Tag Archives: football

Football Tips: So You Want To Be A Premiership Footballer?

  By O-Posts Team | March 2, 2024 - 01:32 | , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Whether it’s scoring a winning Cup Final goal, or hoisting the World Cup over your head, you’re not alone in dreaming of a career as a football pro. You’ll need hours of practice, a very strong physique, and a thick skin to cope with constant rejection. Still think the Premiership is for you?

 

Getting Your Name Out There

Whether you’re attending football trials, talent days or joining an academy, most clubs have a vast network of contacts and leads that help them scout out the best young footballers in any given area.

Even if there isn’t a visible presence, you’ll almost certainly find that scouts are operating at matches all over the country, and even getting involved with community projects and school programmes.

In all but the most rural locations, if you’re good, you’re going to get head hunted.

 

Dealing With Rejection

The Premiership league is one of the most saturated in sport when it comes to potential new players. Every club has an academy, and over 9,000 young boys are vying for the coveted positions that the Schools Of Excellence offer the most gifted players. More than 90% of recruits will receive the devastating news that they just aren’t good enough for a career at the top of the game.

Before you even think about walking the long road to football fame, you absolutely must harden yourself to constant rejection. It can’t be said enough: There are a lot of young potential stars out there, and very few places to be filled.

You’ll never be rewarded for trying out, and dealing with the reality that you aren’t quite good enough can be a very hard (and often life defining) pill to swallow.

 

What Are The Talent Scouts Looking For?

It may come as surprise to some, but most scouts aren’t looking for raw talent. You’re going to need it, and in spades, but the people in the know are looking for something else too. Character.

Scouts who have their eye on a special player will often want to get to know them (and their family) before making any important decisions, and a talent scout rarely cares about the football games they are watching. Putting the ball in the back of the net matters very little to someone with a very special set of criteria in mind.

Scouts are more interested in a player’s position on the pitch, and whether they’re prepared to give 200%. Not just for themselves, but for their teammates too.

 

Where Do I Go From Here?

If you think you’ve got what it takes to succeed, you’ve got to give yourself the best possible chance of being spotted. You’ll need to quickly rise to the top of your school and local teams, then rapidly move on to a county or district club.

At the very least, you’ll need to represent your school at a county level. You stand a far greater chance of being noticed if you’re playing away from your home town regularly. It’s also imperative to make sure you’re not stagnating at a local club that can’t challenge your progress.

A career in football is going to require a Herculean effort and a mountain of skill, but every year, the fortunate few go on to greatness.

 

Written by Harry Price

Harry Price is a successful entrepreneur and bachelor. He spends his free time playing competitive poker and football. He also has a passion for volunteering with his local homeless shelter.

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Football: What does it mean and how us fans shape our lives around it

  By O-Posts Team | February 12, 2024 - 21:53 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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There comes a time where we must all grow up. Young boys stop playing with little action figures and move on to games consoles, young girls stop wearing their mothers make-up and start wearing their own. We all go to secondary school, reach an age where an interest in the opposite sex grows and we watch more shows created for an older fanbase, as opposed to the kid’s TV we used to enjoy.

We can change our minds so easily when we grow up. We outgrow almost everything from our childhood, be it a show, a board game or an obsession with our favourite teddy or toy that never left our side. Even hobbies find their way of slowly drifting from our routines and finding their place in our memories, never to be forgotten.

One thing that seldom changes, however, is relationships. Some even grow stronger. Childhood friends become school friends, school friends become work friends, maybe even partners. Having an affinity with something rarely changes, and it’s the same with football.

Football can shape the childhood of children so easily. We watch and become transfixed by one player, one team or just the sport in general. For children in football mad families, it is inevitable that they will watch football from early. As a young boy in an Arsenal mad family there was no other team I was ever going to watch, and when I did watch I was hooked by Thierry Henry.

He was my first idol, the first player I fell in love with. And even today, the sight of Thierry Henry or the mere mention of his name buckles me up and takes me down the greatest evocative road I’ve ever journeyed on. Reliving the moments that lit up my childhood, experiencing those moments again. Just fantastic.

To this day, as an 18-year old, I will admit that if it come down to going on a date with a beautiful female or going to watch the Arsenal, I’d pick Arsenal. She may be upset by that so I’d invite her along. If she says no then that’s her problem, not mine. However strong that may sound, football has played a part in my life so huge that living without it would be fairly difficult. It’s an escape, and the same for many other people.

People shape their lives around football. Socially and professionally, everything is built around football. Unfortunately though, not for me, professionally speaking. I work when most Arsenal games are on, and as an 18-year old I’m sadly unable to dictate when I work.

Money comes first when you’re building for a future. Needs must. But it’s not the same for others. People book days off from work to go to games. Even if they’re just going to watch it down the pub with some friends, football comes first.

It’s a strange connection, as people who don’t love football are unable to comprehend the feeling felt by fans when a goal is scored, a pass is misplaced or the ball is controlled. All these footballers are really are just normal people who can kick a ball better than the rest of us, but it’s not as simple as that.

As kids we idolise these men and treat them as superheroes and when we grow up we just sit back and watch in awe. They become parts of our lives and on the back of interviews and performances we end up feeling like we know them.

It even influences the way we use social media, particularly on Twitter. Many people you’ll find on there use it solely to air views and discuss football. There’s something about mixing social media and watching football that results in a narcissistic belief that our views are superior to others. Opinions in the world vary, but on social media the passion we hold for our clubs exudes into 140 characters and any objection comes across as disparagement. So, naturally, we bite back.

Peronally speaking as a reserved individual, football provides a platform for conversation. With not many interests other than the beautiful game finding a middle ground is difficult, and relating to people is rare. With all this in mind, football is the most important thing in my life and it’s played a huge part in the development of me as a person. It’s taught me many different emotions and even a few swear words along the way. Like millions of my fellow humans, I don’t know where I’d be without football.

Football elicits emotion that is not comparable to anything in life. Loyalty to your club is not a choice, it is an obligation; something that is very much permanent; like a birthmark, or a mole - something we cannot remove from ourselves. No matter how frustrating we may consider our connection with a football club to be, there is no doubt that however illogical perserverance through frustration sounds, it would sound even more illogical to contemplate removing your loyalty.

So loving football isn’t necessarily a choice, it’s a requirement. And it’s fun to be part of a community that’s so widespread yet united as one. It’s a wonderful feeling. And that’s why football will always come first.

 

Written by Ryan Goodenough

Follow Ryan on Twitter @SidelineArsenal

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Real Madrid: A Memorable Day At The Stadium Tour

  By O-Posts Team | January 10, 2024 - 22:57 | , , , , ,
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Football fans who are visiting Madrid absolutely must visit the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Should you not be able to make that visit, then at least take some of your visit time to take a stadium tour of the most impressive football stadium in the world. You’ll be standing on top of the world when you visit this stadium.

No visit to Madrid is complete without this fantastic stadium tour. Whether you’re a football fan or not, young and old alike will appreciate and enjoy learning more about the historical facts of this venue.

 

Pricing For The Stadium

Inexpensively priced for adults and even less for children who are under 14, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the stadium and dream for a moment about the Champions League Final in which you’re the key player. Let yourself sit back and picture your life as a championship player.

Children will enjoy the fantasy and you’ll feel the energy of the crowd as you make that winning goal. If you’re wondering about other possible discounts, you’ll also get a steep discount if you’re a member of the fan club. Well worth the time and effort. Young and old alike will appreciate this visit.

 

Plenty To Enjoy On Your Visit

Tours are available year round between 10:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Sunday has reduced hours. On match days it may be a bit more difficult to gain access to the changing area but it is still possible.

Visitors are given free reign to peruse the Trophy Room which is interactive. Children love interactive tools and exhibits so plan to spend some time simply interacting with all that they have to offer on your visit to the Trophy room. With a lot of great exhibitions including tributes to many legendary figures.

You’ll appreciate and enjoy the finer details of this stadium. Take a stroll around the pitch and up into the gods via the top of the stadium. Make sure to snap some fabulous photos for your own collection. Sit down and picture yourself coaching in Madrid and impersonate Jose Mourinho or Carlo Ancelotti.

Feel the power as you picture them emerging from the tunnels. One day, you can say to your grandchildren “I was there” and of course tell them all about your fabulous trip and how you stood in the stadium in that very spot.

Don’t forget to visit the press rooms and practice interviewing your friends before you move on to the rest of your trip. For a brief moment you can say you were there, at the best football club in the world. Be sure to grab some video of it to share with friends and family.

Have The Most Amazing Time

Now that you’ve taken the trip, think about your stay and let others know your reviews:

Both soccer and Madrid fans will say it’s one of the most amazing stadium tours available. the trophy room is put together very nicely and you’ll be able to appreciate the history behind the club. Even someone who doesn’t follow the game can enjoy this as much as you. This is a definite highlight of the stay.

Even if your favorite team isn’t Real Madrid, you’ll enjoy and appreciate the museum and feel the history of soccer in the tour. You’ll never regret the time you took to take this tour.

One of the most amazing tours in Madrid and even more unique when you enjoy a trip to the Bernabeu. Enjoy and appreciate the views as you walk along the Stadium and revel in the breathtaking tour.

 

Other Great Tours To Enjoy While You’re In Madrid

 

The Prado Museum Tour

Housing one of the largest art and sculpture collections in the world, this museum houses paintings by the likes of Tintoretto, Goya and El Greco. Picasso and Rubens are also showcased. reasonably priced and if you go during the last few hours of the day, your entry fee is free.

Make this your afternoon or evening closing sight for any day.

 

Retiro Park (Also Known As Parque del Retiro)

Known as the lungs of Madrid, this park is very close to the Prado. Ideal for a combined visit. Set on over 320 acres and completely enclosed with Palaces as well as museums and lakes with boating and beautiful gardens to walk through. Something is always going on as you take a moment to stroll around and enjoy local musicians who are entertaining the crowds.

You’ll enjoy stalls with plenty to see and do. You’ll enjoy taking a leisurely stroll through the park and learning more about Spain’s military history.

If you enjoy Charlton Heston, you’ll like visiting the El Cid’s sword that is on display from the movie El Cid he starred in.

Royal Palace of Madrid

No trip to Madrid would be complete without a visit to the Royal Palace. With over 2000 opulently decorated rooms you’ll get a taste of the luxury from bygone eras. Take along your passport as there is an entry fee however, it is free if you’re from EU.

These special free hours are during winter months from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and in summer months from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You won’t be sorry you took the time to visit this palace.

Picture your life living here and living in such opulence.

Amy Rice writes for www.spanishkicks.com when not writing I enjoy spending time with my daughter, going to the gym and playing adventure golf.

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Footballers and their Cars: Their Top 5 Favorites In 2013

  By O-Posts Team | November 18, 2023 - 01:03 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Love them or hate them Footballers are some of the highest paid professional sports players in Europe and the rest of the world. The also court a lot of controversy with their off-the field shenanigans of wild parties and wild women.

The one thing that most of them all do when they hit pay day is to buy cars,but not just any model cars, the kind that come with a limited edition logo and cost enough money to feed a small Peruvian village. Porsches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris are amongst the many high priced cars that come with the celebrity and fame of being a footballer.

 

1. RANGE ROVER SPORT

This year it would seem the Range Rover Sport is the most popular expensive toy for Premier League players. This Mother of all SUV’s has everything a boy would want, looks, performance and tricks. Its the kind of car you cannot ignore when you drive past it and it is intimidating enough to get the best Mercedes Benz move out of the way.

If cars were a reflection of the person who drives them, then Wayne Rooney, Darren Bent, Jon Obi Mikel, John Terry, Danny Rose, Javier Hernandez and Ryan Gigs should be described as intimidating, fast and tricky and maybe they are but who knows.

This powerful SUV has an impressive 385 bhp, a top speed of 140 mph and a price tag of £102,900!

 

2. PORSCHE CAYENNE

The Cayenne is Porsche’s most successful SUV so far. Everyone who is anyone would love to own this car, if not for the power then for the genius of an SUV that runs like a racing car. This car has been a favorite of many soccer players like Liverpool’s Steven Gerard and Kolo Toure to Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, Robin van Persie, Tom Cleverley and Chris Smalling.

Priced at £90,790 it is just right for these guys who pull in £70,000 a week! When pitted against the Rover, it is faster, and has more power, and has to be taken out on the open road once in a while to let it stretch itself and roar.

 

3. AUDI Q7

This is the Germany’s most impressive muscle car yet. It looks just as good as it runs and is favored by the likes of Chelsea’s Fernando Torres, Man United’s Rio Ferdinand and Luis Nani, Tottenham Hotspur’s Emmanuel Adebayor and Moussa Dembele.

The car is priced at £95,260, reaches 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 secs and has a top speed of 55mph.

 

4. ASTON MARTIN DB9

Britain’s best car is also probably the most expensive car with a serious following amongst footballer’s and Britain’s celebrities. It is sleek, cool and super fast. Darren Bent owns a DB9; Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata have also been seen in a DB9 so has Liverpool’s Glen Johnson, Man City’s James Milner and Livermore of Tottenham Hotspur.

This is a serious sports car with 470 bhp of horse power, a 4.6 seconds time o getting from 0 to 60 mph and a top speed of 190 mph. The price is a staggering £128,653.

 

5. BENTLEY CONTINENTAL

No best car’s for football player’s list would be complete without the inclusion of the Bentley Continental. Wayne Rooney has one, Samuel Eto’o has one, Ashley Young has been seen and David Silva of Man City has had this car for some time.

At £132,150 and with all the bells and whistles that come designed into this car, you wouldn’t think anyone would want to spend £20,000 “pimping” a car that is proud of its regal roots to say happy birthday to your girlfriend but if your name is Stephen Ireland and you had a guaranteed check of £70,000, you can do whatever you want to do, and he did whilst he was at Man City.

This is the same guy who tricked out his £97,000 Audi R8 to a white and blue trim, a petrol cap shaped into a Superman and alloy wheels with a number 7 to match his jersey number.

 

Author Bio - Bradley Taylor is a UK freelance writer who has a passion for cars and you’ll often find him writing about luxury cars. He’s also an avid Derby FC fan! Connect with him on Google+ and Twitter.

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World Cup 2014: The Biggest Cities + Tips To Follow Your Favorite Team

  By O-Posts Team | November 13, 2023 - 02:12 | , ,
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FIFA 2014

Brazil is getting set to host the world’s biggest football tournament next summer, and FIFA 2014 promises to provide fans with some of the most exciting and unique cities and venues that the world has to offer as you go about the business of following your favorite team.

From the country’s financial and business hub in Sao Paulo to the visual delights that await visitors in Salvador, anyone paying Brazil a visit between June 12 and July 14, 2024 to take in FIFA action will have some of the world’s most interesting landscapes and cities to explore in the meantime.

Here is a look at four of the biggest FIFA 2014 cities, along with a few tips to help you to follow your favorite team throughout the tournament:

 

1. Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo

One of Brazil’s largest cities, not to mention the central hub of the country’s football leagues, Sao Paulo boasts a population of more than 11 million people, making it Brazil’s financial and business hub in every way.

Those credentials aside, Sao Paulo is also well-known as a cultural center boasting an unbelievable nightlife and a great passion for football events, and any visitor who comes in the summer of 2014 to follow their favorite team will be able to detect this instantly via the almost palpable energy that the city emits.

Local clubs like the Corinthians, Palmeiras, and the Morumbi will be vying for the FIFA title, making Sao Paulo the perfect stop for a fan looking to keep tabs on their favorite Brazilian clubs!

 

2. Brasilia

Brasilia

Home to nearly three million people, Brasilia is the country’s capital, playing host to its main governmental functions. If you journey here in order to get in on some FIFA action, you’ll find yourself with a very unique and modern city to explore, one that was only designed and built beginning in 1956.

As far as football is concerned, Brasilia is home to two of the nation’s most successful teams: the Sociedade Esportiva do Gama and Brasiliense Futebol Clube.

Being Brazil’s capital, Brasilia will have a major role to play in both ceremonies related to the tournament and the matches themselves, giving visitors access to some of the best that the FIFA 2014 tournament will have to offer, no matter which club you’re cheering for.

You’ll also get to visit the Nilson Nelson, the city’s state of the art stadium that seats up to 70,000 roaring fans.

 

3. Natal

Natal

Boasting an average annual temperature of 28? C and about 300 days of clear skies and sunshine every year, the city of Natal is one of Brazil’s most attractive to locals and tourists alike. Besides providing a touch of the tropical, Natal also plays host to three of the top teams that the state of Rio Grande do Norte has to offer, including Alecrim Futebol Clube, America Futebol Clube and ABC Futebol Clube.

A visit to Natal in order to take in FIFA 2014 action will allow you to enjoy the weather and take in some of the exploits of your favorite clubs on the field, with the city’s Maria Lamas Farache stadium playing host to matches in the tournament’s Group A and G early in the tournament.

 

4. Salvador

Salvador

The very first Brazilian city to result from colonization efforts, Salvador is now home to more than 3.5 million people in its metro area, making it one of the country’s biggest modern cities. Especially unique in culture thanks to the deep impact of African slaves and immigrants, Salvador offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors to the country, especially where the upcoming FIFA 2014 tournament is concerned.

Boasting the highest average game attendance to be found in Brazil, Salvador’s clubs include two of the most beloved in South America: the Esporte Clube Bahia and the Esporte Clube Vitoria. Those clubs aside, Salvador also has the distinction of having produced previous FIFA World Cup champions Bebeto and Dida.

 

Traveling tools:

  • Have this event calendar saved or bookmarked. It’s an official live list of upcoming events. Here’s a guide on using the calendar on your smartphone or tablet.
  • LonelyPlanet offers some great Brazil travel guides - be sure to go through all of them.
  • Whether you plan to fly in and explore on foot, by tourist bus, or via your own private wheels rented from CheapCarRental.net

Playing a central role in the FIFA 2014 proceedings, Salvador will host matches within Groups B, E, F, and G.

 

Written by Annie Wallace

Annie is the travel addict and lifestyle blogger. You can see her tweet at @ViralMomTweets.

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Feature: 5 Simple Tips To Avoid Football Injury

  By O-Posts Team | November 7, 2023 - 00:59 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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We all love a good game of football. It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, be it during the cold depths of December, or during the hot sunshine of the summer months, football is a sport you can enjoy both indoors and out. It also provides a great aerobic workout for the body, and is a fantastic way of improving your stamina.

But it’s always worth remembering that football is one of the more competitive sports, and that injuries are a common occurrence for participants. And, although it isn’t a contact sport in the same sense that rugby is, mistakes and mistimed tackles can sometimes result in serious physical harm.

If you’ve got an important event or a holiday coming up, and an injury is something you could really do without, there are ways of minimising the risk of football-related mishaps, without being a burden to the rest of your team.

If you’re looking to avoid injury and a lengthy hospital stay, here are some safety measures you should consider:

 

Invest in the Right Gear

Shin-pads are a must, whatever your position. When you’re going for the ball, you don’t want to be worrying about catching a stud or a boot with your ankle, or picking up a bruised shin.

Correct footwear is also essential. If you’re playing on an outdoor pitch, boots with sturdy grips will make you less susceptible to slipping. If indoor 5-a-side is more your thing, invest in a pair of trainers which have slip-proof soles.

 

Warm Up

Always perform a series of stretches before the game, so you don’t pull a muscle mid-match. Remember to focus on your calves, thighs and hamstrings, as well as your groin and lower back. Jog around to loosen yourself up, and throw in some short sprints to get your body ready.

 

Stay Away From Harsh Tackles

Winning the ball in a particularly stiff situation might feel good, but if you’ve got an important date coming up, you might want to think twice before putting yourself at risk. Avoid making sliding challenges, or tackles which leave you open to being trodden on by other players.

If you need to stay light on making tackles, talk to your teammates and opt to play in a less defensive position.

 

Avoid Awkward Landings

Injuries can too often result from awkward landings – and these are most common when jumping in the box for headers. If you’re trying to avoid injury, do what you can to stay grounded and don’t throw yourself into the air for the ball.

 

Know Your Limits

Excessive tiredness generally leads to poor judgment and mistakes, and will only make you more susceptible to picking up an injury. So if it’s coming to the end of the game, don’t exhaust yourself unnecessarily for the sake of pride – if there are subs available, let your captain or your coach know you could do with being swapped.

 

This article is written by Adam who recently had an injury during a game of football. Due to the initial pain, he was prescribed pain relief medication from Express Doctor who are based in the UK.

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SSC Napoli: Football in the Partenope

  By O-Posts Team | November 2, 2023 - 00:57 | , , , ,
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Watching a football match at the magnificent Stadio San Paolo in Naples is an experience that everyone can enjoy. Italian football fans are so passionate that even people who are not particularly interested in the ‘beautiful game’ are sure to get swept up in the enthusiasm.

Italian football players are known for their dramatic styles, and there is never a dull moment when you watch a football match in Naples. Matches tend to be extremely fast paced and no matter who wins, players and supporters of both teams take part in the celebrations at the end of a match and these celebrations tend to go on long into the night.

I recently watched SCC Napoli play at the Stadio San Paolo in Naples. This large football stadium was opened to the public in 1959 and was designed by local architects Carlo Cocchia and Luigi Corradi. The stadium was extensively renovated in 1990 and although it originally had the capacity to hold 87,500 football fans, these days the pitch and surrounding facilities have been enlarged, which means that only 60,240 people can attend a match. Despite this, the Stadio San Paolo remains the third largest football stadium in the whole of Italy.

The Stadio San Paolo is home to the local team Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, which was founded in 1926. The club has been extremely successful over the years and throughout most of its history has scored a prominent place in Serie A.

In fact, SSC Napoli is the most successful football club in southern Italy and the team has won Serie A twice to date, while they have also won the Coppa Italia an impressive four times and won the UEFA Cup during the 1988-89 season.

Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli is my favourite Italian football team and I try to catch a match whenever I am in Naples. However, I often have to ask a friend to arrange tickets for me, as the passion of local supporters means that tickets are often sold out several weeks before a big match. This time I was lucky and I arrived in Naples just in time to watch SSC Napoli play the French team Olympique de Marseiile.

Tensions were running high as I took my seat in the stadium, which can be found in the western suburbs of Fuorigrotta in Naples. As usual the entire stadium was full of football fans and the roar of the crowd was almost deafening.

I was pleased to see that all of my favourite players were in full force, including Local legend Maggio, mid fielder Davide Bariti and team captain Paolo Cannavaro. Unfortunately local goal keeper Antonio Rosati is out on loan at the moment, but his substitute Rafael certainly worked his magic.

Fortunately, SSC Napoli beat Olympique de Marseiile 2-1 and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Of course, after the match my friends and I took to the town, surrounded by hundreds of other football fans and the night that followed was perhaps as memorable as the match itself.

 

Greg has supported SCC Napoli since childhood. He is enjoys traveling to away games and is also contributor to a challenge blog.

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Sydney FC: A Club On The Rise

  By O-Posts Team | October 25, 2024 - 01:16 | , , ,
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Sydney FC is a football team based in Sydney Australia playing in the A-League. They have been around since 2004 since the beginning of the A-League. They have had numerous stars over the years including Harry Kewell, Lucas Neill, Dwight Yorke and even until now Brett Emerton who have both played for Australia and Trinidad respectively on many occasions… including World Cup appearances by all players.

Its fair to say that Sydney FC is one of the most successful teams in Australia and look to be on the rise as they develop their youth and buy more international stars. The game of Football is forever picking up in Australia, while it may never be as good as European leagues the A-League provides a great base for Australian football players to start their career and give them the great start needed to be successful in any of the overseas competitions.

Football in Australia is really on the rise and who knows maybe one day we will even see a world cup held in Australia which would be amazing just think how good the Sydney Olympics where!

Sydney FC have won 2 championships in 2006 and in 2010 and have come close many other times. Sydney are also the only club to have won the OFC Champions League. With their home ground at Allianz stadium (Formerly known as the SFS) holding over 45,000 people.

The club has high profile directors, board members and backers in general and a growing fan base making them a force to be feared in the Asian competitions in the next 5-10 years. Who knows maybe we will see Sydney FC take on some giant clubs in the future such as Manchester United and cause an upset.

With its youth, strong backing and great management team Sydney FC really is a club on the rise.

 

The A-League

The Australian top level league known as the A-League is also a competition on the rise. Started in 2004 after the failure of the National Soccer League. There are at the moment 10 teams in the league but they are looking to expand.

All 10 teams bar one are based in Australia with one team based out of New Zealand somewhat like the NRL Rugby League competition and the NBL which all include 1 New Zealand team. The competition is held in the summer months of Australia from October to April. the main reason they did this is there is less competition in Summer for sport in Australia with the only other competition for fans being the cricket.

In the winter there is AFL, Rugby and Rugby League all in Australia which make up the most popular sports. But the A-League has found its niche in summer as a new high growth sport. With more and more young fans and players joining all the time and crowd levels on the rise, the A-League will hopefully one day be known as in international standard football league.

With more and more players coming to join the A-League all the time not just to join Sydney FC but other A-League clubs, it won’t be long before its recognised the world over as a top flight football league

 

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Feature: How Exactly Do The Football Trials Work?

  By O-Posts Team | October 15, 2024 - 19:10 | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Interested in football trials? Fancy yourself as the next Luis Suarez, Robin Van Persie or even Mesut Ozil? Then you need to get yourself on the football trials as soon as you can.

 

How do they work?

The first thing you need to do is to register. This is free and once you are registered you will have access to a whole world of information. The idea is to get you focused and as prepared as you can possibly be. They can be highly competitive things, football trials, so the more prepared and ready you are the better chance you will have.

Once you are registered we will give you £50 worth of free information. This includes what you should be eating, drinking and what exactly the football scouts will be looking for. Inside information.

The scouts and coaches come to the trials to hunt out the best talent around. They have the chance to pick from the cream of the crop, so the more information you have surrounding what they look for, the better.

Other information includes drills that you should be working on, skills you should be practicing and examples of success stories. Clear and up front information is the only way you will know if the football trials are the right thing for you.

This is your opportunity to really shine. But, if you pick up the information and feel that now is not the right time then it is best that you hold back and keep practicing until you feel ready.

There could be a coach or scout out there who sees such potential in you that your life is changed forever. Are you ready for that? Are you prepared? It is your chance to shine so you need to know that you have exactly what it takes to put your football skills to the test.

 

10 to 14 assessment

The trial consists of an assessment. For those aged 10 to 14 it will last around two hours. You will have the chance to work with a coach who will really put you to the test. You will also have a 75 minute assessment by a world class UEFA licenced coach.

There will be a grading system against a 10 point criteria and feedback will be provided so you can see the areas that you need to improve.

Finally, 45 minutes of small sided matches will take place where the pro club scouts can really see you at work. Show ‘em what you’ve got.

 

15+ assessment

For those aged 15 or over you will have a longer session with the UEFA licenced coach and will also undergo a pro club session including a dynamic warm up and a visual assessment from the scouts. Pro club testing that assesses your speed and agility will also be required.

Overall you will be provided with plenty of information, guidance and assistant on how you can improve your strength, skills, agility and core stability.

Seven days after your last trial you will receive an email to let you know whether or not you have been selected. If you have you will be assigned an agent. Remember, your dream. Isn’t it time you made your dream a reality?

 

Written by Harry Price - an avid football fan… When he’s not watching football, he’s spending time with dogs, wife, and son.

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Premier League: Favourite Hangouts Of Manchester Footballers

  By O-Posts Team | October 14, 2024 - 21:20 | , , ,
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For anyone who wants to see Premier League footballers off the pitch, relaxing in nightclubs, bars and restaurants, Manchester is the place to visit.

There are numerous nightspots around the city where players from Manchester United and Manchester City can be seen out on the town, often accompanied by their wives and girlfriends.

Here are five of the top venues in Manchester for celebrity spotting.

 

Panacea

One of the favourite hangouts for footballers and WAGs is Panacea, a basement bar and restaurant in Deansgate. Colleen Rooney chose to hold her hen-do here. Making it through the large glass doors and down the wooden stairs will be the first hurdle, as they have a very selective door policy.

Once inside, a gilded East meets West décor includes private booths where both real and wannabe WAGs will be drinking very expensive champagne and cocktails. Those planning to visit Panacea should find a great value Manchester hotel to spend the night, as the money you save on accommodation will help to keep the Cristal flowing.

 

Cinnabar

An ultra-cool cocktail bar in the Hulme area of east Manchester, Cinnebar is on the top of floor of Vermillion, a popular Thai restaurant. Located in Sport City, right next to Etihad Stadium, Cinnebar attracts WAGS and footballers galore, and is a favourite with Cheryl Cole and Ryan Giggs.

Sharing a designer with the Buddha Bar and Hakkasan, the red and gold décor is ornate, with cocoon shaped lounging beds surrounded by Asian antiquities.

 

Cloud 23

For great views as well as a chance to see footballers and WAGs, a visit to Cloud23 will be perfect. Situated high up on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel in the Beetham Tower, Cloud 23 is the highest point in the city, with floor-to-ceiling windows that give a spectacular view over Manchester.

Cloud 23 is famed for its cocktails, inspired by Manchester’s heritage, with names such as The Industrialist and Berry Black Smog.

 

Neighbourhood

When the Manchester United team wanted to celebrate their Premier League title win, Wayne Rooney gathered them all together at Neighbourhood. Located in Tower 12, part of the Spinningfields development of Manchester, Neighbourhood is a New York style eatery and bar that only opened last year and is already a hotspot on the Manchester nightlife map.

Designed to replicate an American diner, the restaurant’s menu is based around various districts in Manhattan.

 

The Living Room

Popular with Manchester United players, The Living Room is a bar-restaurant in Deansgate, where many of Manchester’s footballers have apartments. For those who don’t live in the city, it’s easy to find hotel rooms for two and enjoy a romantic weekend that includes an overnight stay in Manchester and a candle-lit dinner at The Living Room’s restaurant.

The food served is modern English, and the extensive drinks menu offers cocktails that are WAG favourites, like the Glamorous and the Pornstar Martini. The décor is elegant and stylish, and upstairs is a members-only area much frequented by footballers and their wives and girlfriends.

 

Paul Hendersen is an avid football supporter and writer.

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