Soccer Balls And Stuff

There are a million things you can do with soccer balls. You can kick them. You can play catch with them. You can hit them back and forth across the floor with a baby. You can dribble them with your knees. You can bounce soccer balls off your head. You can play dodge ball with them. You can play with your soccer balls in a pool. Or, you can play soccer with your soccer balls. Whatever your interests, you can find something to do with a soccer ball.

The nice thing about soccer balls is that you don?t need anything else to have fun with them. Sure, if you are going to play soccer, then you might want some soccer goals, or a soccer field to play on, but you can usually find a park that has some or you can make some yourself. Most of the time however, you don?t need any other equipment to find things to do with just your soccer ball.

You can kick soccer balls around for hours at a time and not get bored with it. You can practice different kinds of kicks and soccer tricks, and show them off to your friends. You can kick the soccer ball back and forth with a friend. You can kick your soccer ball around in a park, a field, a farm, up in the mountains, on rocks, anywhere you are, you can probably kick a soccer ball around for entertainment.

One nice thing about a soccer ball, is that you can play games where you compete with yourself. You can test yourself to see how many times you can kick the soccer ball into the air without it hitting the ground, similar to hackey sack. You can do it by yourself or with friends. You can bounce it on your head for as long as you can. You can dribble it off your feet and your knees, your shoulders and your head. Once you?ve done it, you can keep trying to improve and do better. Keep trying to increase the number of times you can kick it, knee it, or hit it with your head without letting the soccer ball touch the ground. It?s nice because it also helps you develop your soccer skills, as well as just being something fun to do. You learn to have better ball control and when you are playing a game you can control the ball better as you are dribbling down the field or passing to your teammates. It will help you to dribble past your opponents better. When you are in a game, you also may be more likely to do a cool move or score a cool goal by hitting it off your head into the goal.

Another nice thing that you can do with a soccer ball is practice cool soccer tricks, like jump kicking it in the air. You can do a straight jump kick or a side jump kick. Or you can do one of those kicks where you jump backwards onto your back and kick the ball while you are in the air, before you hit the ground. One of my favorite tricks, that makes people think that I am good soccer player, even though I am not, is to roll the ball up the back of your leg with your other foot, and then kick the ball with your heel, from the leg the ball rolled up, so that it goes flying forward over your head. My goal is to one day score a goal by doing that trick where I kick it with my heel forward over my head, and then using my head to hit the ball in to the goal and score. Once I?ve done that, my purpose will be fulfilled.

Anyway, a soccer hobby has proven the test of time and space. Whatever country in the world you are in, you will find people playing soccer. It is the most popular sport in the world, and it doesn?t look like it is losing momentum. In fact, soccer is catching on more in the United States, where it is the less popular than in other countries. So start your soccer hobby today and get yourself a soccer ball, and start kicking it around.

This article was written by Peter Jay, owner, president, and CEO of Variety Access, Your Online Soccer Hobby Store and More. You can find soccer balls at Variety Access Sports. Just go to VarietyAccess.com/soccer-balls.php.

How To Make Money From Soccer

The world of soccer is a great niche to tap into to make money. There are a few ways to do it, and I'd like to cover 3 of them, including the technique I personally use.

I love soccer for 2 reasons. Firstly it's good fun! I love playing (I?m not that fast these days I might add!) and love watching.

Secondly I love soccer because it provides an online market which is more than willing to spend money, and in order to grab some of that money, you simply need to offer the market what it wants. The personalization of soccer shirts may be most obvious, but someone who pays for that will pay for all sorts of other stuff to be personalized.

Did you know that 'personalized soccer shirts' as a phrase is searched for online a huge amount of times each and every month? This is highly targeted traffic, because when someone types that phrase into a search engine, we know what they are after - personalized soccer shirts! We don't need to guess what they want.

So, how can we profit from this market? Firstly we can be an affiliate for a company that offers the product. The advantages are that we don't need any stock, we don't need a website, we just drive traffic to the site, and earn a commission from any sales generated. Those commissions can add up very quickly.

The only downside with this method is that you are competing with all the other affiliates - great for the company, not so good for all the affiliates!

The second method is to set up our own operation to provide personalized soccer shirts and other gear. The obvious advantage is that we get to keep all the profit, but the equally obvious disadvantage is that we have to pay out lots in advance, for the stock, website creation, traffic generation, etc, etc. That's why I wouldn't use that method.

The third method is the one I use. You don't need a website or upfront expense - in fact it can be run and maintained at zero cost. It's providing information. Information is easy to produce and distribute with today's technology. People ready to pay for personalization of soccer gear will absolutely be interested in information which tells them how to get the cost covered for free!

How about information which tells them how to earn a lot of money from the world of soccer, so they can buy as much personalization as they'd ever want! It really is a simple way to make money online, and once the work is set up, it continues to work on autopilot!

It works for me, and there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn't be working for you today, so hopefully I've excited you about how you can make money from the world of soccer.

I discovered How To Make Money From Sport, from a simple step by step guide that I use over and over again to profit from any sport - for just $7. Find out more at: http://www.alan-mclean.com/recommends-sport.html

Does Soccer Superleague Hold The Key To One Europe?

If there is one common thread interwoven throughout all European cultures, it must be soccer, right? Perhaps in popular theory. But the conventional wisdom now hangs in the balance as the quest for the almighty buck ? that is, the supreme euro ? has eroded the very fabric of soccer (no offense to Pete Rozelle, but let?s call it what it really is: football). As ?European integration? becomes a buzz word for the 21st century, football will likely play an integral role in either facilitating or decelerating this cultural, political and economic merger of countries.

Football club owners have offered to help the cause by composing a framework for the future European SuperLeague, which would consist of the region?s most elite franchises. Europe has already made a transformation in showcasing athleticism, whether its unbridled fans are willing, as investors assemble to protect their shares in perhaps the most anticipated ?cash cow? in sports entertainment.

However, even top football officials have their doubts. FIFA president Sepp Blatter, arguably the most powerful man in football worldwide, has stated his strong opposition to a breakaway superleague.

Regardless, sports business experts insist that any successful venture in football integration would require the solidarity of ownership policies and fan participation. True, the former condition is already growing at an explosive pace. Corporate investors have estimated the economic feasibility of supporting ESL franchises in various cities across Europe. Plans have already been proposed to compete with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) in forming the most marketable superleague. Media Partners International, a Milan-based consulting firm, has garnered over $1.2 billion investments from JP Morgan to sustain the ESL for the first three years. Judging from the success of professional sports in the United States, there is no telling of this league?s untapped potential.

If any doubts of European football?s growth still remain, then consider the burgeoning of players? salaries. Inter Milan recently acquired Italian striker Christian Vieri for an estimated $43 million, dwarfing the annual payroll of most professional franchises. And the issue of whether Vieri deserved more or less than, say, Michael Jordan (excluding endorsements) is irrelevant. For now, football club owners can afford these superstars because consumers are compliant to rising ticket prices.

However, ESL owners must not discount the relationship between European fans and their revered teams. Football, for countless decades in each country, has supplied a measurement of national identity. As Europeans, during the integration process, ponder the potential void of national traditions, football remains their sole source of patriotic autonomy.

If the ESL passes, then UEFA would be subject to drop one of its Cup competitions, likely the Cup Winners Cup. More importantly, UEFA stands to sacrifice two underlying principles which have sustained the organization?s existence ? a commitment to divide Cup proceeds in an equitable manner for all clubs, and to televise all games free of charge to European subscribers.

The ESL would consist of Europe?s top 32 (mostly large market) teams competing in a comprehensive tournament to determine the European football champion. If the league is supervised by UEFA, it will comprise of little commercial influence ? in which case, some officials suggest that a league without proper promotion or relegation will lose people?s interest in less than three years. But the traditionalists insist that UEFA?s policies, although diplomatic in nature, serve to protect the institution of football from an onslaught of manipulation by massive corporations.

Even if the ESL and its large market teams are successful in growing the sport of football to unprecedented financial and social levels, there will undoubtedly be significant ramifications to the remaining franchises. Once again, the argument of revenue disparity between small and large market teams will assume center stage. Instead of George Steinbrenner clashing with Bud Selig, it will be two others bickering ? without regard to the fans, any sport?s key ingredient.

The decision of what ownership structure to emulate remains undetermined. The real challenge, at this point, is securing the support of the regional community. It is clear that the combined prowess of European cultures, not the individual national interests, will ultimately ensure the success of supranational football. Owners cannot and will not force an unnatural medium of sports entertainment to their consumers. Most business leaders in the European Union have recognized that integration comes at a cost ? a lesson that football club owners are about to discover.

Despite the European Commission?s diplomatic efforts to balance competition with equal protection, the fussbudgets will continue to question the motives of not only owners but also everyone else involved.

The fruition of ESL may or may not advance European integration, but the fight to protect one of Europe?s most treasured assets ? football ? will surely accomplish the task.

[Originally Printed: Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal, 7/24/99]

? 2007 LineDrives.com, Michael Wissot,

Michael Wissot is a managing partner at SymAction Communications, a corporate communications and market research firm. He serves as an adjunct professor of communication at Pepperdine University and a political analyst for KABC talk radio in Los Angeles. Wissot ? an expert in crisis management, messaging, public relations and Internet communications ? previously worked as Vice President of Luntz Research, a premier public affairs firm. He has moderated focus groups and conducted surveys for Fortune 100 companies and leading industry associations. Wissot, a former aide to U.S. Senator John McCain, has contributed to high-level messaging projects for President George W. Bush, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and several other world leaders and CEOs. He served three years as CEO of Dentistry.com, a leading dentist-matching company. Wissot received a BA from James Madison University, a MBA from The University of Arizona, and a MIM from Thunderbird.

Why Coach Soccer? And how to have fun doing it.

Warren Buffet might not know soccer, but when he said, "Tell me your heroes and I'll tell you how your life will end up", he was onto something.

When it comes to coaching, everyone wants a say but few are willing to turn their words into action and take a team even under 8s which is where yours truly started.

How can You enjoy coaching soccer? Let me count the ways:


1. Coach your kids and you get to spend more time with them at something you can help them have fun at AND enjoy mastering new skills.

2. Coaching young people of any age gives you the opportunity to have a massive and important influence on the future of your community and country! This is not just talk. Ask any adult who has played sport for a while and there is a good chance the had great people who were their coaches.

3. You will be remembered for all the right reasons and kids will copy your example. There are no less than 3 great coaches I remember until I left town at 17. Mr Nicolas (Fatherly man who really cared and It was much appreciate) Mr Edgar (fantastic accent I still havent mastered but he was fair and encouraging), and lastly Bobby Feed the Bear Mutter (A burly Scotsman whose belief in me propelled my confidence sky high, I can still hear him call, Whos the boss Richard? Show him whos the boss!

4. You get to develop skills in something you have a passion for and coaching soccer skills is full of challenge and rewards.

5. Get a life! No longer wandering the streets looking for something or sitting in front of the TV, rock up to your local soccer club or school and Im sure there will be opportunities to add a new dimension to your life and the lives of others.

6. Build contacts in your community and neighborhood. If you coach kids they have parents and they have lives too that may provide a way to help you with something in your life.

7. Leadership, responsibility, and commitment all have their own rewards and these are abundant when you coach soccer.

8. If you are a player in a club you get praise from members in the club, you get on the in with the other coaches in case you wanted to advance a career in this way, and you get some equipment to use whenever you want to improve your own game.

9. It will add to your attractiveness to employers as coaching soccer or any sport, shows the attributes above. These are easily re-worded to suit the job type. E.g. Active Member of my Community. It shows commitment, reliability, purpose, and that you can get out of bed in the morning.

10. Personal satisfaction. Winning your competition, one game, or having kept a bunch of people happy and off the streets. Plus you are involved doing what you love, Soccer (sport).

I once coached soccer at a local high school and these young boys (11 and 12 yrs) came to class with short black pen marked on the top of their wrists and hands What is that for?, I asked, Were Mr. Kerr-Bell they said! Never under estimate your power.

There are many coaching videos, courses (often run by your local Soccer Club), books and other coaches to help you. A good way to start is to support the coach, be a manager, or gear minder person and learn that way. Showing up to practices to help is also useful.

Coaching soccer is a full on commitment that reflects everything the Real Madrids and Manchester United coaches experience (except the money and chance off being replaced if you lose!)


So enjoy the rush of excitement and adrenaline that coaching gives on matchday

(PS. Look up soccer club directory online in the search box or thumb through your phonebook to find a club near you.)


Get out there coaching soccer and make a difference and remember, if you are there for the game or kids... you have already won.

By Richard Kerr-Bell

richlife@xtra.co.nz

www.training-soccer-expert.com

Warren Buffet might not know soccer, but when he said, "Tell me your heroes and I'll tell you how your life will end up", he was onto something.

When it comes to coaching, everyone wants a say but few are willing to turn their words into action and take a team even under 8s which is where yours truly started.

How can You enjoy coaching soccer? Let me count the ways:


1. Coach your kids and you get to spend more time with them at something you can help them have fun at AND enjoy mastering new skills.

2. Coaching young people of any age gives you the opportunity to have a massive and important influence on the future of your community and country! This is not just talk. Ask any adult who has played sport for a while and there is a good chance the had great people who were their coaches.

3. You will be remembered for all the right reasons and kids will copy your example. There are no less than 3 great coaches I remember until I left town at 17. Mr Nicolas (Fatherly man who really cared and It was much appreciate) Mr Edgar (fantastic accent I still havent mastered but he was fair and encouraging), and lastly Bobby Feed the Bear Mutter (A burly Scotsman whose belief in me propelled my confidence sky high, I can still hear him call, Whos the boss Richard? Show him whos the boss!

4. You get to develop skills in something you have a passion for and coaching soccer skills is full of challenge and rewards.

5. Get a life! No longer wandering the streets looking for something or sitting in front of the TV, rock up to your local soccer club or school and Im sure there will be opportunities to add a new dimension to your life and the lives of others.

6. Build contacts in your community and neighborhood. If you coach kids they have parents and they have lives too that may provide a way to help you with something in your life.

7. Leadership, responsibility, and commitment all have their own rewards and these are abundant when you coach soccer.

8. If you are a player in a club you get praise from members in the club, you get on the in with the other coaches in case you wanted to advance a career in this way, and you get some equipment to use whenever you want to improve your own game.

9. It will add to your attractiveness to employers as coaching soccer or any sport, shows the attributes above. These are easily re-worded to suit the job type. E.g. Active Member of my Community. It shows commitment, reliability, purpose, and that you can get out of bed in the morning.

10. Personal satisfaction. Winning your competition, one game, or having kept a bunch of people happy and off the streets. Plus you are involved doing what you love, Soccer (sport).

I once coached soccer at a local high school and these young boys (11 and 12 yrs) came to class with short black pen marked on the top of their wrists and hands What is that for?, I asked, Were Mr. Kerr-Bell they said! Never under estimate your power.

There are many coaching videos, courses (often run by your local Soccer Club), books and other coaches to help you. A good way to start is to support the coach, be a manager, or gear minder person and learn that way. Showing up to practices to help is also useful.

Coaching soccer is a full on commitment that reflects everything the Real Madrids and Manchester United coaches experience (except the money and chance off being replaced if you lose!)


So enjoy the rush of excitement and adrenaline that coaching gives on matchday

(PS. Look up soccer club directory online in the search box or thumb through your phonebook to find a club near you.)


Get out there coaching soccer and make a difference and remember, if you are there for the game or kids... you have already won.

By Richard Kerr-Bell

richlife@xtra.co.nz

www.training-soccer-expert.com

Richard coaches elite soccer players at the Otago Polytechnics Academy of Sport and takes statistics for the National Soccer League Team Otago United in The NZFC. He is passionate about soccer and people.