Sunday, January 23, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Charity Event To Support Local Men's Squad and AVFAL
This January 29th @ 8pm located at Mueller's Pub (formerly known as Ten Seventeen) there will be a charity event for the South Charleston FC - Wolves Men's Soccer Team. In addition to supporting the local boys, the night is meant to raise money for a soccer based charity organization doing good work over in Sierra Leone and Cameroon. We hope to raise awareness of this charity and money for both associations.
The African Volunteer Football Academy for the Less Privileged (AVFAL) is in a position to work in partnership with foundations, football clubs, churches and community development organisation worldwide to meet brand as well as corporate social responsibility and objectives. Young people and sport is a powerful combination, and we all need to work together to develop and nurture healthy active lifestyles amongst all young people. We recognize that sport can create a spirit of adventure and creativity that's why we aims to inspire 8 to 22 year old youth while helping schools meet their behaviour improvement targets through a structured programme of activities 
AVFAL - African Volunteer Football Academy For the Less (Privileged)
(from their site)
AVFAL's major objective is to provide soccer training to less privilege African Children.
The African Volunteer Football Academy for the Less Privileged (AVFAL) plays a vital role in the economic and social well being of our communities, state and nation. AVFAL provide a means for people to contribute time, resources and expertise for a greater good of our society.
OUR POSITION
The African Volunteer Football Academy for the Less Privileged (AVFAL) is in a position to work in partnership with foundations, football clubs, churches and community development organisation worldwide to meet brand as well as corporate social responsibility and objectives. Young people and sport is a powerful combination, and we all need to work together to develop and nurture healthy active lifestyles amongst all young people. We recognize that sport can create a spirit of adventure and creativity that's why we aims to inspire 8 to 22 year old youth while helping schools meet their behaviour improvement targets through a structured programme of activities THE CENTRE
The centres are situated in the sea site towns of Limbe, Cameroon and Freetown in Sierra Leone. We have students from every corner of Cameroon and Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Chad, Benin, Central Africa Republic and Gabon. For the past years, we have been involved in the training and formation of young footballers. Currently, our players are playing with second and third division clubs in Cameroon.
So if you are in Charleston on January 29th, please stop by Mueller's Pub (Formerly known as Ten-Seventeen) and have some drinks. There will be 3 kegs tapped and it's $20 for a cup. There will be free Pool, Ping Pong, and Fifa 11 will be set up for a winner stays on tournament. This event is open to everyone!
It would be very nice for you to bring a gently used or new piece of soccer equipment to donate to AVFAL.
It would be very nice for you to bring a gently used or new piece of soccer equipment to donate to AVFAL.
Items such as balls, cleats, jerseys, shinguards, training equipment, shorts, etc. are all welcome.
The other benefactor of the night will be the local Division 1 Champions, the SCFC Wolves. The South Charleston Futbol Club has been around for a 6 years now. Once a club made up of 4 squads, the strongest talent was pooled and filtered to the Wolves. Some teams dissolved, while others broke away, and currently the Wolves are the only team representing South Charleston FC. The Wolves have been to many league and tournament "finals". Coming away as runner-ups more than a few times. But with the positive growth and even more positive attitudes, the team has hit their stride and are starting to pull away from the pack more and more. With absolutely remarkable performances in all of 2009, and the second half of 2010; they have come away as 3 times CSL Division 1 League Winners, twice the CSL D1 Cup Winners, Copa Charleston winners, and the CSL 6v6 D1 Champs. With their eye on the 2011 state title, the team is hungry for more success. With a strong core, the team is poised to climb to the tip-top of the Charleston Soccer League, and hope to become the champions in the next edition of the CSL's Premier Division in Spring 2011.
The team is currently looking for sponsorship of their 2011 campaign. This fundraiser will definitely help to cover some of their administrative costs. The league and tournament costs rise from year to year, and currently total around $5k for the year. Any help is welcome.
If you are interested in sponsoring the team, please contact Alex Voelker @ asmv1423@aol.com
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Done and Done...
I can't take it anymore. Out with Hodgson. "Dejection, bitter disappointment, frustration." He just took over a few months ago. It's us that are feeling those three words as if they were cold steel piercing our hearts. It's days like this when I think back to a quote delivered by Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham in a Kevin Costner version of Robin Hood...
Sheriff - "I'll cut his (Robin's) heart out with a spoon!"
Guy of Gisborne - "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an axe?"
Sheriff - "Because it's DULL, you twit. It'll hurt more."
So um...yeah...That seems more appropriate. Not so much a piercing of the heart, but a slow and painful ladling of our tormented, dying hearts and souls...
Its time for him to go. Cannot wait any damn longer. I was able to watch the first 20 minutes and I thought we looked a little off the mark with our chances. But I mean, come on...it's Blackburn. We're Liverpool. Damn, I guess that the problem now. What does it mean to be Liverpool anymore, anyway...
With Glennie "Juventus" Johnson turning in a disastrous performance at RB (dare I say "again"), and The Greek getting turned as if he were a pretty little daisy in the middle of a tornado (once more, a common occurrence)...our defense is floundering in a sea of shite. Glen just looks like he needs to be a winger. He seems to care much more and show greater focus when he's attacking than when he's guarding his own end. I think he may very well be on his way. I don't want to see him go, but his performances are akin to a schoolboy looking out the window and counting the clouds in the sky while the lecture is going on.
Come on January...Come on Transfer window. I am rooting for you now.
Sheriff - "I'll cut his (Robin's) heart out with a spoon!"
Guy of Gisborne - "Why a spoon, cousin? Why not an axe?"
Sheriff - "Because it's DULL, you twit. It'll hurt more."
So um...yeah...That seems more appropriate. Not so much a piercing of the heart, but a slow and painful ladling of our tormented, dying hearts and souls...
Its time for him to go. Cannot wait any damn longer. I was able to watch the first 20 minutes and I thought we looked a little off the mark with our chances. But I mean, come on...it's Blackburn. We're Liverpool. Damn, I guess that the problem now. What does it mean to be Liverpool anymore, anyway...
With Glennie "Juventus" Johnson turning in a disastrous performance at RB (dare I say "again"), and The Greek getting turned as if he were a pretty little daisy in the middle of a tornado (once more, a common occurrence)...our defense is floundering in a sea of shite. Glen just looks like he needs to be a winger. He seems to care much more and show greater focus when he's attacking than when he's guarding his own end. I think he may very well be on his way. I don't want to see him go, but his performances are akin to a schoolboy looking out the window and counting the clouds in the sky while the lecture is going on.
Come on January...Come on Transfer window. I am rooting for you now.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
I Am Really Looking Forward To The 3v3 Tournament This Weekend!
Coaching and playing this weekend in the local edition of 3v3 World Tour. Needles to say, I am very excited to be doing both. Having hosted, played, and coached before...I know that it will be a great day. Win or lose, the touches on the ball and the tournament atmosphere are something to look forward to.
The benefits from 3v3 are easy to figure out. The small field of play and small amount of players forces the indiviual to be much more mobile. There are no assigned positions to the game. In order to be successful, the team must work together to defend and attack. The constant movement, changing of direction and "Take-on" moves become a natural part of the game and are emphasized greatly in 3v3. Unlike in a full-sided match, you cannot hide on the sideline go through a game with minimal touches. 3v3 can help make a complete soccer player in regards to quick decision making, accurate passing, and reading the game. Much like Futsal, you will find the benefits of 3v3 to be invaluable to the development of good soccer players.
So What Is 3v3?
(Taken from Wikipedia)
3v3 Soccer is a variety of soccer (association football) played between two teams. Each team may only have 3 players on the field at a time (hence providing the name, "3 v 3", "3 versus 3", or "3 on 3"). This style of soccer is more commonly referred to as a "small-sided" game, as compared to a full game with larger teams. The field used is smaller than a regulation soccer pitch, instead typically 30 yards wide by 40 yards long, although these dimensions vary quite a bit when the game is played indoors due to the varied styles and sizes of indoor pitches. It uses a much smaller goal than fullsided soccer. In most 3v3 there is no keeper, although one variant, 3v3 Micro Soccer, does use a keeper.
"3v3 Soccer" is claimed to be the fastest growing form of soccer in the World. Its greatest popularity is in the United States, where hundreds, and perhaps thousands of Tournaments take place each year, however it is also now begun to catch on in many other countries. Nike helped to popularize it with its international Joga3 Joga Bonito Tour back in 2006, in which teams qualified at local events around the World, culminating in a big 3v3 World Cup played in Brazil.[It is a much faster paced, and higher scoring game than traditional full sided soccer. The speed of the attack, the use of triangulation, and the strategies bring aspects of Hockey into the game. The quick shift from one end of the field to the other after a goal is scored, or upon loss of possession is reminiscent of Basketball. It requires the blending of individual skills with teamwork.
Its gain in popularity is largely because every member of the team gets equal playing time, and equal touches on the ball. All players on the field are a part of the play. Because of the speed of the game, and the fact that players are constantly in motion, there are frequent substitutions. A typical player may be rotated on six times or more in one game. There are no permanently assigned positions as there are in full sided soccer, giving each team member equal status and equal importance. This helps to develop individual skills.
Currently there are Four major tours in the United States, Colorado based Kick-it 3v3 (used to be called Got Milk 3v3), Utah based 3v3 Live, Florida based Challenge3v3 and 3v3 World Tour, a 3v3 soccer tour that offers a 3v3 ranking system. There is also a new California based US 3v3 Soccer is promoting 3v3 soccer throughout California and the West. Canada also finally has its own home grown tour attempting to promote 3v3 there. Ontario based Ultimate 3 on 3 Soccer is the first Canadian based 3v3 Soccer Tour.
The benefits from 3v3 are easy to figure out. The small field of play and small amount of players forces the indiviual to be much more mobile. There are no assigned positions to the game. In order to be successful, the team must work together to defend and attack. The constant movement, changing of direction and "Take-on" moves become a natural part of the game and are emphasized greatly in 3v3. Unlike in a full-sided match, you cannot hide on the sideline go through a game with minimal touches. 3v3 can help make a complete soccer player in regards to quick decision making, accurate passing, and reading the game. Much like Futsal, you will find the benefits of 3v3 to be invaluable to the development of good soccer players.
So What Is 3v3?
(Taken from Wikipedia)
3v3 Soccer is a variety of soccer (association football) played between two teams. Each team may only have 3 players on the field at a time (hence providing the name, "3 v 3", "3 versus 3", or "3 on 3"). This style of soccer is more commonly referred to as a "small-sided" game, as compared to a full game with larger teams. The field used is smaller than a regulation soccer pitch, instead typically 30 yards wide by 40 yards long, although these dimensions vary quite a bit when the game is played indoors due to the varied styles and sizes of indoor pitches. It uses a much smaller goal than fullsided soccer. In most 3v3 there is no keeper, although one variant, 3v3 Micro Soccer, does use a keeper.
"3v3 Soccer" is claimed to be the fastest growing form of soccer in the World. Its greatest popularity is in the United States, where hundreds, and perhaps thousands of Tournaments take place each year, however it is also now begun to catch on in many other countries. Nike helped to popularize it with its international Joga3 Joga Bonito Tour back in 2006, in which teams qualified at local events around the World, culminating in a big 3v3 World Cup played in Brazil.[It is a much faster paced, and higher scoring game than traditional full sided soccer. The speed of the attack, the use of triangulation, and the strategies bring aspects of Hockey into the game. The quick shift from one end of the field to the other after a goal is scored, or upon loss of possession is reminiscent of Basketball. It requires the blending of individual skills with teamwork.
Its gain in popularity is largely because every member of the team gets equal playing time, and equal touches on the ball. All players on the field are a part of the play. Because of the speed of the game, and the fact that players are constantly in motion, there are frequent substitutions. A typical player may be rotated on six times or more in one game. There are no permanently assigned positions as there are in full sided soccer, giving each team member equal status and equal importance. This helps to develop individual skills.
Currently there are Four major tours in the United States, Colorado based Kick-it 3v3 (used to be called Got Milk 3v3), Utah based 3v3 Live, Florida based Challenge3v3 and 3v3 World Tour, a 3v3 soccer tour that offers a 3v3 ranking system. There is also a new California based US 3v3 Soccer is promoting 3v3 soccer throughout California and the West. Canada also finally has its own home grown tour attempting to promote 3v3 there. Ontario based Ultimate 3 on 3 Soccer is the first Canadian based 3v3 Soccer Tour.
Monday, January 3, 2011
So Happy!
What a WONDERFUL way to ring in the New Year! Thanks to Joey Cole, Stevie G, and Nando for making it an extra special day in my household! Well more so just for me...you see, the Mrs. is a Man Utd fan and my son is leaning towards Chelsea. (While I do encourage his independent thinking, he is still young and one can hope that he may see the light soon enough!)
If you missed the game, it was a return to joy for the boys in Red. I loved to see the combo of Lucas and Meireles in the middle. They have had good communication and coverage in prior games. I am not sure why Roy hasn't played them together more often. It was a shame that Raul had to leave the match, but was very happy that Gerrard came in to do some hard work and touched the gaem once again with his class and ability. What a day.... 
But first things first...what an absolute gutted feeling I had when Bolton scored that goal. I mean, jeeeeesh...what a downer. Just before halftime and during a stretch that had you just feeling that Liverpool were going to break through at any moment. But when that ball was sent in with such pace and determination, it was hard to imagine a good outcome. And once you saw Glen Johnson getting beat to the ball...it was all over. At that moment I was so very tempted to dismiss the whole season as a complete loss. I was done. And along with me, it seemed that Anfield was done too. It was so quiet in the stadium when that ball hit the back of the net. With the defense standing there scratching their heads. The look on faces of the coaching staff said it all, "Holy Hell. What in the world are we going to do?" It was almost one of those moments right before you really throw up, and you do just a little in your mouth. And you get that nasty stomach acid taste in your mouth that just makes you yearn for an apple juice or some whiskey to wash it away.But just as quickly as Davies scored for Bolton, Lucas had a sitter and just pushed it wide of the goal. Maybe some more playing time would help his in-game form. Dunno. What I do know is that I need to move the couch back from directly under my ceiling fan. It has become a danger as I have found myself jumping so high when I get excited, that I almost knock it loose and crashing to the floor on top of me. It has become a common occurrence when I am watching footie. So best bet would be to move the couch prior to matchtime.
But then it all became beautiful after halftime. The skies grew bright blue and the sun shone down upon my living room with such heat and warmth. I suspect that a million other Liverpool fans shared that exact moment with me. What a moment! What an amazing service! With what any Stevie G fan would measure as definitely a classic pass, Torres found himself on the end of it, taking the volley and blasting it to the top shelf. But lets back up a second. This was not just a famous Stevie to Nando connection. This was a great team effort starting with Glennie Johnson lobbing the ball forward to Ngog; Ngog chests the ball into the path of Gerrard; and the one time swerving beauty of a ball into the box for Torres to bang it home from a full volley. This was a goal that I, nor any Liverpool fan will forget for a long, long time. Torres' finish was so perfect. I watched the replay about 30 times with my son. Absolutely clinical strike technique from Fernando. As of publishing this blog tonight, I have now watched the goal 38 times. Obsessed much? Yes.
What struck me so was a quick camera cut to some of the the Reds that were away from Torres and his celebration. What I saw was a group of players that looked so unbelievably happy and relieved. But more importantly, I could feel the confidence exuding from the Reds. I could feel what they were feelign right then and there. It was that knowledge that, hey...we can play some ball. This game is different everytime we play it. You never know for sure which way that the ball will bounce on any given day. I felt that Liverpool felt that they were going to be okay. And at that moment right then, I didn't feel worried. Whether or not this was brought on by the rush of adrenaline and/or endorphines pumping through my already alcohol infused bloodstream. I don't know. I mentioned that the skies went blue and the sun shone down as well...but my wife informed me that it was very overcast at gametime. Maybe its all in my head. So what?!? It's my head, and I like what I am feeling.
So as the game continued on, it looked as thought the best we were going to get out of the day was a draw. You know what? I believed that something was going to happen. I just knew that we were going to come out on top. And aside from my dog, kids, and wife...no one else knew what I knew. I really wished I had a line to a local bookie. 'Cause you know what? I would have bet the farm on the 'Pool. And I would've won big.
With another sensational cross from Mr. Gerrard - (break for our favorite Stevie G song...)
"Steve Gerrard, Gerrard
He'll Pass the ball 40 yards
He's Big and He's F***ing Hard
Steve Gerrard, Gerrard"
and throw in
my favorite Nando song to boot-
"His armband proved he was a red, Torres, Torres you'll never walk alone it said, Torres, Torres
we bought the lad from sunny Spain
he gets the ball and he scores again
Fernando Torres, Liverpools number nine"
So....back to the finish that sent me into the heights of ecstacy that carried me trhough the rest of the day on a high only equal to my experience of roving the Appalachian Trail with a band of hippies surviving on trail mix, MDMA, and mushrooms. Wait...that wasn't me. (I have an image to uphold...or do I...) But anyway...
JOEY COLE WITH THE WINNER!!!! JOEY COLE WITH THE WINNER!!!!
In my mind, I did a double front flip with a twist. I couldn't believe it. And I could care less about the offside. God Blessed us with a momentary no-call from the referee and we got the win! I loved it.
Now lets see what happens this week. Roy's got a long way to go. But for now, I am living in the moments of Liverpool vs Bolton on Jan 1, 2011. I know those guys on the Reds are living it over and over as well.
Check out the highlights at Fox Soccer
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