Soccer: A Tool to Communicate to the World

My journey in the sport of soccer has been filled with conversation. Whether I have a ball in my hand or not, the subject alone has been a starting point for thousands of small conversations and shared moments with people who I otherwise wouldn't have entertained me.

During a taxi cab ride in New York this past February, the driver told me of an illustrious career that his son had in Europe. This conversation was the introduction to an even bigger story about his life as a retired engineer, taxi cab owner and world traveler.

On a more recent occasion, I sat beside a teacher from New Jersey who played soccer with her 5th grade class. She spoke about the girls in her class and their love of Cristiano Ronaldo, and the opportunity for 10 of her pupils to meet Pele at the Tribeca Film Festival during the upcoming week.

Now mind you, these interactions aren't started by some sort of waving of a soccer pamphlet or flag by yours truely. These are conversations that happen just as organically as a shared comment about Oprah between two people standing in line at a grocery store.

I say all of that to say that I am a firm believer in the language of soccer to give Americans an added dimension to their conversations. Most recently, I had the opportunity to share the idea, Embrace the Universal Language of Soccer, with about 400 people at TEDxGreenville.

I encourage you to take a listen, brood it over, discuss the thoughts with others, and...give a child a ball. Who knows what conversations it will allow them to participate in?

PortuGoal.net Editor Talks Up and Coming Portuguese Players

With everyone abuzz over the latest Arsenal Developments and the upcoming Chelsea match, it’s only fitting that we keep our eyes focused on Europe. There is a wealth of new talent ready to make a transition to the global stage, and my in-depth conversation with PortuGoal.net Editor touched on that quite nicely. Check out who Kundert thinks will be the names we will be talking about in the not-so-distant future.

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!)

Verizon Announces Soccer Weekends for Players of All Ages

Do you have a child who wants to improve their skills? Raise your hand if your amateur adult team wants some tournament action. Where are the soccer players with a passion to go pro?

If you or someone you know falls in one of these categories, mark your calendars because Verizon is bringing free youth clinics, an amateaur adult tournament and open professional tryouts to 18 cities across the United States. The 6th Annual Copita Alianza youth clinics/ tournament, Verizon Copa Alianza adult amateur tournament and Alianza de Futbol open tryouts will take place from April to October.

The youth soccer clinics are free and open to youth between the ages of 5 and 17. Participants will engage in soccer drills and learn from professional players. Also, it is an opportunity for your child to meet Futbol legends Ramon Ramirez, Luis "El Matador" Hernandez, Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama and Jorge "El Brody" Campos, who are scheduled to participate in the festivities this year.

Each youth player will leave with a Verizon soccer jersey, ball and sack pack. Registration is required and parents can sign up at designated Verizon Wireless location one week prior to the clinic. To find the select store location in your area, go to www.alianzadefutbol.com

Verizon's Youth Soccer Clinic Registration Schedule is as follows:
• Dallas Clinic Registration – April 9-10
• Houston Clinic Registration – April 9-10
• Atlanta Clinic Registration – May 7-8
• Washington, D.C. Clinic Registration – May 21-22
• Chicago Clinic Registration – June 2-3
• New York Clinic Registration – June 4-5
• Denver Clinic Registration – June 11-12
• San Antonio Clinic Registration – June 25-26
• Los Angeles Clinic Registration – July 16-17
• Kansas City, Mo. Clinic Registration – July 16-17
• San Francisco Clinic Registration – Aug. 6-7
• Fresno, Calif. Clinic Registration – Aug. 20-21
• Miami Clinic Registration – Aug. 20-21
• Philadelphia Clinic Registration – Sept. 3-4
• El Paso, Texas Clinic Registration – Sept. 10-11
• Newburgh, N.Y., Clinic Registration – Sept. 24-25
• Yakima, Wash. Clinic Registration – Oct. 8-9
• Hawaii Clinic Registration – Oct. 22-23

Benfica, Sporting & Porto: The Portuguese Football Powerhouses

Happy Monday! It's time for the third installment of our exclusive interview with Tom Kundert of PortuGoal.net. Kundert gives a quick lesson on the top clubs in the Portuguese First Division and a brief history of their efforts to stay at the top of the table.

Footvolley Documentary Release: Perfecting the Footvolley

After almost a year ago, I was in Barranquilla, Colombia with Professor Liosh Alzate and the athletes of the Colombian footvolley team. It was a wonderful adventure that I am proud to showcase to the world in an 8 minute documentary entitled, Perfecting the Footvolley. Many thanks to the executive producer Yuvonne Bowens, editor Steve Young, Freedom Heights Studios, and, of course last but not least, Liosh Alzate, Gregory Hamburger, Katia Silvera, Ronald Orzco, James Jimenez, Omar Otero Ochoa, Adrian David Guerra Parejo and Cristo Anaya Sanches.

From Sports Illustrated to FIFA Presidency: Wahl Runs for Opportunity of a Lifetime

When sportswriters draft their career plans, it is safe to assume that becoming the head honcho of a sports governing body does not enter the equation. However, Grant Wahl's recent actions may be just the catalyst to raise the bar for many of his peers.

Wahl, a sportwriter for Sports Illustrated, has publicly announced his bid to become the President of FIFA, the highest post in the international soccer world. It sounds like a tall order, and quite a long shot for an American guy who has never held an executive post in any national soccer association. Nevertheless, Wahl is hoping that the level of discontent within the global soccer community for Sepp Blatter's leadership decision will be just the ingredient to validate his chances.

To be formally considered for candidacy, Wahl needs to secure 1 nomination from a FIFA Association country by the April 1st deadline. He hopes that his positions on transparency, shirtless celebrations, instant replay and female inclusion in the FIFA governing body will allow him to cross the first obstacle to obtaining the post.

Out of the 208 FIFA Association countries, which do you think would consider giving him a public nod for the opportunity to run? We look forward to hearing your thoughts. In the meantime, enjoy this Grant Wahl for President video.