Miller Lite Partners with Telemundo to Stream Chivas Matches on Smartphones

For those La liga Mexicana fans, the agony of your schedule keeping you away from the television during Chivas (Club Deportivo Guadalajara) matches will be a thing of the past during this Clausura season. Exclusive beer sponsor Miller Lite has teamed up with Telemundo to stream live Chivas matches (including the Clásicos matches against America April 7 and Atlas April 21) to your smartphone! You can learn more by visiting http://msnlatino.telemundo.com/deportes on your cell.

Later in the spring, the Chivas faithful will be able to meet up at the newly launched, Miller Lite Latino Facebook page. Fan will have chances show spirit for their favorite club and win prizes. Additionally, this page will notify community members of ways they can interact with Chivas goalkeeper Luis Michel.

Coors + Jorge Campos + You = First Class Soccer Pass

In 2010, Coors became the U.S. beer brand to sponsor the Mexican Premier League. Now, the top division sponsor wants to give American fans an opportunity to experience all of the pageantry and excitement of the 2011 Torneo Clausura.

Soccer fans have until May 15th to enter to win a trip to Mexico for the semifinals and finals of the 2011 Torneo Clausura (Closing Tournament). The winning fan(s) will watch the game alongside Mexican soccer legend and sports commentator, Jorge Campos. Also, selectees will have an opportunities to win framed, autographed memorabilia such as soccer balls, an assortment of Primera Division jerseys, goalie gloves and much more.

For more information on how to enter the contest, see Coors Light displays at retail locations or visit the "Pase de Primera" tab on the Coors Light Espanol Facebook page (www.facebook.com/CoorsLightEspanol).

Buena Suerte! (Good Luck!)

Qatar Makes It Rain On FC Barcelona

Two weeks ago, the tiny nation of Qatar took the soccer world by storm with its host selection for the 2022 World Cup. The country’s proposal included financial investments in infrastructure that put its bidding committee in quite a class of its own.

Now the oil rich nation seems to be still hungry and on another soccer spending binge. This week a Qatar “foundation” was able to buy what many thought was the untouchable-the front of Barca’s shirt. The club was a lone outlier in not selling its most coveted piece of real estate. When other clubs took the cash, Barca went in the opposite direction and gave away cash to UNICEF for use of the organization’s name.

Barca had embodied it’s tag line of “more than just a club.” Now, the storied club may just become another impulse by for national investors that would to blow off steam, spend some cash and turn the global soccer community on its ear.

MobiTv Let's You Watch the Match on the Go

I love the Internet, and, with sites such as Ustream and Justin.tv, I can view live matches right on my laptop. No more televisions for me!

However, I can’t take the laptop everywhere, and there were quite a few times during World Cup 2010 that I had to miss a few matches because I was out and about.
Well, I know that I wasn’t alone, and Mobitv has created the perfect solution. The company brings live content to a broad range of mobile devices. This past summer they provided a large number of American soccer fans with the opportunity to view 100 million minutes of World Cup soccer coverage.

I perused Mobitv’s blog today, and I noticed that they give their customers a heads up on the live sports programming for each week. If you are a Premier League fan, you can catch Arsenal vs. Blackpool on Saturday at 7:00 a.m. courtesy of ESPN Mobile.

Soccer In The Streets Heads to South Africa

In case you missed the latest episode of Eat Soccer Radio, we had the good fortune of haveing Jill Robbins, Executive Director of Soccer In the Streets, join us. She provided some invaluable information for those listeners who want to begin grassroots soccer programming in their area of the world. Also, she let everyone know that a delegation from their program will receive a once-in-a-lifetime experience to participate in 2010 World Cup programming in South Africa. A journey that far doesn't come without a NICE price tag so pitch in and help these deserving youth on their transatlantic voyage! Click here to learn more about SITS and submit your donation.

P.S. To listen to the interview with Jill Robbins, click on the audio player above.

BBVA Compass Wants Soccer Aces

Who wants their big shot to play in Europe? On April 10th, you can seize the opportunity in Houston, Texas. Houston Baptist University will be the site for pro soccer hopefuls who want to land a spot on the new reality show entitled Soccer Aces.

Soccer Aces is an international reality show that seeks to discover talented players from around the world who dream of becoming future soccer stars. The show will include up-and coming players as well as older, more experienced players who have not been able to break into the professional arena.

Selected finalists will travel to La Academia in Spain where they will live and train together as if they were actual members of a professional soccer team.
Sponsored by BBVA Compass, the winner will receive a tryout with a BBVA club in Europe. For those who want to participate, click here. The show will be broadcast on GolTV in May.

Mark Your Calendars: 2010 Verizon Copa Alianza

Now in its 7th year, the schedule has been released for the 2010 Verizon Copa Alianza. The premier soccer tournament, which includes youth and adult divisions, is a collaborative effort of Verizon and Alianza de Futbol Hispano, the nation's leading organization dedicated to the development and support of amateur Hispanic soccer.

The series of local tournaments will begin in April. More than 1,150 teams and 20,000 players will compete in the Verizon Copa Alianza and Copita Alianza local tournaments in 2010. The winning teams from the adult division will have the opportunity to square off against the reserve squads from professional MLS and Mexican division clubs. Named competition includes the U-20 Mexican National squad, Chivas and America. More than $90,000in local prize money is up for grabs.

In the youth division, players will receive the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of college and pro scouts. Matches will be played in ten cities across the U.S.

To learn more about match information in your area, go to Alianza de Futbol.

T-Mobile Launches Nokia 5230 Nuron with FIFA Contest

T-Mobile USA is throwing its hat into the FIFA World Cup 2010 bonfire with a contest for its customers. It recently launched a national campaign called El Llamado del Futbol (The Calling of Soccer) which will give soccer fans a chance to win one of 10 trips for two to South Africa.

During the period of March 3-April 19, customers will have the opportunity to submit their names of hopes of landing to an all-expense-paid trip for two to South Africa in June for a five-night, six-day experience of a lifetime. To enter the contest, click on the El Llamado de Futbol hyperlink.

You can submit an entry daily, and entry will count toward the final drawing of the sweepstakes promotion.

In addition to this contest, T-Mobile will be providing FIFA merchandise, mobile content and opportunities to meet soccer legends at its retail locations. These events will be in conjunction with the release of the Nokia Nuron. To keep a tab on T-Mobile soccer events in your area, make sure you check the T-Mobile El Llamado del Futbol campaign web site.

More chances to go to South Africa-I love it!

Calendar Note: Catch Messi with Argentine Squad in US

After World Cup fever subsides, there still could be another opportunity for you to catch some live international action stateside. According to a published comments from a spokeswoman at Cardenas Marketing network, Lionel Messi alongside his Argentine teammates are slated to play in the U.S.

Although no dates are confirmed, the exhibtion game will fall during the international fixture periods when clubs are required to release players to national teams. These periods include Aug. 11, Sept. 3-7, Oct. 8-12 and Nov. 17.

Stay tuned!

ALL ACCESS REALITY: BUDWEISER'S 2010 World Cup BUD HOUSE

As mentioned on my most recent installment of Eat Soccer Radio, Budweiser is underwriting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 32 individuals to spend 5 weeks in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup.

As part of their sponsorship of the 2010 World Cup, Budhouse is a reality show that will allow its participants to attend World Cup matches, live in a luxurious compound of some kind in Cape Town, take a number of excursions throughout Southern Africa, participate in charity work, meet FIFA soccer/football stars, and have unprecedented backstage access.

It's my understanding that this is not a classic competition. There are likely to be some opt-in contests for prizes along the way, but this is not going to be your typical Big Brother/ Road Rules grueling- feats-of- endurance fest. It's also not currently set up to be filmed 24/7, but rather when there are games or activities occurring that production wants to cover.

If you a)know someone who's a huge soccer/football fan b)know someone who is *from* one of the 32 qualifying countries for the World Cup (listed below) and c)speaks English, please pass this along to them.

Deadline to submit your completed online application at Budhouse is Friday, February 26th. Don't miss out!!

World Cup Hitch Hiking the English Way: World Cup Companions

Ah, I have been off the grid for a little while. Therefore it is high time that I catch you up on the latest developments in world cup news.

The English have harnessed the power of social networking to help them get the party started in Cape Town. World Cup Campanions is an online tool that will bring the latest information on pub gatherings, match meetups and roommate requests.

Talk about a hitch hiker's dream. What's going on American squad? Let's get something up and goin' so I have somewhere to crash after the match!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!