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.

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.

James has been coaching for over 10 years. He started his career with the Liverpool FC Youth Academy and coached them to a FA Youth Cup Final. James has now joined DMS 11 in Southern California and is a freelance writer for AVID Soccer.

Teams such as Barcelona and Manchester United have recently been winning titles and Championships with an active playing squad of up to 25 Professionals. Back in the 1960′s and 70′s Liverpool FC dominated English and European Soccer using just 13-15 players.

Squad rotation is now hugely important to coaches. The physical, technical and mental demands at the top are so high. This push for increased team numbers has filtered down to youth soccer. For me it provokes many thoughts, chiefly the all important and sensitive issue of kids playing time/opportunities on the field.

I follow the belief that the strongest players should play and be given the best chance to develop and shine. My background, in football, is working at the professional level. At that level, the objective was quite clear – help produce a player (s) who can play for the clubs first team. The importance of the individual can often, therefore, outweigh the development of a team.

The talented player needs a training platform that is often only provided by a squad. Sufficient numbers are needed to facilitate effective practices that are both challenging and realistic. As a coach, I tend to learn most about my players during small and full sided games. The competitive weekend fixture is also the time when they will be recognized individually and collectively. It’s simple, without the numbers a team cannot play.

I was guided by a Dutch Technical Director during my time as Liverpool Football Clubs Academy U18 coach. He championed the need for a larger playing squad, based on the theory that it would stimulate competition for places in the starting eleven and enhance specific player recovery. He wanted a 2 team system, where the strongest players would play matches, and the remaining squad would train together at the same time.

A good ethos at the Elite level. The better individuals are playing and given the opportunity to demonstrate their talent. The remainder of the squad are challenged to reach the ‘Team’ – Psychological strength and focus often becomes equally important as technical ability.

My future is now. I have a new challenge and environment to work in. I’m delighted to be coaching youth soccer in the US. It’s a great opportunity for me to share my knowledge and ideas. It’s very much a period of discovery and change for me. The game is the same, but the demands and expectations are very different. I’m learning every day. I must appreciate that there is a greater need for inclusion. All the boys in my current squad should be given the chance to play.

It goes back to ‘Numbers.’ I strongly believe in quality not quantity, improvement not enlargement. I have a responsibility to provide opportunities and satisfy the Director of Coaching and the parents at my Club.

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.

###

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).

For the 5-a-side, we have two significant rule changes.  The first is obviously the goal keeper.  The keeper must be limited in their use to keep the game fair.  We also included a hockey style “pulling the keeper” rule to help a struggling team put in an all out attack.

Five-a-Side Street Soccer – Laws of the Game

Failing a specific variation below, all FIFA Futsal rules will be enforced

• Court Size:
  • Minimum Size – basketball or tennis court
  • Recommended Size – two basketball or tennis courts side by side; tape should be used to enforce lines and mark the center; this is required if the courts have a gap between them
• Time:
  • 20 minute half
  • 5 minute half-time
• Goal:
  • Futsal style goals – 7′ x 10′ (2m x 3m)
  • Recommended – inflatable or modular/portable goals
  • As a safety measure, we recommend that the goals be weighted with a 22 lbs (10 kilo) sandbag, but never anchored
  • 11′ x 6′ goal box
• Goal Keeper
  • Goal keeper must throw, roll or pass the ball out
  • The ball must be touched by another player on the same team before crossing midfield
• 5 Second Rule (Optional):
  • Basketball style restriction preventing any player from standing inside the arch for more than five seconds
  • Players violating the rule must take a lap around the court before re-entering
  • Play continues while the offending player runs
  • We recommend this rule only when a team “pulls the goal keeper”
• Off-sides Rule:
  • No more than three players on the offensive side of the court
  • No shots are allowed from the defensive side of the field
  • Pulling the Goal keeper (Optional)
    • We have always liked the hockey idea of pulling the goal keeper; this allows the attacking team an extra player in the attacking end; however it leaves the goal open
    • We recommend implementing the 5 second rule to ensure the attacking team does not replace the goal keeper with a defensive player
• Restarts:
  • All restarts are from the ground
  • Restarts from the defensive side of the court must be passed to another player on the defensive side
• Substitutions:
  • A field player may be substituted at any time (except where the Powerplay rule applies)
  • Goal keepers may only be substituted at a stoppage
  • The departing player must leave the court before the arriving player can enter
  • All players must enter from the defensive end
• Powerplay rule (Optional):
  • A ball that is kicked far out of bounds must be retrieved by the player that kicked it
  • The opposing team may restart the game immediately and take advantage of the missing player
  • The retrieving player cannot be substituted
  • The player may re-enter to the game as soon as the ball is returned

Did we miss a rule?  Are you ready to start a league?  Tell us what you think and get out and play.

Iker Casillas Receives the Golden Glove

Herzogenaurach, Germany (December 14, 2010) – Today, adidas Group players Diego Forlán, Thomas Müller and Iker Casillas were presented with their adidas Golden Awards from the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ during an event at adidas Group headquarters in Germany. The event marked the end of a successful FIFA World Cup™ campaign for both the players and the adidas Group.

Iker Casillas, captain of the winning federation, Spain, received the adidas Golden Glove Award, saying “It gives me huge satisfaction to receive the adidas Golden Glove Award and it is the perfect way to round off an unbelievable 2010 season. I hope that the success will continue in 2011″.

The adidas Golden Ball, Boot and Glove Awards, which are awarded to the best player, Diego Forlán, the highest goal scorer, Thomas Müller, and best goalkeeper, Iker Casillas, were presented to the players during a media and employee event by adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer and FIFA Executive Committee member Franz Beckenbauer.

Diego Forlan receives the Golden Ball

“The adidas Golden Awards are very prestigious awards recognizing outstanding talent on the world’s greatest football stage. I am honoured to be able to present them to the players,” commented former Germany international and FIFA Executive Committee Member Franz Beckenbauer.

The adidas Golden Ball Award, which is awarded to the best player of the tournament, has been won by many of the world’s best players including Pele (1970), Johan Cruijff (1974), Diego Maradona (1986) and Zinedine Zidane (2006). “There are many great players to have won the adidas Golden Ball Award and it is a great privilege to receive this award and be part of this select group of players,” commented Diego Forlán.

Thomas Müller was awarded with the adidas Golden Boot Award for his five goals and three assists and follows in the footsteps of German team mate Miroslav Klose who won the award in 2006. “Winning the adidas Golden Boot is a great honor for me and something I didn’t expect going into the World Cup. I hope to be able to continue scoring goals for my club and country in 2011.”

Thomas Muller receives the Golden Boot

2010 has been the most successful year in the history of the adidas Group having produced record sales in the football category as a highlight. Contributing to the success, the adidas Group delivered the highest scoring boot of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the F50 adiZero, the winning federation, Spain, and the best player, best goalkeeper and highest goal scorer of the tournament.

“Today’s adidas Golden Awards presentation with Iker Casillas, Diego Forlán and Thomas Müller, underlines the adidas Group’s dominance of football and highlights once again our position as a clear winner of the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” said adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer.

Awards:

Golden Ball award (best player): Diego Forlán of Uruguay

Golden Boot award (highest goal scorer): Thomas Müller of Germany

Golden Glove Awards (best goalkeeper): Iker Casillas of Spain

 ###

The relationship between PUMA and the Cameroon Football Federation was first formed in 1996. In the years that followed, PUMA developed for Cameroon the first sleeveless kit for a football team, the first all-in-one kit and the first continental kit called the PUMA Africa Unity Kit which launched in 2010. This latest football innovation raised money for biodiversity causes in Africa in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), with Cameroon using the kit as a third kit at the 2010 World Cup™ in South Africa with Ghana, Ivory Coast and Algeria.

“We are very happy to announce the continuation of our partnership with the Cameroon Football Federation,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA. “During the fourteen years we have worked with them, their forward thinking has allowed us to undertake and execute several exciting and innovative projects that simply would not be possible with other federations. They are one of our key partners in World football, and we have some great ideas that we look forward to unveiling in the coming months and years.”

“PUMA is a key partner for us, and when the previous agreement concluded there was never any question that we wouldn’t re-sign with them,” said Iya Mohammed, President of the Cameroon Football Federation. “PUMA understands implicitly what we want to achieve, and it is a privilege to work with a company with the same values and ambition. We look forward to working with them for many years to follow.”

In addition to the Cameroon national team sponsorship, PUMA also sponsors individual Cameroon players including captain and record goalscorer striker Samuel Eto’o, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Stephane Mbia, Landry Nguemo and Mohammadou Idrissou.

In keeping with PUMA’s mission to be the most sustainable sportslifestyle brand, the Cameroon Football Federation will take a carbon neutral stance for the entirety of the partnership. Using UNEP’s carbon neutral standard, PUMA and the Cameroon Football Federation will offset the carbon footprint of the Federation through the next FIFA World Cups™.

PUMA’s commitment to Africa extends beyond team and player partnerships, as well. PUMA will continue to support a number of grass roots initiatives across the continent. Coinciding with this announcement, 10,000 durable footballs were delivered to Africa following a joint pledge in collaboration with Intersport® earlier this year, a third of which will go to football projects in Cameroon. PUMA was also the official sponsor and fanwear supplier of the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola.

For more information about PUMA Football, please visit www.pumafootball.com.

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Street Soccer/Freestyle Soccer Demo at Soccer Nation

It seems like almost every other variant of soccer have been legitimized. Futsal has professional and amateur leagues around the world. Beach soccer has already had a televised world cup. Indoor soccer is common in many places. Even small-sided leagues have become more common. Still, street soccer or Calle Futbol remains unrecognized by FIFA or national associations.

Companies like Nike and adidas have created street balls and have excellent indoor shoes. Calle Republic and Monta are dedicated to the streets with full lines of apparel, shoes and balls. Some urban areas are converting empty parking lots and alleys to street courts. Unused tennis or basketball courts are being used for pick-up games. Even EA has a street soccer game.
We think it is time to set down some standard rules. We propose two main variants: 4 sided games with no keepers and 5 sided games with a keeper.

Four-a-Side Street Soccer – Laws of the Game

Failing a specific variation below, all FIFA Futsal rules will be enforced

• Court Size:
  • Basketball or Tennis Court
• Time:
  • 20 minute half
  • 5 minute half-time
• Goal:
  • Small pop-up style nets
  • With a 6 foot / 2 meter semi-circle arch for a basketball style key
• 5 Second Rule:
  • Basketball style restriction preventing any player from standing inside the arch for more than five seconds
  • Players violating the rule must take a lap around the court before re-entering
  • Play continues while the offending player runs
• Off-sides Rule:
  • No more than three players on the offensive side of the court
  • No shots are allowed from the defensive side of the field
• Restarts:
  • All restarts are from the ground
  • Restarts from the defensive side of the court must be passed to another player on the defensive side
• Substitutions:
  • A player may be substituted at any time (except where the Powerplay rule applies)
  • The departing player must leave the court before the arriving player can enter
  • All players must enter from the defensive end
• Powerplay rule (Optional):
  • A ball that is kicked far out of bounds must be retrieved by the player that kicked it
  • The opposing team may restart the game immediately and take advantage of the missing player
  • The retrieving player cannot be substituted
  • The player may re-enter to the game as soon as the ball is returned

Did we miss a rule?  Are you ready to start a league?  Tell us what you think and get out and play.

Now, things may be turning around. They moved the headquarters from New York to San Francisco to reduced costs. The league is now adding teams. This brings new capital into the league for operations, advertising and development.

Tuesday, the newest team will be announced. Sahlen sports, owner of the W-League champion Buffalo Flash, will expand the WPS into Western New York. The new team will be based at Sahlen Sports Park, in Elma, New York. Their home games will be split between Rochester, at the 14,000-seat Rochester Rhinos Stadium and the newly-expanded Niagara Field on the campus of Niagara University in Lewiston. This gives the WPS six soccer-specific stadiums among its eight teams.

An expansion draft for the New York’s latest franchise is scheduled for late October. The team will draft players from among the current seven WPS teams.

Unveiling of Western New York’s Newest Major League Team

• WHEN: Tuesday, October 5, 2010, 10 a.m.
• WHERE: Sahlen Sports Park, 7070 Seneca Street, Elma, NY 14059
• WHAT: The Sahlen family, will officially introduce the team name and logo for their Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Team, the newest major league team to come to Western New York.

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About Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS)

Headquartered in San Francisco, Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) is the world’s premier soccer league for women with seven teams across the United States featuring the best players from around the world. WPS completed its inaugural season in August 2009 as Sky Blue FC of New Jersey became the first-ever WPS Champions. In 2010, seven teams will each play 24-game schedules from April 10-September 12 including five original WPS teams – Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, FC Gold Pride (Bay Area), Sky Blue FC (NJ/NY) and Washington Freedom – and two expansion teams Atlanta Beat and Philadelphia Independence. The top four finishers in the regular season will qualify for the 2010 WPS Playoffs scheduled for September 19-26. For more information, visit the WPS official website at www.womensprosoccer.com or follow all the news at www.twitter.com/womensprosoccer.

Core to the new agreement is a dedicated focus on youth development and programming to help shape the future of the sport in North America.

“The United States is a breeding ground for athletic talent and we need to ensure our homegrown athletes have viable opportunities to play soccer at the highest level,” said Patrik Nilsson, president, adidas America. “We need to accelerate the model for soccer development in North America to attract and keep elite talent engaged and excited about professional opportunities in the sport. We share a long-term vision with MLS to develop the game and are excited to foster the next generation of American soccer stars.”

adidas has been a partner of MLS since the league’s inception in 1996. In 2004, adidas and MLS announced an exclusive partnership agreement that named adidas the official athletic sponsor and product supplier, outfitting all league teams and supplying the league’s official match ball.

“One of the major reasons Major League Soccer has become one of the top soccer leagues in the world is due to the support and commitment of adidas,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “They have a clear vision for the sport in North America, and they see MLS as a cornerstone of that vision. Our extension with adidas is a major statement by an internationally respected brand that MLS is increasing in value and that our commitments to stadium construction, strategic expansion, player development and improvement in the overall quality of play are playing dividends.”

adidas is the global leader in soccer and partners with many of 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 and the Confederations of African Football. adidas also sponsors world-class athletes like Juan Pablo Angel, Jozy Altidore, Fredy Montero, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Xavi, Frank Lampard and Andres Guardado, among others.

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About adidas

adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that includes brands such as Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 15th season on March 25, 2010. MLS features 16 clubs each playing 30 regular season matches in 2010. Those teams include Chicago Fire; Colorado Rapids; Chivas USA; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; Kansas City Wizards; Los Angeles Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; 2009 MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural season, Philadelphia Union. Expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011 and in Montreal in 2012. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official Web site at www.MLSsoccer.com.

“Soccer fans know that each national league has something unique and exciting to offer, and AC Milan undoubtedly delivers the best of Italian club fútbol,” said Rodrigo Lombello, COO of GolTV. “As the sport continues to grow in popularity in the U.S., GolTV remains the go-to network for the soccer viewer with the widest range of league programming and most up-to-the-minute soccer news coverage.”

GolTV will take viewers further into the action with more AC Milan programming every Thursday evening beginning at 5:30 p.m. ET. First, the half-hour show AC Milan Classics will bring viewers up to speed on the past week in AC Milan match play. Then GolTV will deliver the in-depth magazine show, AC Milan Weekly, at 6:30 p.m. ET featuring 30 minutes of news and updates on Italian Serie A soccer.

“GolTV is a fantastic partner capable of enhancing the visibility of AC Milan, the most successful club in the world,” said Carlo Pozzali, CEO of MP & Silva America. “Soccer is developing dramatically in U.S. and through additional exposure on GolTV we’ll offer all fans a comprehensive, unmatched range of programming.”

This coverage of the best of the Italian Serie A league joins the ranks of GolTV’s premium line-up, which includes over 250 matches from action-packed tournaments and top international soccer leagues such as Germany’s Bundesliga, Spain’s La Liga and Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro and Campeonato Paulista in high definition and premium sound.

More information and current programming schedules are available online at www.goltv.tv.

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About GolTV

GolTV delivers live and prime time coverage of the world’s highest level of professional soccer. Founded in 2003 and led by Chief Executive Officer and former international fútbol superstar, Enzo Francescoli, GolTV is the country’s only independently-owned bilingual soccer network and the first channel conceived and operated by professional athletes. GolTV is the original all-soccer channel with unsurpassed exclusive TV rights, featuring over 6,000 hours of pure soccer action and a diverse mix of soccer programming, including the country’s only weeknight soccer news program, GolTV News. GolTV is one of the country’s most popular networks among Hispanic viewers as well as marketers targeting all U.S. soccer fans. The company recently launched GolTV Móvil, offering mobile phone subscribers exclusive news, updates, scores and video of their favorite teams, leagues and tournaments on the go. For more information, visit www.goltv.tv.

Spencer, 39, was introduced formally at a news conference Wednesday morning in Portland.

Following an 18-year playing career, Spencer joined Houston in 2006 and served as an assistant under head coach Dominic Kinnear for nearly five seasons. He helped lead the Dynamo to back-to-back MLS Cup championships in 2006 and 2007 and four consecutive playoff appearances, including a run to the Western Conference finals in 2009. From 2006-08, Spencer also coached the Dynamo Reserves, guiding Houston’s reserve squad to the 2008 MLS Reserve Division championship.

Prior to beginning his MLS coaching career, Spencer played professional soccer for such noted English clubs as Chelsea, Everton and Queens Park Rangers, and Scotland’s Rangers. In MLS, Spencer starred for the Colorado Rapids from 2001-04, becoming the only player to be the team’s MVP and scoring leader in the same season more than once.

Spencer, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, began his professional playing career in 1987 with Rangers. As a striker, he played for several top-flight clubs over 14 seasons in Scotland and England, most notably amassing 43 goals with English-power Chelsea (1992-96).

In 2001, Spencer joined MLS with the Colorado Rapids, where he played until he finished his career in 2004. During his time with Colorado, he played in 88 games, and his 37 goals ranks among franchise career leaders. Spencer twice led the Rapids in goals scored, set the club’s single-season mark for goals (14) and career mark for assists (17), was a two-time MLS Best XI selection (2001, 2003) and was a finalist for the league’s MVP award in 2003. During the 2003 season, Spencer scored in six straight games, one away from tying an MLS record.

The two-time MLS All-Star (2001, 2003) captained the Rapids to three straight playoff appearances from 2002-04. Spencer was inducted to the Rapids Gallery of Honor on Aug. 30, 2009.

During his playing career, Spencer also earned 14 caps with the Scotland National Team from 1994-97. He earned his first cap in front of a home crowd against Russia in 1994, and his international career was also highlighted by the 1996 European Championship in England.

Spencer also played for Lai Sun of Hong Kong while on loan in the late 1980s, scoring 20 goals in 24 games.

John and his wife, Amanda, have three children, Brad, Chantelle and Dylan. John and his family are in the process of relocating to Portland.

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About MLS Portland Timbers

On March 20, 2009, Major League Soccer (MLS) awarded Portland the league’s 18th franchise to begin play in the top-flight professional soccer league starting in 2011. The Portland Timbers will mark their debut MLS season in 2011 in a significantly renovated PGE Park that will create one of the most exciting and authentic soccer environments in the country. New stadium amenities will include better sightlines closer to the action, new premium seating on the east side of the field, a new club lounge and a new entry plaza and team store. The Timbers have been a beloved part of the Portland sports landscape since their early beginnings in the North American Soccer League in 1975, launching the era of “Soccer City USA” in the Rose City. www.PortlandMLS2011.com

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. MLS kicked off its 15th season on March 25, 2010. MLS features 16 clubs each playing 30 regular season matches in 2010. Those teams include Chicago Fire; Colorado Rapids; Chivas USA; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; Kansas City Wizards; Los Angeles Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; 2009 MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural season, Philadelphia Union. Expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011 and in Montreal in 2012. For more information about MLS, log on to the League’s official website at www.MLSsoccer.com.

Clarence is one of the top players to come out of the D.C. area, playing for two different high schools including a state championship.  His college ball was played at U of Maryland.  Goodson left Maryland after three years to play in the MLS.  He played for FC Dallas beginning his starting duties in 2005.  In 2007, he was selected by San Jose as part of the expansion draft.  However, he chose to try his luck in Europe.  Clarence began his Norwegian career in 2008 with IK Start.  His MLS rights are still held by the Earthquakes.

Goodson does not have much international experience.  His first cap was against Sweden in 2008 and continued on the CONCACAF qualifying squad.  He has two international goals, both against Honduras.

Under Armour is an unqualified success, growing from a maker of performance wear to a complete sporting goods manufacturer.  They now offer boots, protective pieces, men’s and women’s apparel.  Their boots are in the mid-range pricing and follow the balanced and power design philosophies.  They do not yet offer a full range to handle non-grass surfaces or soft ground.

“The early attendance spike is an encouraging sign of things to come, and the excitement from the World Cup will keep the ball rolling,” said Dmitry Kopylovsky, industry analyst with IBISWorld. “Additionally, MLS attendance is expected to keep building momentum throughout the summer as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) playoffs end and there’s less competition for the consumer’s entertainment dollar.”

Although U.S. soccer has lacked the popularity of European leagues, MLS franchises are on the rise and now sell for more than $40 million – just behind the NBA and NHL. The Seattle Sounders had a fan base of 30,000 per game in 2009 – more than the Seattle Mariners baseball team. In 2011, expansion teams from Vancouver and Portland will be added to the league.

The addition of these clubs in 2011 will bring the total number of MLS franchises to 18, compared with just 13 in 2007. Since then, a team has been added to the league every year – and expansion is not limited to participation. MLS revenue has also experienced sustained growth in the past four years.

“The average revenue per MLS franchise has grown considerably in recent years,” said Kopylovsky. “In the past three years, clubs have experienced average revenue growth of 4.0 percent per year to an expected $14.4 million in 2010. Needless to say, the future looks bright for newcomers to the MLS.”

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About IBISWorld, Inc.

Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every U.S. industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information visit www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.