Musician Sting Promotes Hope Is A Game Changer

Musical legend Sting joins the blogosphere for the very first time as a contributor to ReadersDigest.com. Sting's blog details his work with philanthropist Bobby Sager.

Sting's blog, "Sting and Sager Deliver Hope for the Holidays," is the magazine's first foray into celebrity blogging. Sting's words will also be translated for the magazine's global websites, including Reader's Digest Poland, Singapore, Germany, Spain, Portugal, India, Taiwan/Hong Kong, and Canada.

The blog entry petitions readers to look inward and ask themselves whether they are doing enough to help someone else in the world. Sting tells of his own deep connection to the Hope Is a Game Changer project, which he founded with Sager to deliver thousands of indestructible soccer balls to children in need around the world.

Within the blog, Sting describes his relationship with Sager and his book The Power of the Invisible Sun, the proceeds of which go entirely toward the Hope Is a Game Changer project. "Bobby and I share the unwavering belief that hope really is a game changer, especially for children," Sting writes. "We believe that each indestructible ball delivered will come to represent a lasting symbol of hope. A light no matter how small--that is the power of the invisible sun."

To view Sting's blog, visit www.ReadersDigest.com/Sting.

Sony Brings 3D FIFA 2010 Experience to Rio

Want to enjoy the total FIFA 2010 experience without leaving the sandy beaches of Copacabana? Now, you can.

Sony Corporation and FIFA are collaborating to produce the world's first FIFA World Cup(TM) in 3D. Up to 25 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM) matches will be produced using Sony's 3D professional cameras, which will provide coverage of the action that is unprecedented in depth, vividness and excitement to people around the world.

Viewers will be able to enjoy 3D experiences at the following locations:

- During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA will host the "International FIFA
Fan Fest(TM)" public viewing events in 7 cities around the world (Berlin,
London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Rome, and Sydney). At Sony's
commercial displays located within the "Fan Fest," people will be able to
enjoy and experience promotional highlight trailers of the FIFA World Cup
in 3D.

- In anticipation of the Official 3D Film, viewers will be able to watch
promotional trailers for the film of the World Cup in 3D at retail
outlets(including Sony stores) that sell Sony products around the world.

- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment plans to produce and distribute the
Official 3D Film on the Blu-ray Disc*[1] and other formats.

Walmart Officially Joins the World Cup 2010 Team

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has announced that it will join the World Cup 2010 sponsorship team. The global, low price retailer will operate 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Event Stores in nearly all of its retail markets around the world. The retailer will feature FIFA event branded shops inside select stores that will offer exclusive FIFA World Cup(TM) official licensed products and host special events leading up to the games.

All 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) branded merchandise will be customized for the country where it will be sold. With everything from hats and bags, to soccer balls and T-shirts, fans who visit the shops will be able to support their team like never before.

INTERSPORT Brings Africa to Paris

Do you dream of seeing your African squad? INTERSPORT, the world's leading Sports Retailer, is bringing your Black Stars, Les Elephants and Indomitable Lions to the "City of Lights."

INTERSPORT announced a new partnership agreement to cooperate with three major PUMA African Football Federations: Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Starting with the Orange African Cup of Nations, INTERSPORT will sponsor a host of online and in-store activities for fans. The marquee event will be the unique "African experience", which will bring Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon to Paris in preparation for the FIFA World Cup.

Mark your calendars for footballer sightings, interviews and training camp sneak peaks in Paris.

Sony Ericsson Mash Up: World Cup 2010 + Twitter = Twitter Cup

On December 4th, Sony Ericsson, the Official Mobile Handset of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM), introduced a new way for soccer fans in the Unites States to get behind their team online through a unique social networking initiative.

The Sony Ericsson Twitter Cup will see the 32 teams competing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, battle it out in an online tournament where the fans decide who will win. Fans will be able to participate in this exciting competition either online or via their mobile handset.

To get team your squad through each round, fans need to show their support by tweeting. The team with the most Tweets in each round will prevail and go on to the next stage, regardless of how the real team fares in South Africa.

Join the Mash Up at Sony Ericcson Twitter Cup.

World Cup Appreciation: 2010 Fine Art

As mentioned in the most recent edition of the Eat Soccer! News Page, I am playing Holiday Helper for all of those soccer fans out there. Wouldn't it be nice to receive a unique gift that is an embodiment of your football passion?

2010 Fine Art is a South African company that collaborated with investors, curators, galleries and artists to provide official FIFA licensed art for World Cup 2010. The company is combining the creative talents of 160 of the world’s leading contemporary artists into one exceptional international collection and providing African artists with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to market their talents to international audiences through the platform of the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

You can view artwork, learn about the artists and contact 2010 Fine Art to reserve your selection.

The two pieces shown in this blog entry are entitled "Live on TV" (Anthony Mutheki-Kenya) and "Gimme" (Ian Zyl-South Africa).

Sign On to Adidas' Unite Mzansi Unite Campaign

In November, Adidas unveiled its new kit design for Bafana Bafana, South Africa's national team. The project is aimed at uniting all South Africans in support of both the football tournament and national team Bafana Bafana. The word Mzansi is isiZulu for “south”, and is commonly used to refer to South Africa.

To promote the campaign, the sportswear giant has created a huge replica of the official Bafana Bafana jersey. It is currently touring South Africa in a large, specially branded Adidas truck and will make stops in all nine host cities, as well as towns in between.

About 300 stops have been planned in total. The tour visits Cape Town in December, where the final draw for the World Cup will take place alongside the unveiling of the official match ball, another Adidas design.

Adidas has put the call out to all South Africans to show their support for the national team by signing the jersey when it is in their area.

Fans who can’t make it in person will have the option of signing digitally online or via mobile, or at selected retail outlets. There are already over 9,500 signatures on the giant jersey.

Tour stops will coincide with other festivities such as football games on mini pitches and goal kicking competitions. A host of prizes will also be up for grabs.

Supporters can keep track of the tour's progress by following its Twitter stream. The official UMU website also provides a detailed itinerary.

Rangers vs. Chile: Who Should Win?

The road to World Cup 2010 is getting more exciting by the minute. A Thierry Henry hand ball? FIFA's refusal to make Ireland the first #33. Now, we turn to South America and the CONMEBOL.

Newly relegated to the second division, Chilean club Rangers has less than 48 hours to make a decision that will affect the World Cup 2010 hopes of an ENTIRE nation.

Chile could be kicked out of the World Cup unless Chilean club Rangers drops a court case by Dec. 3 contesting its disputed demotion to the second division of the national soccer league.

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, said Thursday it was notified by FIFA about the possible sanction.

Rangers were deducted three points for using six foreign players - the limit is five - in a league match on Nov. 8. The three points cost them relegation to the second division, and last week they appealed the case to a Chilean court.

Chile, which has not played in the World Cup since 1998, is one of five South American nations that have qualified for next year's tournament in South Africa.

Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay have also qualified.

The appeal by Rangers has forced the Chilean league to suspend play in its postseason playoffs.

"If Rangers don't drop the case, then FIFA could expel (the national federation) because they can't expel a club," Harold Mayne-Nicholls, president of the Chilean federation, said on radio Agricultura. "This could bring consequences that would be deadly for Chilean football."

Is it really worth the fight, Rangers? Readers, let me know what you think.

NFL Player Ahmad Carroll Encourages the Global Soccer Community

Putting together the latest episode of the Eat Soccer! radio program felt like an offensive attack in the last third of the field. You know how that feels. You got the ball at your feet, a player coming down both wings and a defender quickly coming to make that last minute slide tackle. You have 5 million ways to play the ball and less than 5 seconds to react. No margin for error lest it be off to the bench for you.

Well, it was the week of the American holiday (Thanksgiving), I had agreed to do a speaking engagement on Thanksgiving morning and I still needed to put together an amazing show to hit the airwaves. It wasn't your typical week, but as we footballers know, there is nothing typical on the pitch.

While thinking about some previous training sessions, I thought about a fun drill that many of you have done in the course of your training days. I don't know the name of it, but the coach has you to lay on the ground. Sometimes you are on your stomach. Other times you are on your back. The drill goes through a variety of postions, but the purpose of the drill is to help you improve your response time when you get knocked down on the field.

This drill caused me to think of one guy who I think is the ultimate "comeback kid." Ahmad Carroll was selected by the Greenbay Packers in the 1st round of the National Football League draft. Since becoming a professional American football player, he has experienced a number of setbacks that would've caused lesser athletes to call it quits.

Since we train at the same gym in Atlanta, I have had the opportunity to witness Ahmad's resilience-to disregard the naysayers and get back up when he's been down. It is an amazing story that is still unfolding. In case you missed our interview on Thursday, you can listen to it on the radio player above or at Podbean.

To continue following Ahmad Carroll NFL journey and his Humble Grind Foundation efforts, become his friend on Facebook or Myspace.

Vickie Torrey's Self Massage Tips for Footballers

On November 19th, our WRMI shortwave and Internet radio listeners had the opportunity to learn self-help, self-health tips from international massage expert Vickie Torrey. Ms. Torrey used her healing hands to work on the overworked muscles of a number of athletes during her tenure with Carolina Integrated Health in Charlotte, North Carolina. Now, she travels the world teaching others how to heal their own bodies through self massage and positive affirmations.

As athletes, we will push our bodies to the limit with the thousands of hours that we spend doing individual and team training. In this interview, Ms. Torrey teaches us easy ways to use self-massage to prevent injury, rid our bodies of stress and perform at our optimal level.

If you want to learn more about Vickie Torrey's massage work, healing experiences and international teaching adventures, become her friend on Facebook (Vickie Torrey), follow her on her blog Mystic Hands or check out her interactive e-book, Live Love Heal!

To listen to this episode of Eat Soccer! Click Here

Get Your Face Behind United

Betfair, an official sponsor of Manchester United, is offering a "Get Behind United" promotion that will give Manchester United supporters the opportunity to show their avid support to millions across the world by having their photos featured on interview board backdrops and perimeter field board signage at Old Trafford.

Betfair requires fans to submit a photo of themselves expressing their support along with their name and contact details on the Get Behind United promotional webpage.

Grand Prize: One (1) lucky winner will have their face featured on interview backdrops, win two (2) free tickets, and participate in an on-field skills challenge for the chance to win a signed Manchester United jersey
Secondary Prizes: A select number of fans will have their faces featured on the perimeter field boards at Old Trafford. The signage will be picked up on live game broadcasts being shown on ESPN in the United Kingdom and around the rest of the world

Betfair is running the promotion for a select number of upcoming Manchester United home games at Old Trafford (Everton - 11/21/09, Aston Villa 12/12/09).

FIFA Names Official Odor Fighter

Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced today a new licensing agreement that names WIN High Performance Sport Detergent the official licensed sport detergent of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). The partnership will introduce WIN Detergent, the world's first laundry detergent especially formulated to eliminate embedded sweat and odors found in performance athletic attire, to the global market.

The partnership with FIFA provides licensing rights around the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM). Entering the North American marketplace as the first official licensed detergent of the U.S. Olympic Team, the WIN-FIFA agreement will mark WIN's global distribution expansion into Europe and Latin America. Mirroring the successful US Olympic partnership, WIN will use the Official Emblem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) and designations on all products and marketing materials targeted at consumers and products.

Earlier this year, WIN extended its product line with the launch of WIN Green, which is a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dye-free and completely biodegradable formula. The ingredients used are sourced from natural, renewable sources and this formula contains no brighteners, which are commonly added to laundry detergents to make the clothes appear cleaner but have been known to cause allergic skin reactions. There are no phosphates used, which create algal blooms in groundwater that can leak toxins into drinking water and harm ecosystems.

EA SPORTS FIFA SOCCER 10 Championship Begins Tomorrow

The Second Annual "Gillette - EA SPORTS Champions of Gaming Tournament on Xbox 360," is the world's largest multi-sport online gaming competition that pits gamers from around the globe against each other, and ultimately for the winners, against some of the biggest names in the world of sports, including Gillette Champion Tiger Woods.

The Tournament, which attracted more than 350,000 gamers last year, begins on tomorrow and runs through February 14, 2010. Gamers will be able to compete against other gamers on Xbox LIVE, within their geographical region, on several EA SPORTS titles including - Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 10, EA SPORTS(TM) FIFA Soccer 10, Madden NFL 10, NHL® 10 and Fight Night Round 4.

Winners on each title will have the chance to be crowned a Gillette - EA SPORTS Champion of Gaming at the Final Event in March 2010. At the Tournament Finals, Gillette Champion Tiger Woods, as well as other sports superstars, are scheduled to take on one of the five Gillette - EA SPORTS Champions of Gaming participants in an EA SPORTS title -- with the winner claiming ultimate bragging rights.

To get in the game with FIFA Soccer 10, go to www.easports.com/gillette

Brandon Culpepper Mentors Footballers on Courage

For the second episode of my international radio broadcast Eat Soccer!, I had the wonderful opportunity to introduce the listeners to one of the most courageous, motivated athletes I know. Brandon Culpepper is an American football player, and he took time out of his busy NFL schedule to give soccer players tips on how they can develop the courage to pursue their dreams to play soccer.

In my own personal soccer journey, I have received advice and mentorship from athletes, business moguls, ministers, trainers, massage therapists, bus drivers, computer geeks...you name it! I believe everyone can teach you something.

So although Brandon's football is oblong and our football is circular, the actions that he has taken, to build and act on his courage to approach NFL coaches and further his professional sports career, is something we can all learn from.

If you want to continue following Culpepper in his courageous NFL journey, follow him on his blog Culpepper's Dreams and Goals Are Reality or become his friend on Facebook.

The new episode (2) is loaded on the podcast player above. Enjoy the interview!

Emoze Application Brings 2010 World Cup to Fans

Emoze has developed a new downloadable application in preparation for World Cup 2010.

Recieving a constant stream of "pushed" content will cost just $5 (one time payment) and will provide international football news daily from now until after the tournament's final in July.

The Emoze application features 'pushed' real time soccer updates and news, player of the day pictures (in html format), game venues, scores and of course full tables of the team groups. The opening splash screen features a real-time countdown to the big games in South Africa, and then once the tournament starts, countdowns to individual games - football fans need never miss a second of the action no matter where they are or what they are doing.

The Soccer Updater is available worldwide and can be downloaded on any Symbian or Windows mobile handset, with Java phones to follow shortly. You can download it now at: http://clients.emoze.com?src=PR

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP UAE 2009:MEDIA COUNTDOWN

It seems like being a journalist to the soccer masses can be a little hectic. News is breaking at every moment, and all you want to do is turnaround a good story-fast! Working at break-neck speed can cause a few "administrative" details to fall through the cracks.

Let me help you out. Mark your calendars because November 13th is the deadline for you to receive media accreditation for the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009. To register, go to http://media.fifa.com

You have 2 1/2 days and counting. Log on now!

Woonsocket Girls Fight For the Win

High School Division 4 Championships took place yesterday. Despite the 5-0 rout by Woonsocket, fans received an extra bonus (2 fights and longer newscoverage). There's alot of anger on the field as of late...Is it really that serious?

Mason Park, Houston TX: Free Soccer Clinic

Mark your calendars: On Saturday, November 7, 2009, the Hispanic Health Coalition and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health will present the third annual !Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving!(TM) celebration in Houston. The event promotes Hispanic family physical activity for better health and wellness for people of all ages and all sizes. The event will be held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Mason Park in Houston's East End located at 541 South 75th Street, Houston, TX.

Fun activities for the whole family include soccer and tennis clinics, aerobics, zumba, jump rope contests, kickboxing, and rock wall climbing. In addition to the FREE health screenings and activities, there will be raffles, door prizes, and much more!

A Waterlogged FC Hansa Fan Club

The second division rivalry between the German clubs FC Hansa Rostock and St. Pauli ended with a 2-0 victory for St. Pauli and some Hansa Rostock supporter being on the receiving end of a water cannon.

Angered by the loss on their home pitch, 500 die hard fans of FC Hansa Rostock tried to breach a police barrier and began throwing bottles and firecrackers. To bring order, the police unleashed a water cannon on the mob. 23 people were arrested and 27, of the 1500, police officers on hand for the match were hurt.

FIFA Selects Desso Turf

FIFA and Desso Sports Systems will be collaborating to promote artificial grass for football, and to establish one international quality standard for artificial grass. The contract with Desso Sports Systems fits in with FIFA's long-term vision to further improve and promote artificial grass for football, both on a professional and a community level.

The collaboration seeks to create football fields that meet the optimal requirements of professional clubs and the sport in general. As a result, communities or football clubs that have a field installed by a FIFA Preferred Producer will be assured a high-quality field by a reliable supplier.

The contract is a logical continuation of both FIFA's drive to stimulate artificial turf pitches from a cost and quality perspective and Desso's commitment to develop and produce quality sports fields through constant innovation.

3D Broadcast of 'El Clasico'

RealD, the world's leading outfitter of 3D theatres, announced the debut of RealD LIVE with a real-time 3D broadcast of "El Clasico", the famed rivalry between Mexican soccer powerhouses Chivas de Guadalajara and Club America, on Sunday, October 25th, to RealD equipped theatres in Mexico and the United States. RealD has partnered with Televisa and Sony de Mexico on the event, which will be broadcast to Cinepolis theatres in Monterey and Guadalajara, Mexico, and to a private screening at the AMC Burbank Town Center 6 in the United States.

ESPN Deportes: El Reportero

El Reportero is the nationwide search for the ultimate sports fan, ready to take their sports knowledge to the next level as an ESPN Deportes soccer reporter. The second installation of the reality show allows participants to audition for the opportunity to become part of the network's team and a fixture in the world of sports. During the auditions, contestants are tested on their knowledge of soccer, on-camera presence and are rated on their overall smooth reporting style. The show will be hosted by renowned soccer expert Jorge Ramos along a judging panel of some of ESPN Deportes' most recognized sports experts such as former players and Club America coach Daniel Brailovsky and Rafa Puente, legendary sportscaster Jose Ramon Fernandez and SportsCenter and Fuera de Juego anchor Fernando Palomo. The six city tour kicks off this fall with auditions in New York (October 3), Miami (October 17), Chicago (October 31), San Diego (Nov. 14), Los Angeles (Nov. 21) and Dallas (Dec. 5). For more information, visit dreamjob.espndeportes.com

Becks Needs New Briefs!

I will be the first young lady to say that I "stan" for David Beckham. It was shocking to learn over the weekend that he is in need of new briefs. His contract with Armani as the go to footballer eye candy has been transferred to none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. Although it's a sad ending to a great revenue stream for Becks, I feel like it is a great passing of the torch. Greased and tanned Ronaldo in Armani? Looks like it will make my cut.. However, it's only fair that I give a final ode to Becks in his prime...and hope that someone will quickly pass him a new pair of briefs because I don't think it's too much to have Becks and Ronaldo posted all over the streets on billboards in their underwear!

Need a Soccer Ball? Make One!

Lack is a powerful motivator. Can you recall the last time you were missing the ingredient for a recipe or without a goal or short on cash and had to improvise? Well, I have. One time, while living in Los Angeles, I used a metal bowl and cable cord to clear the static in my television so I could clearly see the Oscar’s Red Carpet coverage!

ChildFund International is a global child development and protection agency, helping the world's deprived, excluded and vulnerable children survive and thrive in order to reach their full potential. The organization’s current traveling exhibit called “The Power to Play” showcases children’s ability to create toys out of discarded trash. For those soccer fans, the exhibit includes soccer balls made by children from plastic bags and twine.

More than 75 handcrafted toys will be on display at Atlanta’s own Bremen Museum from October 18th through January 10, 2010. To learn more about the entire 350 piece collection, visit www.childfund.org/toys.

Destination DC: Calling All Soccer Warriors

For those who have some spare time on their hands, Destination DC has announced a wonderful discount to bring visitors to the DC area during October 14-18th. Travelers who book a two night “Weekend Warrior” hotel package through Washington.org will receive any-time tickets to see the traveling Terra Cotta Warriors exhibition, tips for tackling DC's powerful lineup of fall and winter events, plus complimentary breakfast for two or valet parking.

So what does the Terra Cotta exhibition have to do with soccer? It doesn’t have anything to do with the sport. However, free breakfast and parking should free up some dinero so you can catch the run up to last qualifying match for the USMT as they national soccer battle against Costa Rica on Oct. 14 at RFK Stadium. On the heels of the match, you can take the subway over to the big screen as four DC venues plays host to "Kicking & Screening," a soccer-inspired international film festival (Oct. 15-18).

As we say in my ‘hood: “Now that’s a come up!”

Mattel Unveils Dora the Explorer's Soccer Friend

In time for the upcoming holiday season, Mattel revealed the Dora Links doll. The Dora doll is geared towards consumers ages 5-8.

Dora and her four new best friends embody the brand's themes of empowerment, adventure, friendship and team work while providing its owners with innovative and interactive technology. Girls can follow the continual adventures of Dora and her friends when they hook up the doll to their computers and join in them in the online, fictional world of Puerto Verde.

For those girls who love soccer, Dora's BFF Alana will be a necessary addition to their collection. Alana is described as an athletic, confident soccer player who loves animals and her friends. I am pretty sure Alana's dribbling skills will be put to the test in solving a few mysteries with Dora.

The Dora Links collection is available today at most major online and brick/mortar stores nationwide.

Hit the Virtual Pitch with American Airlines

In an effort to court U.S. soccer fans, American Airlines has teamed up with the AC&M Group to create an interactive soccer game for it's website. The "Penalty Challenge" is an entertainingly creative way for the company to increase membership for their AAdvantage program. By helping the new soccer sensation, Earn Miles, score the maximum number of goals, players can receive discounts and bonus miles. To add a celebrity factor to the game, Penalty Challenge is narrated by famed Spanish-language sportscaster Fernando Fiore. To join in on the fun and win a discount on your next one-way or roundtrip ticket, go to www.aa.com/soccer

First to Apple: Real Madrid Launches iPhone Application

The international soccer club Real Madrid is the first sports club to launch a mobile phone platform application. "My Madrid" is downloadable to the iPhone for about $4.00and allows fans to access news, player profiles, videos, 3D images, match reports and club information. Also, the application doubles as a mobile retail platform, enabling fans to purchase merchandise and tickets anywhere in the world.

Soccer History: Soccer Comic Strip Billy's Boots

Although I didn't have the pleasure of reading lots of comic books growing up, I have plenty of friends who are die hard comic book fans. While flipping through the stacks at Heroes, the ultimate comic bookstore in Charlotte, I wondered if any of these publications featured soccer. After a little research, I located Billy's Boots. Billy's Boots is a British comic strip about Billy Dane and his magical football boots. For all of my football and comic strip fiends, this entry is for you. Enjoy!

Soccer Tutorial: Shooting Accuracy

Help A Soccer Club & Win the Belles Lotto!

Soccer isn’t immune to the rocky economic climate. Argentina’s first division clubs are off to a late start and without a television licensing deal. Moreover, recent articles reported that a few clubs in the newly created Women’s Professional Soccer league have lost up to $2 million dollars in its inaugural season.

To stave off the possibility of closing their club, Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC, a FA Tesco Women’s Premier League club, has enlisted the services of Sport Driven to develop a creative way to raise funding.

Sport Driven has launched a sponsorship lottery campaign. The company is selling 100 lottery tickets to businesses for approximately $500. The lottery winner will receive a business sponsorship package with Doncaster Rovers Belles LFC that is valued at approximately $24,000.

If you want the opportunity to promote your business to local, regional and national consumers in England, please download the brochure: http://www.sportdriven.co.uk/belleslotto.pdf

Aguero, Open Space & A Ball

Who dares to leave this guy with open space and a ball?

Cristiano on Bravo

After playing pickup on Thursdays, you can find me glued to the television watching one of my latest guilty pleasures—The Real Housewives of Atlanta and the midnight after show Watch What Happens. Some eat chocolate. I watch a little scripted drama.

Anyway, the host (Andy Cohen) of Watch What Happens brought a little soccer into the mix this week. He awarded Cristiano Ronaldo the “Mazel of the Week” designation. Andy gushed over the hotness of Cristiano’s legs and the new $160 million insurance premium that his club owner took out on him. Some articles quote that Cristiano has been tagged at least 34 times in 3 preseason games. Cristiano on Bravo-now that is a pairing that will keep me tuned in!

Pick Me Up Boston!

So you find yourself in Boston on a day with pleasant weather. Where should you go to get in a great run and a few quality touches? Here is some information courtesy of Nina Nixon and Associated Content.

"One of the best places to play pickup soccer is at the Carter Playground off of Columbus Avenue. Located on the South End of Boston, this "playground" has basketball, volleyball and soccer courts. This park is one of the few that have a soccer court, therefore, it is very busy, so proper planning is necessary.

Also check out Ramsey Park on Washington Avenue and Smith Pond Playground on Western Avenue. Both are good alternatives to the Carter Playground. To attend the best turnout, try meeting on weekdays in the early afternoons and evenings, or on weekends in the mornings and early afternoons.

To further increase your chances of participating in a timely game that fits your schedule, communicate with those who are interested by registering to one or more of the pickup game meeting sites below and find out when a game is being put together. Otherwise, browse the parks mentioned above around 1:00 p.m. and join right in. Some good web sites to research are:

http://www.pickupgame.com
http://www.findsportsnow.com
http://pickupsoccer.meetup.com/cities/us/ma/boston/
http://www.meetup.com

Who Wants A Great Soccer Deal?

In this economy, everyone is looking for a great bargain. Why not add a little something to your soccer closet at a fabulous price? Surf these sites right now to take advantage of these deals under $10.

World Soccer Shop:

Mexico National Players Poster $2.99
Holland Sackpack $6.99

Soccer Nation:

"El Nino" (Fernando Torres) T-shirt $9.99

Soccer Garage:

Vizano "Glow in the Dark" ball $5.99

Freestyle Friday: Concrete2Green

My first Freestyle Friday entry comes courtesy of Concrete2Green. I had the pleasure of visiting their futsal center in Eastland Mall and playing quite a few pickup games. Great courts. Talented players. Fabulous multi-level viewing. Check them out when you are in the area!

Refs Seeing Red

On Sunday, those of us who watched the AC Milan vs. InterMilan match witnessed a moment of confusion and comedy. During the course of play, international star Ronaldinho was flashed by the referee with a red card.

Fortunately, in a moment of card waving flare, the referee mistakenly showed the wrong color. A yellow card for the fancy footed showman and a laugh for all who watched.

However, Ze Carlos of the Brazilian club Cruzeiro did not receive an mercy from the referee on July 12th. His send off time--12 seconds. It was a Brazilian record but not an international one. That title belongs to David Pratt of Chippenham Town. His time was a swift 3 seconds!

Since we couldn't get a clip of David's, enjoy watching Ze Carlos' twelve seconds of fame!

Dos Equis: My Match +1

Summer 2009 is full of live, international soccer matches in the United States. With the Gold Cup and the World Football Challenge are playing in cities across the nations, fans have the opportunity to witness the ball wizardry of Ronaldinho and Drogba. These are experiences that this “beautiful game” fanatic must share with a special someone.

Who could possibly fill the shoes of being my match +1?

The question had me stumped until I heard an unknown yet strikingly familiar voice. Over the background noise of a festive party, the person was advising all who would listen that “the afterparty is the one that you want attend and one should never use pickup lines”. I raised my head from my book to look into the eyes of “The Most Interesting Man in the World”.

Dos Equis claims that this man lives vicariously through himself and has a reputation that is expanding faster than the universe. Who else would choose to have an awkward moment just to see how it feels?

I was sold.

Can you imagine the pre-game analysis that he has in store for me? Are we not guaranteed to be swept off to a clandestine location to mingle with the football elite after the match? I know that I have struck a goldmine with my match +1. Can you say the same?

World Cup 2010: Yes, I Can!

The call has been put out. The FIFA World Cup 2010 needs volunteers! Are you up for the challenge? If you can speak excellent English and one additional language, you can answer the call to action. Here’s an overview of the open call courtesy of Chad Thomas at African Soccer Renaissance. Make sure you check out his international radio show on SABC 2000.

“FIFA is looking for nearly four times as many volunteers as at last month’s FIFA Confederations Cup 2009.The Confed Cup required the services of 4 000 volunteers from approximately 40 000 applicants. For next year’s 2010 FIFA World Cup the total numbers required has been upgraded to a massive 15,000 people.The volunteer programme for the FIFA World Cup is a global initiative, as 70% of volunteers will come from South Africa, 20% from the rest of Africa and the remaining 10% from the rest of the world. Anyone who is 18 or older on 1 March 2010 and has a good command of the English language can apply to be a volunteer.

Volunteers will be required in virtually all sectors pertaining to the World Cup, namely: accreditation, administration, environmental services, welcome and information services, information technology and communication, language support, rights protection programme, logistic services, marketing, media volunteers, protocol services, spectator services, ticketing volunteers, transportation, hospitality and ushering services, and finally volunteer management.Those interested in volunteering for language support will need to have a solid command of English, as well as one of either: French, German, Portuguese, Spanish or an assortment of other languages.Applications will close on 31 August 2009.

Pre-selected, i.e. short-listed, candidates will be notified after November 2009 (but by no later than 31 January 2010) for interviews in the host city they have indicated a desire to work in. These interviews will be conducted during January and February 2010 in said host cities.The successful volunteers chosen from this interview process will then be taken through extensive training in March and April 2010 in all nine of the host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

As is usual with volunteer programmes, the volunteers will not receive a salary for their work, but will however be given a stipend on the days they work to cover any possible expenses they may incur on the day. They will in turn also go home with the knowledge (and lifelong memories) that they were an essential part of the greatest sporting event not only in Africa, but the entire world.”

Volunteering has its perks. Believe me. I put it to the test with the World Football Challenge last night at the Georgia Dome…

Guest +1: Street Soccer Cup 2009

Upon my return from a playing stint in Brazil last year, I came across a television program which detailed the journeys of several teams participating in the Homeless World Cup. It was an amazing testimony to the power of soccer and how these soccer programs are changing countless lives for many whom society counts out.

July 31st-August 2nd, the city of Washington, DC will serve as the host city for the Street Soccer USA Cup 2009. The teams provide homeless men, women and youth with an opportunity to score goals on the field while working to achieve their goals off the field. Players from across this weekend's tournament will be selected to represent the United States of America in the next Homeless World Cup in Milan, Italy.

To volunteer or attend the Street Soccer USA Cup 2009, go to www.streetsoccerusablog.com.

Good Samaritans Do Get Perks

In a time when society rewards those who rentlessly pursue self-serving goals, this Wednesday may prove to be a one-up for those who seek to help others in Atlanta, Georgia.

AC Milan is slated to to put forth their best showing against Club America. Ronaldinho, Oguchi Onyewu and Pavel Pardo will be in the building!

So where do the Good Samaritans fit into the equation? Project A.L.S. is the official charity for the World Football Challenge. If you volunteer to pass the collection boxes during the 2 intermissions, you will have the opportunity to watch the game for free. A free World Football Challenge t-shirt, free ticket to see international superstars go head to head and helping a wonderful cause. Now that is what I call a come-up!

Volunteer Contact:

Julianne Hoffenberg, Co-Founder

Project A.L.S.

juleshoff@gmail.com