID Soccer and what you would like to see in the next year and beyond.

James Parry

I started playing organized soccer back in the UK when I was 8 years old. The highest level I reached was playing for Liverpool FC U15/U16 team.

I have been coaching soccer for just over 10 years. I began at the grassroots level, working for and representing Liverpool FC in local schools and communities to gain as much experience as I could. I soon went on to Direct Soccer Camps for LFC across the UK and Europe.

As a coach, my greatest honor and achievement has been working with Liverpool FC’s Academy U16 and U18 teams. I coached some of the best young soccer players in Britain. During this 2 year period, I helped develop a team that reached the Final of the FA Youth Cup. Many of the boys are now professional soccer players, and have represented their Countries at International tournaments.

Most recently I have been employed by Fulham FC, focusing on Talent Identification. This involves recruiting elite youth soccer players from across the Globe.  I’m still today actively seeking to identify talented USA based players for Fulham FC in the English Premier League.

I am presently a CalSouth ODP coach. I have also been a special guest presenter at the last two annual SoccerNation Expo shows.  My current Soccer Club is the DMS11 Academy. It is a development club that focuses on preparing players to play at the highest level.  I coach the Boys U12 team. At DMS11 we also offer private group and individual training.

Learn more about James and the  DMS11 by reading his blog.

America’s leading soccer media brand will showcase these clubs through important live matches that carry domestic league title implications as well as archived, classic matches that highlight European soccer’s most storied, successful clubs and most intense rivalries. The aforementioned clubs have combined to win 166 domestic, top-flight league titles and 32 European Cups (UEFA Champions League titles).

“Clash of the Giants” week will also feature ten of the world’s 12 most valuable soccer clubs, totaling a combined net worth of over $9 billion and generating over $3.7 billion in revenue through the 2009-10 season.

Three of soccer’s grandest club rivalries take center stage during “Clash of the Giants” week as Chelsea hosts Manchester United on Tuesday, March 1, Juventus hosts AC Milan in the Serie A on Saturday, March 5, and Liverpool hosts Manchester United on Sunday, March 6. FOX Soccer’s Super Sunday + will preview and recap Liverpool-Manchester United on Sunday at 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET.

Manchester United-Liverpool is the most storied rivalry in English soccer as both clubs have won an English record 18 top-flight, domestic titles. Liverpool’s five European Championships are most among English teams, with Manchester United having won three. Premier League leader Manchester United, which has won 11 of the first 18 Premier League titles since it was created in 1992, has remarkably lost only twice over all competitions in the 2010-11 campaign.

Earlier in “Clash of the Giants” week, Manchester United travels to reigning Premier League champion Chelsea on Tuesday, March 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET in the latest edition of their burgeoning rivalry that has seen the clubs split the past six Premier League titles. A special edition of FOX Soccer Match Day will preview and analyze this titanic clash at 2 p.m. ET.

Arsenal, currently second in the Premier League, also features prominently on FOX Soccer Channel’s live schedule. It hosts a fifth-round FA Cup replay against Leyton Orient – which kept this tie alive with a thrilling 89th-minute goal last weekend – on Wednesday, March 2, with a view towards creating another tantalizing clash with Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals. Arsenal then faces Sunderland to kick off a Premier League doubleheader on Saturday, March 5.

Serie A leader AC Milan begins “Clash of the Giants” week on FOX Soccer Channel by hosting Napoli, second place in Serie A, at the San Siro.

Archived Manchester United matches to air during this week include its 2001 Charity Shield meeting with Liverpool, its decisive Champions League Round-of-16 showdown with AC Milan from March 10, 2010, its 2004 Community Shield grudge match against Arsenal, and a 1996 fifth-round FA Cup derby with Manchester City. Other archived matches featuring England’s big four clubs includes Liverpool vs. Arsenal from Aug. 15, Chelsea vs. Arsenal from Oct. 3, and the 2002 FA Cup final between Chelsea and Arsenal.

Barcelona, the consensus best club in the world at present, and Real Madrid, considered the best club of all-time, will be showcased through FOX Soccer’s UEFA Champions League archives in March’s first week. FOX Soccer Channel will air Barcelona’s 2010 Champions League semifinal with Inter Milan and a 2009 group stage match between Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Not only did Inter Milan beat Barcelona in last year’s Champions League semifinal on the way to capturing last year’s European Cup, but it also won Serie A in 2010. Its derby match with AC Milan from Jan. 24, 2010 is a featured, classic match that revives the thrill behind its title run.

In an exciting twist, FOX Soccer will also empower soccer fans at home to direct its “Clash of the Giants” week programming through the “Clash of the Giants: Viewer’s Choice Match” poll at www.foxsoccer.com. Beginning Sunday, Feb. 27, fans can go online and vote to watch one of the following matches on FOX Soccer Channel on Friday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET – the Chelsea-Liverpool Premier League match from Feb. 6, 2011, the 1971 FA Cup final between Arsenal and Liverpool, and the 1994 FA Cup final between Manchester United and Chelsea.

For a complete list of FOX Soccer’s match programming during “Clash of the Giants” week (Feb. 28-March 6), please see below or visit www.foxsoccer.com.

FOX Soccer’s “Clash of the Giants” Week Live Television Schedule (Feb. 28-March 6):

Home team listed first; all times Eastern (subject to change).

• Monday, February 28
  • Italian Serie A – AC Milan vs. Napoli, 2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 1
  • English Premier League – Chelsea vs. Manchester United, 2:30 p.m.
  • CONCACAF Champions League (Quarterfinal, 2nd leg) – Real Salt Lake vs. Columbus Crew, 10 p.m.
• Wednesday, March 2
  • FA Cup (fifth round replay) – Arsenal vs. Leyton Orient, 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 5
  • English Premier League – Arsenal vs. Sunderland, 10:00 a.m.
  • English Premier League – Manchester City vs. Wigan, 12:30 p.m.
  • Italian Serie A – Juventus vs. AC Milan, 2:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 6
  • English Premier League – Liverpool vs. Manchester United, 8:30 a.m.
  • English Premier League – Wolverhampton vs. Tottenham, 11:00 a.m.
  • Italian Serie A – Lazio vs. Palermo, 2:30 p.m.
  • Italian Serie A – Inter Milan vs. Genoa, 5:00 p.m. (same day delay)

“Clash of the Giants” week archived matches from the FOX Soccer library:

• English Premier League
  • Thursday, March 3 – Tottenham vs. Chelsea (April 17, 2010), 3:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 3 – Chelsea vs. Arsenal (Oct. 3, 2010), 8:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 4 – Liverpool vs. Arsenal (Aug. 15, 2010), 3:00 p.m.
• Italian Serie A
  • Thursday, March 3 – Inter Milan vs. AC Milan (Jan. 24, 2010), 1:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 4 – Roma vs. Inter Milan (Sept. 25, 2010), 1:00 p.m.
• UEFA Champions League
  • Monday, Feb. 28 – Lyon vs. Bordeaux (March 30, 2010), 5:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 1 – Real Madrid vs. AC Milan (Oct. 21, 2009), 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 2 – Manchester United vs. AC Milan (March 10, 2010), 5:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 3 – FC Barcelona vs. Inter Milan (April 28, 2010), 5:00 p.m.
• FA Archives
  • Wednesday, March 2 – Manchester United vs. Manchester City (FA Cup 5th Round; Feb. 18, 1996), 11:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 3 – Arsenal vs. Manchester United (Community Shield; Aug. 8, 2004), 11:00 p.m.
  • Friday, March 4 – Arsenal vs. Chelsea (FA Cup final; May 4, 2002), 11:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 5 – Liverpool vs. Manchester United (Charity Shield; Aug. 12, 2001), 11:00 p.m.
• “Clash of the Giants: Viewer’s Choice Match”
  • Friday, March 4 – Match TBD (by poll participants on Foxsoccer.com), 8 p.m.

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About FOX Soccer

FOX Soccer, part of the FOX Sports Media Group, offers the most comprehensive multi-media coverage of world-class soccer available in the United States. Encompassing FOX Soccer Channel, FOX Soccer Plus, FOXsoccer.com and FOXsoccer.tv, the network serves as the primary television and online destination in the U.S. for elite club competitions including England’s Barclays Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. Matches from Italy’s Serie A, Women’s Professional Soccer, and the Australian Hyundai A-League are also featured prominently, in addition to such global tournaments as the English FA Cup, CONCACAF Champions League™ and CONCACAF Gold Cup. Flagship FOX Soccer Channel is Nielsen-rated and available to service providers in high-definition, reaching more than 38 million cable and satellite households nationwide. FOX Soccer Plus is a premium network complementing FOX Soccer Channel by providing the best international sports experience in high-definition. In addition to live, exclusive soccer matches from the best leagues in the world, FOX Soccer Plus also delivers premium rugby from the Magners League, Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup among other competitions. Live match coverage is also available online via premium broadband service FOXsoccer.tv, and for fans on-the-go, via the new FOX Soccer iPhone app. For more information – as well as news, features, analysis stats and more – visit one of America’s most-trafficked online soccer destinations at FOXsoccer.com, and the network’s Facebook page and Twitter feed (@FOXSoccer).

The coaching clinics have two parts.  The public part is held out on a pitch.  Each of the coaches runs a session populated by ODP players.  Coaches and other visitors can watch the demonstrations, take notes and pictures.  There are also lecture sessions.  These provide a great chance for real coaching education and are highly recommended.  Coaches like Klaus Pabst and Efrain Flores share real world professional experiences.

In addition to the coaching sessions, there are a variety of vendors and manufacturers at the expo.  We wanted to highlight a few newcomers that we met there.

First is Goalshot.  This is a fabric cover for the face of the goal mouth.  There are cut-outs at the corners encouraging players to shoot at the negative space and become more proficient at hitting the optimum locations.  This is a much more effective method of training that hanging cones or paper plates from the net.  Goalshot has impressed Kobe Jones and Jose Altadore enough to endorse the product.  Currently, only a full size goal is available, but other sizes are coming.

Another product that impressed us were Shock Sock.  The basic concept behind the product is similar to the Concave boot.  The sock puts a pad over the metatarsal bones of the foot.  This additional padding helps protect the top of the foot from some damage.  There are three varieties of sock: an ankle sock, a crew sock and a soccer sock.  Players interested in using the shock sock should try them with their boots, or bring them to try on boots as it will significantly change the fit.

The last vendor we wanted to highlight is Bownet.  This is a new portable goal design based on tension.  The nets can be configured for indoor or outdoor use.  They are available in a full range of sizes and even applications for other sports.  There is not much to the goals, but they were strong enough to be used in all of the demonstrations.

The expo was filled with other vendors from ESPN to K1 Go Karts to Marriott hotels, all hoping to get the attention of team mangers, coaches and players.  One last vendor that grabbed our attention was the Futboleros.  They offer both a freestyle soccer demonstration team and a game cage for 2 minute one-on-one grudge matches.

See more pictures from Soccer Nation Expo on the AVID Soccer Facebook page and check out a video of the Futboleros.