Archive for the ‘soccer trophies’ Category

Life Lessons from little Soccer Trophies

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

Soccer with its fast nature and team camaraderie has become one of the most popular sports to actively engage young children. It is also extremely popular nowadays to see every little hand occupied by a gold figurine or black and white soccer ball trophies. These participation soccer trophies that your child collects along the way may seem meaningless now, but read on to see just what they have potential to mean.

Soccer or more traditionally referred to around the world as football or futbol, is still regularly played at every corner around the globe; making it one of the most recognizable sports — and easily the world’s most popular.

It is also one of the most competitive – it is one of the more popular sports engaged in during early childhood for this reason alone. While most sports put emphasis on first, second and third place trophies, soccer trophies differ. Most soccer trophies are awarded for simply participating. When two-hundred second graders compete in a league, why not hand out participation soccer trophies; this is a crucial time and opportunity to make long-term life impressions.

Playing sports can be very fulfilling and encouraging for kids. Developing skills and improving their abilities increases their confidence–makes them believe in themselves. Soccer trophies increase confidence. Additionally, playing soccer teaches its players the value of preparation and working toward a goal. Some of the best athletes of the world train for years, ironically four years, to compete in some of the greatest soccer matches of all time. At the national level, every four years, the world championship of soccer, the World Cup, is watched by billions all over the world while these greats run towards one trophy. Luckily kids don’t have to wait every four years to play in soccer games – so there is plenty of time to work towards numerous soccer trophies and the lessons that come with them.

Preparing for a soccer game involves the same thoughtfulness and dedication as preparing for a test or any of life’s other challenges. Playing a team sport like soccer helps kids to value working together. Additionally, during award participation soccer trophies helps kids learn the value of resilience when they don’t score the biggest trophy despite their efforts. Participation soccer trophies remind them to keep going. Adhering to the rules and respecting relationships with teammates and coaches will teach kids those important communication skills that will help them to navigate their lives. They’ll also learn to have respect for others and for authority. With so many lessons learned it’s essential that children receive soccer trophies, or some form of reward, to connect these lessons to — to remember them by.

Soccer is a fast-paced and exhilarating team sport. A lot can happen to your child on the soccer field and a lot can happen for your child because of what he or she did on the soccer field. These participation soccer trophies that your child collects along the way may seem meaningless during the team party in the middle of the loud, local pizza shop; the real meaning lives in the representation they come to mean. When they see how important teamwork is in soccer, kids will apply the same principles to their broader lives. The winners are those who are taught just why everyone deserves, and sometimes, everyone gets a trophy. It’s because these soccer trophies collect more than dust over the years, hopefully they continue to collect deeper meaning as soccer successes turn into life’s successes.

FIFA World Cup

Monday, September 13th, 2010

The World Cup as to be one of the most famous sporting competitions in the world. Established in 1930 this is an international competition that features countries from around the world. During the 80 years it has been played there have actually been two soccer trophies. The first of these was originally called Victory, but became better known as the Jules Rimet trophy, getting this name from the man who was the inspiration for setting up the very first tournament in 1930.

When Brazil won the World Cup for the third time in 1970, they were given the Jules Rimet to keep and a new trophy was made for the 1974 tournament. Germany were the first winners of this and this trophy is still used to this day, with Spain being the latest recipients when they won the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The World Cup trophy is one that all soccer players dream about winning, although with the tournament only played every 4 years very few actually get the honor. To date eight countries have won the World Cup soccer trophy, with 5 of these coming from Europe and 3 from South America.

Police Seize Colombian World Cup Trophy

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

World Cup trophies, typically made of gold plated silver have gotten a makeover from Colombians using a new product…Cocaine.

Police in Bogota, Colombia have seized a cocaine replica of the soccer trophy that they found in a warehouse close to the Bogota Airport.  According to The Associated Press, Colombian authorities found the unusual statue during a routine security check.

The 14 inch statue was headed to Spain and was painted green and gold.  According to anti-drug chief Col. Jose Piedrahita, lab tests confirmed that the cup was made of 11 kilos of cocaine, and mixed with gasoline to make it bendable.

World Cup Replicas Stolen

Sunday, July 4th, 2010

Thieves have stolen seven replica World Cup trophies from FIFA’s South Africa headquarter, which is near the venue for the World Cup final.

The miniature gold- plated cups, worth around 100 pounds each, were snatched from a store cupboard at FIFA’s base in Johannesburg.

South Africa’s police commissioner Bheki Cele said the theft of the seven trophies and several jerseys at the Soccer City complex in Johannesburg appeared to be an inside job.

“We are looking into it. The suspects are people who are very familiar with the environment,” said Cele.

A FIFA spokesman told journalists he was unaware of the incident. “I am not aware of that,” said Wolfgang Eichler at FIFA’s daily World Cup briefing.

also see football trophies and soccer trophies

2010 World Cup Scores Live

Monday, June 14th, 2010

Live FIFA World cup 2010 South Africa: FIFA World Cup Update and Football Match Analysis will be live on fifa.com. The 2010 FIFA World Cup is the 19th and current FIFA World Cup, the premier international association football tournament. It is being held in South Africa, beginning on 11 June and scheduled to conclude on 11 July 2010. The tournament is the culmination of a qualification process that began in August 2007 and involved 204 of the 208 FIFA national teams. Visit fifa.com

The World Cup is a gold trophy that is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup. Since the advent of the World Cup in 1930, two trophies have represented victory: the Jules Rimet Trophy from 1930 to 1970, and the FIFA World Cup Trophy from 1974 to the present day.

Soccer Fever

Friday, May 21st, 2010

It’s fair to say that a double dream didn’t occupy Philip Lowry’s mind when he was fighting for Institute.

It’s also fair to say that a double dream didn’t even dominate his thoughts while wearing a Linfield jersey — particularly when storm clouds gathered over Windsor.

Lowry has had to develop the winning mentality at Linfield, an environment where the pressure can be intense.

As David Jeffrey indicated after the Irish Cup win, talented players have donned the famous jersey but struggled to cope with the insatiable demands of the Blues faithful.

Lowry’s first Irish Cup final got off to a dream start when he headed in the second goal to put Linfield firmly in command of the final.

Kevin Braniff replied for Ronnie McFall’s men but Lowry’s strike proved decisive and a season in which he has blossomed into a wonderful player ended on a real high.

“I can’t really remember the goal at all,” he said. “Damien placed the ball down and before the match I was told to go to the front post, that’s what I done and was able to get a free header in.

“One of the defenders asked who was picking me up and as soon as I heard that I made the dart and the ball just came right on top of my head.

“Four or five months ago a double wasn’t thought of. People would have questioned you but since Christmas we have been deserved winners in the league and cup. The whole season has been quite unbelievable and I’ll just enjoy it as long as it lasts.”

Lowry came to the Blues to win trophies and his first season has been a roller-coaster ride.

There was little time to settle in as fans demanded silverware after last season’s trophyless campaign.

It’s been a long hard struggle for all the players, particularly the younger ones like Lowry who are still being educated in the art of winning trophies.

“I knew when I signed I would be challenging for leagues and cups but now that is has happened it is just so unreal,” added the 20-year-old.

“I can remember sitting in the manager’s office and talking about all the great things that could happen at Linfield. It’s just surreal to see things happen this way.

“It does whet the appetite. Once you taste success and see the fans celebrating of course you want that to happen again and again.

“This success will galvanise us and it bodes well for the future.”

Hodgson is no ordinary manager

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Twenty one years ago I watched Fulham’s hapless players trudge off the pitch at their wonderful old Craven Cottage ground having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Colchester United, the bottom club of the entire league.

It was dismal. I was a cold (and wet behind the ears) junior reporter and the club were so broke that a regular feature at matches were buckets passed around supporters! (for cash to keep the club going, though the poor quality of football did made you feel queasy).

How the supporters who were there then – and there must be some of them – richly deserve their night in the spotlight. 4-1 against Juventus. FOUR-ONE aganst Juventus. It doesn’t matter whether it was the Europa League, Champions League or Mickey Mouse Cup, the scenes of unbridled joy amongst those supporters at the final whistle were uplifting and memorable – even a TV “cutaway” of Hugh Grant couldn’t spoil it!

The players were magnificent to a man – Clint Dempsey’s winning goal was worthy of a night of analysis.

Was he trying to cross it to the far post? Who cares? It reminded me how England should watch out when they play the USA in their opening game but the best thing – the disbelieving faces of the Fulham fans behind the goal when they realize it’s going in AND THEY ARE REALLY GOING TO BEAT ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CLUBS!

But this triumph was orchestrated by two men. Mohammed Al Fayed, who has now owned Fulham for 13 years, has given the club some memories they will never forget. The cynics, and there will always be plenty  around his involvement in football, should think about how other Chairmen are getting on with balancing the books  and making an impact on the Premier League. What a boost for the league this is by the way.

And the other is the man Al-Fayed brought to the club two years ago – Roy Hodgson. Would Al-Fayed swap him with  any other coach in the world? Of course not.

He has quietly performed miracles in south west London, overseeing one of the greatest escapes (from relegation) since Charles Bronson (from the Germans) in The Great Escape.

English managers don’t win major trophies with English clubs any more – but Hodgson is no ordinary manager.  His CV, 34 years of trophies throughout Scandaniavia, Inter Milan, to Udinese and the Middle East and back to England, is mightily impressive. But this was the 62-year old’s finest hour.

I met him when he brought the Swiss national team for a friendly against England shortly before Euro ’96.

As I watched him coaching the players, commanding their respect with his knowledge and quiet clarity,  the fog rolled in across St Albans and ended the session early. Last night the fog cleared and this Englishman  who can’t roll his rs was proven beyond doubt to be that rarest of things – a successful English football coach in the 21st Century.

Hull Legacy

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

NICK BARMBY picked up five trophies in one season at Liverpool but leaving hometown club Hull in the Premier League will match anything he has achieved in an 18-year career.

Barmby, 36, plans to play on for at least another season before moving into junior development and he said: “I want to leave a lasting legacy here by being in the Premier League.

“To do that would be right up there with the best of the things that have happened in my career. It is just the same as the five trophies or the 23 England caps I won. The achievement the club has made in the last three or four years is immense.

“If you stay in this league for three years you’ve really set your foundations and you can bring in even better players.

“This was a dream, to get in the Premier League, but it was realistic when you looked at your Readings and your Fulhams.

“The kids in the streets all wear Hull strips but when I was young it used to be Liverpool and Manchester United. My sole aim is to keep us up but I’d love to finish here and be involved with the young lads.”

First the former Everton forward, who famously crossed Stanley Park, must face the wrath of a set of supporters who have never forgiven him.

“Fans chant whatever they want to chant, but it’s never really bothered me,” he added.

“I never took the move lightly, I knew what it meant. But then I won all those trophies in the first season.

“Whether you get jeered or not, you should be giving your all so it’s never bothered me throughout my career. Everyone gets stick, it’s just the way it is.”

Hull will welcome back star midfielder Jimmy Bullard as they look for their first away win in the Premier League for 12 months, although Anthony Gardner is out for six weeks.

Barcelona players struggle for Trophy

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Having won six trophies in 2009, Barca have endured a difficult start to 2010, losing to Sevilla in the Copa del Rey in January and then producing a string of poor performances in recent weeks, most recently Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Almeria.

Catalonia manager Cruyff, who played for Barca from 1973 to 1978 and managed the side from 1988 to 1996, believes a number of players have now abandoned the footballing philosophy that made the team so successful and has urged the underperforming stars to examine their own performances.

“The players were warned and they do not learn,” he wrote in El Periodico. “Atletico, Racing, Stuttgart… after three bad games, they put in a good performance against Malaga.

“On that day, they were all willing to run. They all were all willing to hold onto the ball and to play in our traditional way. Their positional work was good in that game and they moved the ball around quickly, and all this work created a lot of space on the pitch.

“If they want to, they can play one or two levels higher than they are at present. As things stand, there are a few players who are not giving their all. I would invite them to look in the mirror and to examine what they have been doing and what they are doing now.

“It is a question of individuals but it impacts on the whole team. There is time to return to the top, but everything depends on the players looking at their own performances. If they do not recover their original philosophy and apply it on the pitch, there will be more performances like Saturday.”

34th trophy for Manchester United

Monday, March 1st, 2010

Sir Alex Ferguson tonight celebrated his 34th trophy since taking over at Old Trafford after defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in the Carling Cup final and immediately set his sights on his next piece of silverware after Wayne Rooney continued his remarkable season by coming off the substitutes’ bench to head the winning goal.

The Manchester United manager, who cast doubt over Rooney’s involvement in England’s friendly against Egypt on Wednesday after revealing the striker was struggling with a knee injury, praised his players’ determination after they recovered from going behind to James Milner’s fifth-minute penalty to retain the trophy.

Michael Owen brought United level before pulling his hamstring, his misfortune providing Rooney with an opportunity to once again steal the show. The striker nodded past Brad Friedel to register his 28th goal of the season and give Ferguson that familiar winning feeling.

The United manager, however, quickly turned his attention to his next opportunity for success when told of the trophy tally of his illustrious reign. “Hopefully there will be another one this season,” said Ferguson, who added that he never tires of collecting medals. “It still feels as good to win trophies. I appreciate all the things we have achieved as a club and I appreciate the luck we have carried. I’ve lost finals and that’s not easy. The only way you can enjoy Wembley is by winning.”

Rooney said he had been keen to start against Villa but also admitted he had been suffering with “a bit of a niggle” in his knee. Ferguson later confirmed he had considered withdrawing his match-winner. “He has been complaining a little bit for a few weeks. The doctors are assessing [his knee] at the moment. I don’t know what we’re going to do. I don’t know what England are going to do.”

The United manager acknowledged that Nemanja Vidic was fortunate not to be booked at the very least for the challenge on Gabriel Agbonlahor which provided Villa’s penalty. Martin O’Neill, the losing manager, claimed the defender should have been sent off for what appeared to be a professional foul.

Ferguson said: “I think in the main we were probably the better team but credit for Aston Villa’s performance. Towards the last 10 minutes, where they started to shove up that big brigade of theirs, it was like the bloody Alamo.”

On Vidic he added: “There have been three or four in the last week that have been similar. We saw in Milan with [Chelsea's Salomon] Kalou brought down, which to me looked a penalty. You had one [on Saturday] that was a claim for the Arsenal player in a similar situation and then [Juliano] Belletti bringing down [Craig] Bellamy and he gets a red card in probably the exact same position as our player found himself in. I haven’t seen the replay but he was lucky not to be booked.”

O’Neill, not surprisingly, had a forthright interpretation of the referee Phil Dowd’s decision. “I think it was plain for all to see,” he said. “It’s an inexplicable decision and I really don’t understand it. It was a goalscoring opportunity and the player is fouled in the area. It’s straightforward from an otherwise fine referee. In a couple of days’ time it’s all forgotten about but it’s major point in the game. I’ve spoken to Phil but what Phil and I have said will stay with me.”

Richard Dunne, whose mistake led to Owen equalising, questioned whether the game would have changed had Vidic been dismissed because Villa struggled to break down a 10-man United side in the Premier League last month but O’Neill disagreed. “Richard’s a great lad but I absolutely disagree with him. It’s a different game, just because someone plays well with 10 men in one particular match … this is Wembley and you are talking about all the things that go with Wembley. I wouldn’t have liked to have played Manchester United with 10 men for 83 minutes.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, backed United to show the same resilience they displayed against Villa for the remainder of the campaign. “We don’t give in and it’s a good quality to have. I think you’ll see that in the remainder of the season,” said the manager, who will have Rio Ferdinand available for Saturday’s game at Wolverhampton. “There are a lot of hard games [to come]. It was a good result for us with Chelsea losing. Arsenal are bang in the frame now. They have the easiest programme on paper and it will be an interesting run-in.”