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!”