sport club

The BBC has recently started to promote its coverage of the European Football Championships to be held in June in Austria and Switzerland. The competition kicks off with a riveting clash of the titans - Switzerland versus the Czech Republic in Basel.

All the major European foot-balling powers will be there, competing to be Champions of Europe, with the exception of course of any single representative from the four Home Nations, all of which failed - some miserably - to qualify for the finals.

What the impact upon the TV ratings will be because neither, England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland managed to qualify, is open to debate. I would lay money that the ratings will be considerably lower for Euro 2008 without any home representation, than would be the case if any of the four home teams had managed to qualify.

Euro 2008 is very likely to be 'non-event' for a great majority of the public in the UK - except for the 'football purist' of course, very likely to get excited watching anything on TV that involves kicking a ball!

During previous World or European Championships, when any of the home nations have been represented in the finals, pubs and clubs are filled to capacity when a match is on, with football fans getting carried away, drinking too much beer and waving the flag for their national team, regardless of whether they have ever attended a game of football featuring their National team or not.

When your national team is playing on the big stage, you don't need to know about 4-4-2, 'diamond formations' or holding mid-field players. You just want to see your country play well and win.

Some of the 'politically correct lot' may argue that celebrating your national team winning is jingoistic, but quite frankly who cares what they think. If your national team performs well, with style, skill and spirit, it lifts your heart, as demonstrated in 1966 when a rise in Gross Domestic Output following England winning the World Cup, was attributed directly to the victory over the Germans on that glorious June day 42 years ago.

Following England's timid exit from the Euro 2008 competition after their ignominious defeat to Croatia, and Scotland's better than expected performance, which almost led to the Scots emerging victorious from the "group of death", a period of national navel gazing took place in an attempt to rationalise where we went wrong!

In England the furore over the witless, and to be honest gutless failure to overcome Croatia at Wembley, has soon faded into distant memory. The outcry from the press and the broadcasting sports media has been forgot, after the team Manager paid the price of failure, with a replacement quickly lined up to take over at the helm as guardian of the country's foot-balling hopes for World Cup in 2010.

It may be that qualification for the next World Cup is all about 'hope' rather than any degree of certainty.

There has been much said about the state of football in the UK, particularly since the advent of the Premier League and its domination by 'non-British' born talent. The blame for national failure to qualify for Euro 2008 has been laid by some at the door of the Premier League and the droves of imported talent outnumbering British born players in the top flight.

The UEFA president and football great Michel Platini has claimed that there are not enough home-grown players and coaches in the English top flight. Platini added that England's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 was damaging the "soul" of the national game.

English foot-balling heroes such as Steven Gerrard have been quoted as calling for "quota system" to regulate the number foreigners playing for Premier League clubs. Tony Adams has blamed the coaching structure in the national game. Steve Coppell as also called for immediate action to make improvements in the structure of the Football Association, who have themselves declared an intention to conduct a "root and branch" review to put right what went so drastically wrong.

Many hypotheses have been postulated as to why England struggle so badly at international level, ranging from the grass roots in football being uncomfortable with flair and coaching it out of kids, to failure to embed an ethos of intelligence and technique into our young players, rather than current approach based upon fitness and strength being continually applied to try and wear down the opposition.

If anything in the national game changes to encourage more kids to play football based on technique and skill, with some thought applied, then by the time it has an effect it will be far too late for 2010.

It may be that for those of us that find it hard to get excited about a tournament without any home nation representation will need to findother things to occupy us during forthcoming international football events for many years to come!

Bill Bailey is freelance writer, journalist and football fan. More of Bill's articles on cars, finance, travel, computers, shopping and sports can be found at http://www.schnafflehound.com

Watching and participating in various sports are popular activities in Japan enjoyed by people of all ages and walks of life. The origin of sports in Japan dates back to the twelfth century, when military nobility known as samurai introduced events such as kendo, (Japanese stick fencing) kyudo, (archery) and jujustu, ( judo) to the populous. These athletic games were eventually established as martial arts in the Edo period (1600-1868), with the focus on mastering the mental aspects of each activity in hopes of elevating the participant to a nobler, more transcendent level. These sports have been passed down from generation to generation, and still continue to flourish today. Sumo, which also maintains a long history as a traditional martial art, originated approximately 2,000 years ago from a ceremonial dance used to entertain the Shinto gods, and is considered Japan's national sport. Even today the event includes ritualistic elements derived from the Shinto religion, such as tossing salt to the ground at the start of each match as a means of symbolic purification. The rules of sumo are quite basic. Two wrestlers called rikishi face off in a circular ring called a dohyo, and the wrestler who first touches the floor with any body part other than the soles of his feet, or is pushed out of the ring by his opponent loses. The fight itself is usually over within seconds, but on rare occasions can last up to a minute or longer. Six tournaments are held throughout the year, each one lasting 15 days.

Western sports were eventually introduced to Japan with the arrival of the Meiji Restoration, including baseball in 1872. Baseball has since evolved into one of the country's most popular spectator sports, with thousands of enthusiastic fans attending professional games held each season in stadiums found in all major cities throughout the country. Games are also broadcast live on television several times a week, featuring teams from both leagues, (the Central and Pacific), which consist of six teams each. The last few years has also seen a rise in the number of Japanese players who are currently playing successfully in the American Major Leagues, and whose games are covered extensively through the media in Japan. University and high school teams are also numerous, and the All Japan High School Baseball Championship held each summer and televised nationwide is viewed by millions. Competing with baseball as the nations most popular sport is soccer, which made it's debut in 1993 with the introduction of J-League, a professional soccer league consisting of two divisions, J1 and J2. Soccer had been played by amateurs for many years in Japan, but it's appeal gained momentum after Japan's national soccer team participated in the world cup in France for the first time in 1998.

Following closely behind soccer in regard to popularity in Japan is Golf. The bubble economy boom of the 80's and the affluence which followed brought golf quickly into the forefront as one of the most popular games in the country. Enjoyed in the past by only a privileged few, it soon grew in favor among the average “salary man”, who used it as a means of extending his business network by playing a round or two on Sunday with potential clients. Memberships in prestigious clubs at the time were in such demand that they cost anywhere from 100 to 400 million yen, and were sought after by large companies who were hoping to establish themselves in the ranks of those who were often closing more deals on the golf course than in the conference room. Because of the increase in the number of players and limited space available, the prospect of playing golf for the average person in Japan is still an expensive one, the price averaging between 20,000 yen and up for 18 holes, with caddy fees and lunch usually not included. Another consideration when figuring the cost of playing golf in Japan is that of “hole in one insurance”. Those who are fortunate (or unfortunate enough) to sink the elusive “hole in one” celebrate the event by paying for all fellow member's fees that day, as well as bestowing expensive gifts on those present. Consequently insurance was made available to purchase to cover the residual expense for those skillful enough to make this difficult shot.

As well as enjoying golf, baseball, and soccer, the Japanese due to an increase in free time available in recent years are now participating more than ever before in an array of sport related activities including jogging, weight training, long distant running, calisthenics, aerobics, jazz dancing, softball, swimming, badminton, volleyball, cycling, tennis, table tennis, billiards, and bowling. High risk sports such as scuba diving, hang gliding, and horseback riding are also gaining popularity.


Jim Sherard is the author of "Land of the Rising Sun, A Guide to Living and Working in Japan", which can be found at: http://www.escapeartist.com/e_Books/Living_and_Working_in_Japan/Living_and_Working_in_Japan.html

David Bekham, the English football legend is the craze of the 21st century. From his hairstyle to his playing skills, soccer fans are always looking for something more from this versatile sports star. Soccer in UK is indeed a popular game, which is watched more than baseball and basketball, combined.

A historical record of the development of soccer in England shows that Eton College had the earliest known rules of the game in 1815. Order gradually came to the game, and then the standardized rules, known as the Cambridge rules, were adopted by the England’s major colleges.

On 26 October 1863, eleven London clubs and schools sent their representatives to a meeting in the Freemason's Tavern to establish a single set of fundamental rules to govern the matches played amongst them.

Like any other country, Soccer in UK follows certain general rules. Each of the 2 teams has 11 players. Their prime objective is to take control of the ball and place it in the opponents net (goal). The game also has a referee to judge the match neutrally. Points and penalty are also similar to that of Soccer played elsewhere.

Who doesn’t know teams like Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United? Manchester United has taken a number of leads due to the immensely talented and internationally famous player Christiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, in European Champions League.

Players like David Bekham and Ronaldo have amazed the world with their unbelievable sphere usage ability. They have now become a household name among soccer players and soccer fans all over the world. Bekham is considered to be one of the best mid fielders to ever play for the English party.
A number of series matches like the, Championship League and the English Football League are the most competitive soccer leagues in the world. The premier league is the world's most watched sporting league, and the most lucrative football league. UK takes an active part in the Soccer World Cup and has emerged victorious in 1966, when it had also acted as the host country.
There are a number of English leagues enduring top clubs like the Arsenal Football Club and the Aston Villa Football Club, which have gradually made their way and joined the English club’s football elite.
UK is one of the few countries that support Women’s Premier League. However, the league is semi-professional and has a much lower profile than the men's game even within its national boundaries.
At first, it was England where soccer was originally banned, that eventually exported modern soccer to every continent in the world. By the turn of 1990s, UK had emerged as a truly spirited team. It won the 1990 FIFA world cup and since then the popularity of UK soccer teams has been gripping the masses globally. Today, undisputedly soccer is the most watched and played sport in the world enjoyed by 8 billion people. This made soccer and the World Cup; the most watched single sports event in the world's history not surpassed even by the Olympics!
Alan Gibson
President
www.NipsWorld.co.uk

Studying abroad opens educational doors for young people like nothing else can. World travel fosters independence and responsibility, while developing a sense of global unity in the next generation.

Whether your child is an up and coming elite player, or a soccer lover who wishes to fully-immerse themselves in Spanish language studies, Spain offers a wide variety of Spanish Summer Soccer Camps and Year Long Academic Soccer Boarding Schools to choose from. With soccer being the most popular participatory sport in the U.S., Canada and the rest of the world, and Spanish being the second most spoken language in America and one of the world’s most important languages, many students can benefit from Spain’s travel abroad soccer programs.

Spanish Soccer and Language Camps

Spanish soccer camps can be a good first step to learning abroad for children and young adults. Many of these programs accept children as young as 12 years old and last from a couple of weeks to nine months (boarding schools). Children can visit Spain for these camps with just a current passport. However, for the year long soccer boarding schools players without an European passport must attain a “Student Visa”. Full-immersion language and soccer camps offer the best opportunity for youngsters to gain Spanish fluency and advance soccer their skills in a short period of time.

Special Training for Elite Youth Players

For soccer players 14 and up who exhibit outstanding potential you should consider one of the “elite” soccer training programs available in Madrid, Spain. Spain has long loved the sport of soccer and their professional league is considered one of the worlds finest! With the intensity of international competition, professional coaches in Spain can offer a level of soccer training that is just not available in the United States. Spanish programs that combine full-immersion language studies, along with elite soccer training, groom players for careers in the exciting world of University or even professional soccer.

Spanish Soccer Boarding Schools

If your teenager or college student is looking for more than a soccer and language vacation, consider a soccer and Spanish boarding school in Spain. While it might seem frightening to allow your child to live in a foreign country for a year or more, there are wonderful boarding schools in Spain with caring teachers and coaches ready to guide, supervise and teach your son or daughter.

Year round high school and university programs do require educational “student visas” and, of course, are more expensive than the summer camps. Being separated is also challenging for young players and their families but it’s that “independence” away from the parents and international travel that promotes growth and maturity in young people. However, the level of soccer training and cultural learning your child can receive makes all the challenges worthwhile. If you are considering such a program, be sure and plan a visit to Spain before or during your child’s school year. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable vacation and be able to visit your son or daughter’s campus, cementing your decision.

How to Choose the Right Soccer & Spanish Program for your Child

When choosing which type of soccer and language training abroad is best for your child consider the student’s maturity as well as Spanish language and soccer skill level. Cost and travel requirements are also important, so be sure and research the necessities for Spain’s different programs. Last but not least, consider the experience and expertise of the program directors and staff.

Studying Abroad in Spain Helps Kids make Life-Long Goals

A Spanish language and Soccer program that provides bilingual, professional staff and well rounded, cultural learning opportunities for students will enrich your child and build skills that will help them achieve all their goals in life.

Enroll today or visit our website to learn more about EduKick study abroad soccer programs and sign up for their International Soccer training newsletter.

On coaching soccer, the key to motivating soccer players is to help them to motivate themselves.

First, you need to set the example. This means that you need to use the Golden Rule and speak to them the way that you wish them to speak to you and the way you hope they speak to themselves.

Using positive reinforcement will go a long way to helping players feel good enough about themselves and their soccer game to want to strive for more. How? It is really very simple. Focus on the positive things and do not focus on the negative things.

We live in a rat race society and we tend to compare ourselves to others much of the time. Children go through school constantly being compared to others and then move to their post-secondary education looking to be the best so they can receive scholarships and awards.

They want to please their parents and they want to do well. They often focus on what they did wrong or what they did not do. In the end they can feel very frustrated, angry, and can even feel like a failure and this attitude can be carried onto the soccer field.

Using positive reinforcement means focusing on the positive or what went right. There is no need to look at what a player did not do properly. You may ask, how do you help a player correct poor technique or improve their soccer game without looking at what they did improperly.

On soccer coaching, the key is to look at what they did right and say that you want to see them do it again. Instead of saying, "That was a good kick, but when you kick the ball, place your foot here," try, "Hey, on that last penalty kick you had great follow through and made the shot. Let's see that again and this time try placing your foot here."

This is much more effective. Instead of feeling frustrated that they are not getting it right they will feel good about themselves for getting at least part of it right and they will be eager to do it again.

Of course there are times when they will get part of a technique right and not do something else in the proper way. Begin with pointing out the areas in which they performed well and then tell them you want to see it again with another part added in.

This way they will try again from the positive outlook that they can do it and they just need to adjust something. For example, instead of saying, "that was a good try, but when you kick the ball you need to kick through the ball. You are stopping short," try saying, "Great kick! You foot positioning was bang on.

Now let me see it again and this time kick your foot all the way through the ball and see how much farther it will go." Whether you are working with kids of adults, they will respond to this sort of encouragement.

It is also important to teach the players to positively reinforce their soccer team-mates and to encourage each other. In this way, players will feel even better about what they have accomplished, especially when they are nearing adolescence and their peers begin to have a greater influence on them than the adults in their lives do.

Motivating soccer players is about helping them feel good enough about themselves and what they are doing that they desire to strive for more. They will want to improve themselves and their game from the positive frame of mind that they are good players who are improving all the time, instead of feeling that they are inadequate and need to improve their game to become good enough.

Follow these tips on coaching soccer and I'm sure you'll motivate your players or kids to love the game.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer coaching. His web site, Coaching Youth Soccer Training Drills, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, and a youth soccer coaching blog.

Thank: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

In less than 840 days time, 32 of the world's top soccer teams will take part in the 2010 Federation Internationale de Football Associations (FIFA) soccer world cup, hosted in South Africa - the first time the cup will be hosted by an African nation.

However, this is not about the Soccer world cup as such, but about the expected over one billion people expected to closely follow the progress of the 32 teams who will battle it out in a month long tournament.

Uppermost in everybody's who intend attending the various events minds must be the questions: "What is South Africa like? Will it be safe to go there?

First of all, South Africa is a big piece of real estate, and games will be staged all over the country to give a balanced exposure to all it's inherent charms and possibilities.

When visiting South Africa, you will most probably land at Oliver Tambo International (formerly Jan Smuts Airport) in Johannesburg, where the games will be hosted at Ellis Park stadium. Johannesburg is the financial "engine room" of South Africa. It's alive and vibrant, full of energy and drive. It is situated in the north of the country and is well known for mild, dry winters and long, hot summers.

From Johannesburg you can travel with the new Gau-train to the city of Pretoria - about half-an-hour further inland. Here the world cup will be hosted at Loftus Versfeldt; famous for great rugby games that took place here between various international teams through the years.

Moving further north will bring you to the town of Rustenburg where teams will compete in the Royal Bafokeng stadium. The area is famous for it's platinum mines.

From there you can visit Nelspruit with its new Mbombela stadium. From here a visit to the famous Kruger National Park is just the proverbial stone's throw away.

The Peter Mokaba stadium in the far north of the country, in Polokwane will most probably be your last stop in the upper regions of the country.

The next on the menu is the City of Bloemfontein with it's famous Free State Stadium. Bloemfontein is centrally situated in the middle of the country, and is one of those places that just grow on you.

From there you will most probably fly to Durban in Kwa Zulu Natal and watch the games in the new Durban stadium. Durban is a coastal city, with a hot, humid sub-tropical flavour, where the fun never stops.

Next along the coast will be Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth where the soccer tornament will be played in the beautiful Port Elizabeth stadium.

At last you will reach Cape Town - called "the fairest Cape in all the world" by Sir Francis Drake. Games are to take place in the newly constructed Green Point Stadium, built on the historic Green Point commons.

Coming to the nagging question of "will it be safe to go there" you must realize that crime in South Africa is a problem - a problem being addressed by the authorities and police services. If you act sensibly and avoid obvious dangerous places you should be safe. A certain criminal element do tend to target overseas tourists (most probably because they know the value of the Dollar and the Pound Sterling!) but once again, if you take the necessary safety precautions and work with the authorities, you and yours should be safe. Obviously, a heavy police presence will be maintained at all venues.

Lastly, if you are still looking for a play to stay in South Africa during that time, please feel free to click on the link below, and have a look at the available accommodation. With the South African Rand at a low, it may be worthwhile booking and paying now.

See you in 2010 in our wonderful sunny South Africa!

For a place to stay during the World Cup

The author is a well known commentator on South African blogs and forums, often with an off-beat and humouristic viewpoint

Thank: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

By Wayne MacLean

By Adrian Gumowski

Adidas Predator Absolute cleats are definitely an outstanding soccer shoes, like all Predators. They are well build with lots of elements making them very comfortable. And that’s the most important aspect of soccer cleats: comfort. And they are.

By Wayne MacLean

By Wayne MacLean