World Cup Squad

Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Joseph Yobo (Everton), Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg); Kalu Uche (Almeria), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Sani Kaita(Alaniya), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev); Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Nwankwo Kanu, John Utaka (Portsmouth), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow).
World Cup Squad

Memo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Oscar Perez (Chiapas); Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmaar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas); Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna); Pablo Barrera (Pumas), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).
The Sound of Nations Gasping
Injuries to Several World Cup Hopefuls Have Entire Countries on Edge; Ghana's Big Loss.ArticleComments (6)more in Sports Main ».EmailPrintSave This ↓ More.
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close Yahoo! BuzzMySpacedel.icio.usRedditLinkedInFarkViadeoOrkut Text By DARREN EVERSON
Compared with the American version of football, soccer doesn't seem all that rough. There are no helmets, no blind-side hits. Just a bunch of con-artists who howl in fake agony to the referees whenever they go down.

Here's the thing, though: A lot of them aren't getting up.


Agence France-Press/Getty Images

German star Michael Ballack, while playing for Chelsea of the English Premier League, suffered ligament damage to his ankle on this tackle by Kevin-Prince Boateng of Portsmouth—he will miss the World Cup.
.As the June 11 opening of the World Cup approaches, injuries are clouding the tournament. From England to Germany to Ghana, teams are breathlessly awaiting last-minute word on whether key players can play—or are already resigned to the likelihood that they can't.

The predicament highlights a fact well-known among players and coaches, but not among casual observers: This is an incredibly grueling game, largely because of its unique, almost ceaseless schedule.

Unlike American football and the other major U.S. team sports, which have four-to-six-month offseasons depending on whether a team reaches the playoffs, the 38-game season of the English Premier League runs from mid-August through early May. On top of that are World Cup qualifying matches, "friendlies" (or exhibition games) and the myriad club trophies that European sides compete for.

Chelsea, of the Premier League, played an additional 18 games this season by competing for the FA Cup, the Carling Cup, the Community Shield and the Champions League.

"It's easy for us to say, 'Come on, it's the World Cup, they should get up for it,' " says Alexi Lalas, a former U.S. national-team defender who is now an ESPN analyst. "Emotionally you can do that, but physically, you wonder how long that adrenaline can last for some of these players. It's just amazing the amount of games they play—and then the next thing you know, they're getting ready for the biggest tournament in the world."

It's not necessarily foul play that's causing all the pain. Soccer players can get hurt without an opponent even being nearby. Because of wear and tear from the schedule, and because of the unending running, planting and jumping that the sport requires, players constantly suffer noncontact injuries to their knees, ankles and feet.

At the latest World Cup, in 2006, 27% of all injuries involved no direct contact with another player, according to the official medical report of FIFA, soccer's world governing body. "Heading into this World Cup, I've seen a lot of injuries that have been self-inflicted: myself, Beckham," says U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu.

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.Mr. Onyewu, who is critical to the U.S.'s shaky, gimpy defense, is coming back from a ruptured left patellar tendon, suffered when he tried to head a corner kick on the slick turf during an October World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica. "I could've sworn until I saw the video that somebody kicked me," said Mr. Onyewu, who insists he's fine now. But the manner in which he got beaten on a goal in Tuesday's friendly against the Czech Republic raised eyebrows. As Tomas Sivok outjumped him for the header, Mr. Onyewu barely got off the ground.

But at least he's out there. David Beckham, the longtime English star, won't play after tearing his left Achilles' tendon in March, while innocuously planting his left foot with no one near him during an AC Milan game.

Spain, considered a co-favorite along with Brazil to win the tournament, has been on edge over the condition of forward Fernando Torres, who underwent knee surgery last month, and midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who is coming back from a broken leg. Both have returned to training with the club, however. South Korea's promising squad will probably have to play its opener against Greece without forward Lee Dong-Gook, the top scorer in Korea's league last year, because of a hamstring injury.

For England, the run-up to South Africa has been a maddening procession of pulls, ligament tears and injury scares. Panic-inducing pre-World Cup injuries have become a tradition for the English, who in 2002 and 2006, respectively, saw Mr. Beckham and Wayne Rooney suffer metatarsal injuries just weeks before the big event. (Both recovered in time to play, although neither was in top form.)

With World Cup rosters due Tuesday, England is waiting until the last minute to decide whether to include injured midfielder Gareth Barry, although coach Fabio Capello is confident he'll be ready. Mr. Rooney and John Terry went down with potentially devastating injuries this spring—Mr. Rooney to an ankle ailment, Mr. Terry to the dreaded foot curse—but both were later found to be minor. Forward Bobby Zamora would've made the preliminary roster, coach Mr. Capello said, but he had to pull out because of an Achilles' injury.

"There are far too many games," says Tommy Smyth, an ESPN analyst. "Fulham played [62] games this year to get to the final of the Europa League. It's all about maximizing as much money as you can get out of the players. It's just such a grind now."

It is particularly so in England, which is known for a rougher brand of play. But former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is managing Ivory Coast in this World Cup, said that research has shown that Premier League players incur more injuries than other European-league players because of their schedule. "It was mostly because the season is so long, and especially because they don't have a [winter] break," Mr. Eriksson says. Other European leagues take a few weeks off in December and January.

But then there's the carnage from contact. U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra got kicked in his knee this spring and somehow wound up undergoing surgery for a sports hernia—an abdominal injury—on May 5. "I ended up compensating and running differently, and then got pain in my abdomen," says Mr. Bocanegra, who is on the U.S. roster and says he's fine now.

The most controversial pre-World Cup injury cost Germany its captain and has become a matter of international intrigue. In the FA Cup final May 15, midfielder Michael Ballack, who was named to the past two World Cup All-Star teams, suffered torn ligaments in his right ankle on a questionable tackle by Kevin-Prince Boateng, who plays for Ghana—which is in Group D with Germany. Mr. Boateng, who claimed Mr. Ballack slapped him earlier in the match, has apologized for the tackle.

But Ghana has its own problems. Star midfielder Michael Essien, who plays for Chelsea, was ruled out of the World Cup on Thursday because of a knee injury. His loss is far more devastating to Ghana than Mr. Ballack's to Germany, because Mr. Ballack, 33, is declining and Germany's roster is deeper.

Then again, Germany has also lost No. 1 goalkeeper Rene Adler and Christian Traesch, another midfielder, for the World Cup to pre-tournament injuries. "Injuries are part of football, unfortunately," says Mr. Eriksson, the Ivory Coast coach. "The risk is always there."
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:52 AM on 27th May 2010

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Australia became the first squad to arrive in South Africa ahead of the World Cup when they touched down at OR Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.

The Socceroos, one of the first teams to qualify for the tournament, arrived after dark at South Africa's main international airport in Johannesburg - and were the first to test the special arrival facility constructed by the airport for World Cup squads.

Teams arriving in South Africa have dedicated arrival facilities, where they will be processed away from regular passengers and fans because of security concerns.
Touchdown: A specially branded plane brings the Australian team into OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg

Touchdown: A specially branded plane brings the Australian team into OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg

The squad, including Premier League stars Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer, captain Lucas Neill and former Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell, posed briefly for TV cameras and photographers before being whisked away by bus to their team base on the outskirts of Johannesburg.

'We are pleased to welcome Australia as the first team to arrive in our country,' said organizing committee chief executive Danny Jordaan, who was at the airport to welcome the squad.
Star man: Socceroo Tim Cahill will be hoping to lead his country into the knockout stages of the World Cup

Star man: Socceroo Tim Cahill will be hoping to lead his country into the knockout stages of the World Cup

'We all know that the stadiums are all ready, everything is in place and now the teams are finally here. More importantly though, our people are ready.'

Australia's Dutch coach Pim Verbeek said: 'I have been in this country about eight or nine times already and I have always enjoyed my stay here.

'The most important thing for us is to win our first game. We have given ourselves plenty of time to prepare and acclimatize to the local conditions. The players will have to get used to the altitude and the few warm-up matches will help us a lot in achieving this.'

Conditioning will be crucial for the Australians, who open their group campaign against three-time World Cup winner Germany in the coastal city of Durban on June 13, before traveling up to the high-altitude Rustenburg and Nelspruit to play Ghana and Serbia.

Australia will warm up for the tournament with friendlies against Denmark and the United States, games which will take place after Verbeek has trimmed his squad to a final 23-man group ahead of the June 1 FIFA deadline.

Brazil are the next team due to arrive, on Thursday morning, with Denmark and Argentina scheduled for this weekend and the USA expected on Monday.

Spain, the final team to touch down in South Africa, are planning to fly in on June 11 - the same day as the opening game between the host nation and Mexico.
Stepping into the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University is like entering Q's laboratory. It looks like something straight out of James Bond, but the reality is far more exciting than any fictional film.

This is where adidas's 2010 World Cup ball, the Jabulani, was developed.
England's Jermain Defoe with the ball developed at Loughborough

Licensed to thrill: England's Jermain Defoe with the ball developed at Loughborough

In the corner lurks the iRobot, a £40,000 yellow limb that can replicate human cycling, walking or running. Only two people have a key to the machine and £40,000-worth of security protects it - from itself. The robot is strong enough to break down the walls of its enclosure.

In another Perspex cage is the kicking robot. It is accurate to within fractions of a millimetre and can replicate the same kicking motion 600 times a day at more than 100mph.

The University's Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering houses a £250,000 wind tunnel. The ball is held by a steel shaft in gusts of 70mph to assess how wind affects its movement and rotation.

The idea was to give the player maximum control. Dr Andy Harland and his team - including 27-year-old Dave Rogers, who is writing a PhD on the subject - spent two years researching the aerodynamics of a football.

England are training with the ball at their Austrian camp and have voiced the usual concerns about its movement and speed in the air, but Dr Harland insists it is fairer than predecessors. 'We're hoping you won't see a poor player take a pot-shot from 35 yards and get lucky,' he said.

Heading skyward: Chris Waddle hits England's final penalty in Turin

'You're going to see good players score good goals and if the ball misses the target it should be the player's fault now.

'Take Chris Waddle's penalty for England in the 1990 World Cup. We know that a ball from that era would find a range of targets if you twisted it different ways and kicked it at the top corner. I'm not saying Waddle would have scored with this ball, but it would have gone where he actually kicked it, whereas with the old ball you could never have been certain.'

The Jabulani, which means 'to celebrate' in Zulu, has a band of 11 colours representing 11 players in a team and the 11 South African tribes. The ball for the final, the Jo'bulani, will have a gold band. It is made of natural latex and woven fabric, with eight foam rubber panels - adidas's 2006 World Cup ball, the Teamgeist, had 14.

Having fewer reduces cost and means less can go wrong in production, but affects the ball's stability in the air. Think of a large, smooth beach ball. Its movement is unpredictable, and not just in the case of Darren Bent's goal against Liverpool.

To compensate, the team invented 'aero grooves' to 'churn up the air' and covered the ball with tiny dimples to give it more grip, which will particularly benefit goalkeepers.

Ultimately, a spherical ball is never going to behave in a completely uniform manner. 'The laws of physics will tell us that, as long as the ball is round, it's going to be liable to some crazy effects,' said Dr Harland. 'All we can do is minimise them.'

Whether England can use the Jabulani to their advantage remains to be seen, but at least one Englishman will play a part in the World Cup final on July 11.
A total of 92 players made at least one appearance under Bradley during the four-year World Cup cycle as the team went 35-19-6. He used 43 players during qualifying; 19 of them made the final roster. Those players accounted for 29 of 42 goals scored in qualifying, including Altidore's team-leading six goals.

The roster:

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England).

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan, Italy), Jonathan Spector (West Ham, England).

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Maurice Edu (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus, Denmark), Stuart Holden (Bolton, England), Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico).

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Hull, England), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles), Robbie Findley (Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla, Mexico).
Cobb Adult Soccer Invites you to

Join Us For A World Cup Summer !!
2010 7 v 7 Summer Session
England Ghana France Portugal Japan Germany Mexico Brazil South Africa North Korea Spain

Got a team with international ties - re name your summer team for your favorite Country in World Cup
Don't have a team - No worries - join one of ours - Individuals welcome


Start date: June 20, 2010
Registration Deadline May 28th, 2010
Preseason scrimmage: June 13th, 2010

Venue/s: Noonday Park
Sunday Evenings
Start time: 7:00 & 8:30pm
Number of Weeks: 7 weeks

Cost: $450.00 per team

Playing Level: Recreational /Competitive
Playing Format: 7v7
Game length: 75 minutes
Atlanta Celebrates Soccer June 11- July 12 with Viewing Parties, Tournament and Special Events
Bi-national Chambers of Commerce organizing Atlanta International Soccer Fest to Benefit SOS Children’s Villages


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR Log (Press Release) – May 25, 2010 – A metro-area celebration, Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 (www.atlsoccerfest.com), is underway to coincide with the soccer matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, June 11- July 11. Included in the events are game-viewing parties at more than nine local restaurants and sports bars, as well as a soccer tournament on June 12 between 20 international organizations based in Atlanta. Donations from all events will be awarded to SOS Children’s Villages, with some of the monies going to SOS’ Haiti relief efforts.

A major supporter of the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 has been the Atlanta Bid
Committee, whose aim is to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to Atlanta and the USA in 2018/2022. Atlanta has been selected as one of 18 cities to be included in the U.S. Bid. With just a few days to go until the U.S. submits its final proposal to FIFA, Georgians are encouraged to support their state in this endeavor. For more information about the Atlanta Bid Committee and to sign the petition in support of bringing the FIFA World Cup™ to Atlanta in 2018/2022, please visit http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/atlanta-ga.

Atlanta International Soccer Fest Tournament
In an unprecedented show of “soccer solidarity” and friendly rivalry, many bi-national Chambers of Commerce, Consulates, the World Trade Center Atlanta, and community organizations have organized a round robin adult (age 20 and up) soccer tournament.

Saturday, June 12
Atlanta Silverbacks Park
3200 Northcrest Road
Atlanta, GA 30340
9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
(404) 969-4900
For directions, visit www.atlantasilverbacks.com/park.
$5.00 donation to SOS Children’s Villages, kids 12 and under, free.

Twenty teams representing countries from Argentina to Canada, Switzerland to South Africa, the U.S. and more will be competing throughout the day. Silverbacks Park will offer food and beverages for purchase. At 2:00 p.m. the tournament will take a break for viewing the U.S. vs. England game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ on large-screen TVs. Come root for your favorite countries and support SOS Children’s Villages.

Teams currently signed include:
• Argentina - represented by Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
• Brazil - represented by Viver Magazine and the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce
• Canada - represented by Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta
• CBS Radio - represented by V-103/davefm/WAOK
• Chile - represented by Chilean American Chamber of Commerce
• Ecuador - represented by Ecuadorian Association of Georgia
• Ethiopia - represented by Desda Restaurant and Ethiopian Community Organizations
• France - represented by Enterprise Rhone-Alps International
• Georgia (Country of) - represented by Honorary Consulate of Georgia
• Germany - represented by the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern
U.S., combined team with the Consulate of Germany in Atlanta
• Israel - represented by the Consulate General of Israel in Atlanta
• Kenya - represented by the Georgia Africa Chamber of Commerce
• Mexico - represented by Mexican American Chamber of Commerce
• Netherlands - represented by Holland America Chamber of Commerce; combined team
with the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Atlanta
• Nigeria - represented by Nigerian Community Organization EGBA; combined team with
the Nigerian International Chamber of Commerce and the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta
• SOS Children’s Villages - represented by the Atlanta Volunteer Committee of SOS
Children's Villages/USA
• South Africa - represented by South African-American Chamber of Commerce
• Switzerland - represented by Swiss American Chamber of Commerce
• U.S.A. - represented by Georgia Soccer

Atlanta International Soccer Fest Family Event
Saturday, June 12, 2010
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Cabbagetown Park
701 Kirkwood Ave SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316
To celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and to celebrate soccer in Atlanta, a
family festival will be held at Cabbagetown Park. Soccer skills competition for youth, bounce house, vendors, music, V-103 and davefm appearances, food vendors and more. The 10:00 a.m. 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ game with Nigeria vs. Argentina and the 2:00 p.m. U.S. vs. England game will be shown on a large-screen TV.

Soccer viewing events
June 11 to July 11, 2010
Various Atlanta restaurants and pubs

Restaurants and pubs across the city will be hosting game viewing parties. Venues will offer “Soccer Fest” specials with drinks, appetizers and/or entrees. Root for your favorite country’s team and make a donation to SOS Children’s Villages. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ viewing schedule, go to http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2010/01/espn-inc-2010-f .... Please call the restaurants for hours of operation.

Fado Irish Pub
273 Buckhead Avenue, NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 841-0066
www.fadoirishpub.com

Fox Sports Grill (Atlantic Station)
261 19th Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30363-1134
(404) 207-1369
www.foxsportsgrill.com

J.R. Crickets
4479 South Cobb Drive
Smyrna, GA 30080
(678) 305-0224
www.jrcrickets-smyrna.com

Luckie Food Lounge
375 Luckie Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 525-5825
www.luckiefoodlounge.com

Mellow Mushroom
6100 Roswell Road, NE
Sandy Springs
(404) 252-5560
www.mellowmushroom.com

Milltown Arms Tavern
180 Carroll Street
Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 827-0343
www.milltownarmstavern.net

Ormsby’s
1170 Howell Mill Road
Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 968-2033
www.ormsbysatlanta.com

Queens Lounge
6889 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30071
(770) 447-2400

Stats
300 Marietta Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30313-1632
(404) 885-1472
www.statsatl.com

Additional participating Atlanta restaurants to be announced on www.atlsoccerfest.com.

Sponsors and Organizers
The Atlanta International Soccer Fest is supported by Georgia Soccer, CBS Radio, Realm
Advertising, AmeriPress, the World Trade Center Atlanta, the Georgia Council for International Visitors, the Goethe Center (German Cultural Center) and Alliance Francaise (French Cultural Center). V-103, davefm and WAOK have signed on as radio media partners. Additional sponsors, who will receive a generous recognition package based on mutual interests, are solicited and will be announced. For additional information on corporate sponsorships contact irene@sos-atlanta.org.

The South African-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta (SAACOC) and the German
American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South) are behind the initiative to celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ by launching the Atlanta International Soccer Fest. According to Derrick Jackson, executive director of the South African-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, “As South Africa prepares to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ this summer, and Atlanta vies for the games in 2018 or 2022, we are tapping into metro Atlanta's growing enthusiasm for the sport. It’s a perfect way to support SOS Children’s Villages, with its longstanding connection to soccer.”

According to Irene Bailey, president of the Atlanta Volunteer Committee for SOS Children’s
Villages, “Soccer and SOS Children’s Villages have had a long-standing relationship. Soccer plays a positive role in children’s lives by contributing to their physical and social development. The Atlanta International Soccer Fest is a great way to bring together the international Atlanta community around a worthy cause.” More than 88,000 Georgia children and adults play some kind of organized soccer, according to www.atlantasoccernews.com.

# # #

About the Organizations
SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental social development organization (501c3) which has been working to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children since its foundation in 1949 in Austria. Operating in 132 countries, SOS Children's Villages provides long-term family-based care for more than 85,000 children who have been orphaned, abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. For more information about SOS Children’s Villages, visit www.sos-usa.org.

Founded in 2009 the South African-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta seeks to
promote the exchange of business, trade, investment, technology, and culture between South Africa and the US. For more information visit www.sa usabuschamber.com.

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States was founded
in 1978 to promote and support bilateral trade between Germany and the US. For more info on GACC South visit: www.gaccsouth.com.

Atlantan hoping to play pro soccer in Europe

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Casey Osborne wasn't sure he belonged. Two days after arriving at Notts County in central England, the Atlanta soccer player was put on the field. On his first touch, his first chance to impress, he botched it badly. Trying to trap the ball, it ricocheted off him as if he were made of stone.

The coach of the academy-level team put his head in his hands and looked away. Osborne looked out of place.

However, he was used to overcoming challenges. A few minutes later he offered a crunching tackle. A few minutes more and he headed a ball with his curly locks that led to a goal.

The player nicknamed "Yank" looked like he belonged.

"I didn't feel like I was the weak link," Osborne said, hardly boastful.

Since he began seriously playing the sport four years ago, Osborne has overcome shyness so severe that his parents were afraid it would keep him from finishing high school at Druid Hills. He's torn the meniscus in his left knee. He has sustained an injury to his groin. He's broken his leg. His dad estimated his son has missed at least 1-½ years of the past four because of surgeries and rehabilitation.

None of it has slowed him down. At 5-foot-11 and 150 pounds, Osborne plays much bigger and stronger than his physique, throwing himself into tackles and collisions with players a few inches taller and dozens of pounds heavier.

"He's one of those players that every time he steps on the field it's a battle for him," Jason Smith, his GFC Spurs club coach, said.

Perhaps the aggressiveness is the outlet for the shyness that consumed Osborne. Perhaps he's trying to make up for starting the game so late compared to others. For certain, soccer has helped him overcome his fears to the extent that he was confident enough to make the trip to London by himself, even if he wasn't brave enough to ask for directions when he got lost in the London Underground.

Another of Osborne's coaches at Spurs, Paul Smith, helped set up the trip through his ties as a former professional player in England. Osborne was supposed to go last year. Less than a week before he was scheduled to leave, he and another player were going for a "50-50″ ball  during a game. The other player missed the tackle and kicked Osborne right above the ankle, breaking his leg.

It was back for four months of treatment at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Sports Medicine, a place where he's spent so much time that he's developed a bond with his rehab specialist, Eddie Fagan.

No matter the severity of his injuries -- he's still got screws in his ankle from that tackle -- Fagan said he had to tell Osborne to slow down when he tried to rush back on the field.

Osborne is 100 percent now and trying to fulfill his dream. Michael Johnson, his Notts coach, would like to have him back, but said work visas are extremely hard to secure for football players in that country. Osborne has a reference letter from Johnson that he hopes will help him sign with another lower-division club somewhere in Europe or South America. If that doesn't happen, he hopes to play this summer for a pro developmental team in the U.S., which may ease the visa burden. His various coaches have said he has the skill to make it. He's trying to find a trainer to put on 15 pounds of muscle on him to improve his chances.

"When he gets the ball on his feet he can cause problems," Johnson said. "But there are quite a few old foxes who would take advantage of him because he's so slender."

Osborne will  give pro soccer a couple of years. If it doesn't work out, he'll go to college. Grades aren't an issue. Despite all the rehabs, despite being in England for a month, he is going to graduate from Druid Hills High School on time.

Casey dreams of one day playing for Arsenal. For now he just wants to play where he can.

"I want to figure out the pecking order and where I fit in the world," Osborne said.

Casey Osborne

Age: 17

Hometown: Avondale Estates

High School: Druid Hills

Club team: GFC Spurs

Position: Central midfield or sweeper

Favorite team: Arsenal

 

Players (from L to R): Zoe Rodriguez, Kayla Johnson, Jasmine Robinson, Maria Bautista, Sammy Jenkins, Jackie Tatz, Nichelle Pope, Lexi Wunderly, Allie Suttles, Emma Voight Kristin Malcom. Coaches Marc Emerick Nolan Suttles

Kick Off the 2010 World Cup with a Free Viewing Celebration

Clarkston Community Center, Decatur-DeKalb YMCA and Soccer in the Streets partner to provide a fun atmosphere for soccer fans

Atlanta, GA- May 24, 2010 The Clarkston Community Center, together with the Decatur-DeKalb YMCA and Soccer in the Streets are hosting a free viewing of the first match of the 2010 World Cup on Friday, June 11 at the Clarkston Community Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the Mexico vs. South Africa match alongside other soccer fans in a family-friendly viewing environment.

"The World Cup is an exciting time for soccer fans around the world" said Jill Robbins, executive director, Soccer in the Streets. "Our goal is to channel that excitement and create a fun, safe environment for the community of Clarkston and surrounding areas."

"The Decatur DeKalb YMCA in collaboration with the Clarkston Community Center and Soccer in the Streets is working to increase recreational programming in the Clarkston community," said Shell Ramirez, international outreach coordinator, Decatur- DeKalb YMCA. "We currently offer sports programming six days a week in the Clarkston area."

"Soccer is a passion shared by millions around the world," says McKenzie Wren, acting executive director, Clarkston Community Center. "Hosting this international event builds community and generates fellowship and understanding among all Clarkston residents, one in three of whom was born outside of the US."

The event will begin with a Mexican & South African breakfast buffet at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $5 per person. Free game coverage starts at 9:30 a.m. The game will be broadcast in the Clarkston Community Center's Angora Hall on a large projection screen. It will be one of the largest screens in the metro Atlanta area showing the game.

Soccer in the Streets is proud to present the event's special guests, the three delegates selected to participate in the Football for Hope Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Players include: Isaac Fonseca, Atlanta, GA; Katelyn Longino, College Park, GA and Jose Fonseca, College Park, GA.

The Clarkston Community Center will continue to host free viewings of the 2010 World Cup games. For a full listing of the games, please visit www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org. Looking to play? Soccer in the Streets will host pickup games Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons during the tournament.

Soccer in the Streets is looking for volunteers. If you'd like to get involved, email Jason Longshore at jason@soccerstreets.org. For more information regarding the kickoff celebration, visit www.soccerstreets.org.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

About:

Soccer in the Streets
Soccer in the Streets, a non- profit organization based in Atlanta, GA, empowers kids who lack opportunity by using soccer as a medium to make them employable adults. Founded in 1989, the organization links life skills with soccer skills and helps at-risk kids thrive at school and at home through out-of-school programs, mentoring relationships, academic support and hands on experience. Our programs develop the next generation of leaders who will eventually cultivate change and progress in their communities. For more information, please visit http://www.soccerstreets.org.

Decatur-DeKalb YMCA
The Decatur- DeKalb Family YMCA serves Decatur and DeKalb County members from a 49,000 square foot facility located at 1100 Claremont Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030. Currently, sports programming is offered six days a week in the Clarkston area. Schedules include: Monday, tennis at Milam Park; Tuesday, baseball at Milam Park; Wednesday, cricket at the CCC; Thursday, basketball at the CCC; Friday, soccer at the CCC and Saturday, pick up soccer at the CCC. For more information, please contact the sports department at 404-371-3314.

Clarkston Community Center
Clarkston Community Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission of creating a place for Clarkston residents to come together for art, recreation, education and community building. Clarkston and the surrounding vicinity has an estimated 26,000 refugees from Bosnia, Somalia, India, Afghanistan, Turkey, Sudan, Vietnam, Iraq, Liberia, Russia, Sierra Leone, Cuba and many other places around the world. The Clarkston Community Center is a bridge that connects all residents, no matter their place of birth.

Soccer In The Streets

Jason Longshore

jason@soccerstreets.org

678.993.2113

Carabiner Communications

Sara Goodkind

sgoodkind@carabinerpr.com

678.566.3144

 

Georgia Art Exchange today announced the list of artists within the Atlanta Soccer Community who will be displaying their work at The Atlanta Soccer Artfest at the Blue Tower Gallery in downtown Atlanta on Saturday May 22, 2010.

Online PR News – 12-May-2010 – The Atlanta Soccer Artfest will be celebrating the Champions League Final while promoting artists: Sergey Cherep, Jeff Lange, Austin McDonald, Andrew Rowe, Alan Vaughan, Thomas Waller and James Stewart II from the Atlanta soccer community. The Artfest will commence at 2pm and game will be presented live from Madrid, Spain at 2:30 pm EST.
Following the game, the Georgia Art Exchange, a local art group, will open the exhibit hall to the attendees. Artwork from metro Atlanta artists from the soccer community will be exhibited at the event. "We are very thankful to Heineken USA, VIGO and our other sponsors for supporting the artists in our community." said QuiQue Lopez, Director of the Georgia Art Exchange. "Their help will go a long way to exposing the culturally rich expressions of these very talented artists to the rest of our community."
The artists' work will be available for sales at the event with all proceeds going to the artists and the ASA Artist Fund, a fund established to promote artists from the Atlanta soccer community. The Artfest will go through the afternoon and the evening with live music, DJs and other performers.
"This is going to be a wonderful event. The timing could not be better. For the first time, we will have the Champions League Final on a Saturday instead on a weekday," added Mitch Cherry, curator of the Blue Tower Gallery and Coach of IPFC. "We are excited to bring together the Atlanta Soccer community for a day of celebration in support of our artists."

The event will be filmed and turned into a documentary by across The Track Productions.
The Event will be sponsored by Heineken USA, Vigo Wire Transfer, Granite Countertop Warehouse, Velocity Screen Printers, G&L Marble, Imperial Pint Football Club and other area businesses.

The Blue Tower Gallery is located at 675 Metropolitan Pkwy. #1113, Atlanta, GA, 30310
For more information, visit www.AtlantaSoccerArtfest.com, or call 678-391-9153.




 






Sign the gousabid.com/atlanta petition now to bring the FIFA World Cup to Atlanta.  Should the USA win the bid to host the FIFA World Cup™ in either 2018 or 2022, Atlanta will be one of 18 cities still in the running to potentially host the games.  Before FIFA makes its final decision, we need to show them just how excited Atlanta is about soccer. Join us for fun and festivities this summer in Atlanta during the 2010 FIFA World Cup and show your support and enthusiasm that underscores Atlanta’s passion for soccer.  Check out www.theatlantabid.com for more information.

Help us reach our goal of 50,000 signatures, and spread the word about Atlanta’s online petition campaign.  By signing the petition at gousabid.com/atlanta, you are adding your voice to millions that are supporting Atlanta and the United States' bid!

Forward this link to your friends, neighbors, family and soccer fans!
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TORONTO -- It will be a family reunion for manager Sir Alex Ferguson this summer when he brings Manchester United to Canada.

The Red Devils toured the U.S. in 2003 and 2004, but are adding Toronto to their North American itinerary this year.

"It's new in terms of a game, yes, but I know Toronto. I've got a lot of family there," Ferguson told The Canadian Press on Thursday.

"My dad's family moved there in 1959. I've got nine direct cousins. I've got about 40 second cousins. I've got an aunt still alive, and my grandmother died there. She's buried in Toronto. I've got an uncle buried there.

"My great-aunt, who was very close to me, she died last year there. So we've got a big family connection."

The United boss plans a family get-together in Toronto the day before his team plays Glasgow Celtic at Rogers Centre on July 16.

Tickets for the Toronto game went on sale Thursday with a spokesman for the promoter calling box office business brisk.

It's the first of five games on United's pre-season trip. The Premier League powerhouse will also play the Philadelphia Union, Kansas City Wizards, MLS all-stars and Mexico's Chivas.

United has toured the Far East in recent pre-seasons, taking advantage of an "amazing fan base," according to Ferguson. But he says the previous U.S. visits "have been the best tours of all."

United has other ties to Canada. Current midfielder Owen Hargreaves was born and raised in Calgary while Hamilton-born Jimmy Nicholl played for the Red Devils from 1974 to 1982, scoring six goals in 247 games.

Both elected to play for the country of their father's birth rather than Canada. Hargreaves is an England international, while Nicholl, who was raised in Belfast, won 73 caps for Northern Ireland.

"Good guy, Jimmy," Ferguson said of Nicholl, who is an assistant manager with Scotland's Kilmarnock.

As for Hargreaves, he will be part of the tour squad as he looks to return from an extended absence due to chronic patellar tendonitis that required several surgeries by world-renowned Dr. Richard Steadman in Colorado. Earlier this month Hargreaves saw his first action with the senior team since September 2008.

"He's had a tough time, there's no question," said Ferguson.

"I think the step now for Owen is that mental step, having the confidence to actually go on the field now in terms of a game," he added. "All his training performances have been good. He's been enthusiastic about it. But he needs that big step forward to playing a game."

Ferguson's tour squad will not include the likes of England's Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick, Serbia's Nemanja Vidic, South Korea's Park Ji-sung Park, Portugal's Nani, France's Patrice Evra and newly signed Javier Hernandez of Mexico, who will be at the World Cup pending final roster moves.

The list of touring players includes Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Dimitar Berbatov, Edwin van der Sar, Darren Fletcher, John O'Shea, brothers Rafael and Fabio da Silva, Darron Gibson, Jonny Evans, Mame Biram Diouf and new signing Chris Smalling.

"I'm going to have a big squad of first-team players," Ferguson said. "So it's not a problem for me.

"I know, the experience of World Cups in the past, having to deal with the aftermath of it is always difficult. They (the World Cup players) need a rest."

Asked about possible squad acquisitions this summer, Ferguson turned the subject to United's recent history of acquiring young talent, citing Rooney, Anderson, Nani, Antonio Valencia, Gabriel Obertan and Hernandez.

"We're good at that," he said. "And people don't recognize we've spent over 20 million (pounds) in young players this year: Smalling, Hernandez and Mame Diouf.

"People say 'Yeah, you're not spending money.' We're spending money but we're spending it in an area where we feel good at, bringing young players to the club so there's a foundation and (we're) developing a long-term part of the club then."

A British newspaper report Thursday linked United to 19-year-old Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell.

The 68-year-old Ferguson, who took over United in November 1986, has won more than 30 trophies with the club. He is the longest-serving manager in English soccer, according to the League Managers Association which says there have been 969 managerial dismissals since he was appointed United boss.
Jose Mourinho has taken Inter back to the big time

* 9150215

* Inter last won the league and European Cup in 1965

Gabriele Marcotti
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16 May 2010

The hard bit is done.

The door is open. Now Inter have to pluck up the courage to walk through it, exorcising the demons of the past and the myriad times they 
stumbled at the final hurdle. And that’s the tricky part.

Inter fans will likely deny it, but there is little doubt that they have slipped just beneath the elite of European Football. Saturday’s Champions League final against Bayern Munich will be their first since 1972, some 20 years before the tournament changed from the European 
Cup to its current format. Contrast this with the rest of the continent’s big boys: Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern, Barcelona, Liverpool, Arsenal, Juventus, Milan … all have been there in the past decade. In fact, so too have Chelsea, Porto, Valencia, Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen.

The last time Inter were in a European 
Cup final, they were – legitimately – Italy’s “other” big club, with a claim of actually being the most successful. Juventus had more Serie A titles (14 to Inter’s 11), but the Nerazzurri had twice won the European Cup (and, as Celtic fans know, were runners up in 1966/67), whereas Juventus had never even reached a European final of any kind. As for AC Milan, they too had won two European Cups, but they were behind in the domestic stakes with just nine “scudetti”.

Now, if Jose Mourinho has his way, everything will change in the course of six days. Today, they could win their 18th Serie A title (they are away to Siena, with a two-point lead over Roma who face Chievo), which would enable them to move ahead of Milan’s 17. It would be their fifth straight Serie A crown. And while their detractors would no doubt say that it has been cheapened by Calciopoli and its aftermath – the first title was awarded to them by sporting tribunal, the second benefited from the punishments handed out to their rivals – it’s a feat thus far matched only by Juventus in the 1930s and the legendary Torino side which perished in a plane crash at Superga in 1949. Next Saturday they could win their third European Cup, which would give them as many as Barcelona and Manchester United and more than Juventus.

Inter have been extremely active, almost maniacally so, to pursue elusive silverware

What raises the stakes here is that it is not a “sleeping giant” situation. Far from slumbering through the past four decades, Inter have been extremely active, almost maniacally so, spending freely to pursue elusive silverware. In fact, while hard numbers are unavailable, 
it’s likely that no club has spent more than the Nerazzurri in terms of wages and transfer fees since 1972. And only now is it all coming together.

That ought to be the story if Inter lift the trophy at the Bernabeu next week, though, in reality, you can be sure that, especially in the English press, it will be all about a certain Portuguese manager from Setubal. Mourinho draws attention 
always and everywhere. He could go out to dinner with Barack Obama, Madonna, the Dalai Lama, Osama Bin Laden, George Clooney and Lord Lucan and he would still overshadow everybody 
else. That’s the way it is, no point in fighting it. And, to be fair, Mourinho deserves much of the attention for the way he has evolved and changed as a manager. Until now, at least at Chelsea 
and Inter, his calling card had been consistency and ground-out results, while perhaps displaying an inability 
to raise his game in the big matches. Witness Inter’s Champions League exit against Manchester United last season, or, in his time at Chelsea, the defeats to Liverpool and Barcelona.

This season has been different. Inter have not been outstanding, week in, week out. Regardless of what happens today, this will be their lowest points total in Serie A since 2005. Mourinho himself has admitted that he’s been frustrated, particularly by smaller, hyper-tactical sides and that it has been a “growing process” for him. On the other hand, he has not put a foot wrong in the big games, particularly against Chelsea away and Barcelona at home. Those two matches were little gems, in which he thoroughly outplayed and outcoached his opposite numbers, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola. Which is exactly the quality you need to win knockout competitions.

It’s worth noting he has done all this after thoroughly overhauling the side. When you lose your best player – Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the man around whom Inter were built – and bring in half a dozen new starters, you expect some kind of a transition period.

Instead, after a few hiccups, Mourinho 
was able to seamlessly integrate the newcomers into the side. And he did it while feuding with the media (which, come to think of it, may not have been such a problem: the man seems to thrive on controversy) and dealing with the walking, talking basket case that is Mario Balotelli.

Beyond that, there are plenty of subsidiary storylines which are no less intriguing. The Brazilian centre-back Lucio looks to get his own back against Bayern, the club where he starred for five seasons before being unceremoniously 
dumped last summer. Wesley Sneijder, 
who hasn’t put a foot wrong all season, returns to the Bernabeu to remind his old fans just what they missed out on when they jettisoned him to make way for Kaka, who is three years older and cost four times as much. Walter Samuel, another man who flopped at the Bernabeu, 
will also be looking to rub some people’s noses in it, as might Esteban Cambiasso, signed by Real at 16 and then released at 24. Samuel Eto’o, the man the Bernabeu loves to hate, will also be looking to get some licks in. Javier Zanetti, who turns 37 this summer and has battled through 15 seasons at Inter, will continue to 
defy logic and conventional wisdom, showing that dedication and 
professionalism can hold age at bay and that nationality has nothing to do with loyalty.

Throw in the fact that Inter have the opportunity to win a historic treble – they won the Coppa Italia 10 days ago – and everything is nicely set up for Mourinho and his men. It’s there, you just have to reach up and grab it.




Alan Vaughan and his Big Chicken Beatles Band will be one of the bands playing at the Atlanta Soccer Artfest, Saturday, May 22, Blue Tower Gallery.  For more event details, visit: www.atlantasoccerartfest.com

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TORONTO - Toronto FC prospect Zachary Herold has been forced to end his soccer career at just 17.

The defender has been diagnosed with a condition called HCM which causes abnormal thickening of a part of the heart muscle. Strenuous exercise carries with it the risk of developing a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.

Herold's condition was flagged in a pre-season medical.

The heart condition has been linked to the deaths of athletes like Windsor Spitfires captain Mickey Renaud, Russian hockey player Alexei Cherepanov and Cameroon soccer star Marc-Vivien Foe.

The 2010 MLS SuperDraft pick will be honoured in a ceremonial coin toss before Saturday's game against the visiting New England Revolution.

"Early in pre-season we did medical's on all our players, and obviously our doctor, Ira Smith, was concerned with some of Zac's results," Mo Johnston, Toronto FC's director of soccer, said in a statement Monday. "From there he then began a series of tests with a variety of doctors, in both Canada and the U.S.

"Zac's health was first and foremost in this process. Our hearts go out to Zac and his family; it's a very difficult situation. We felt it was the right thing to do by honouring him in front of our fans, and give them a chance to show their support."

Herold was drafted in the second round, 24th overall, in the January MLS draft in Philadelphia.

Herold made 15 appearances for the U.S. under-17 team.

"Announcing my retirement from soccer at this age is something I never, ever thought would happen to me," Herold said in a statement. "I am grateful to Dr. Smith, and all the specialists I've seen over the last few months -- this news was very hard to take but I know it's the best decision for me and my health. My parents have been with me every step of the way, and it means so much to me that I'm able to 'retire' as a Toronto FC player."
Contact: Diane Jackson, Tribute Media Consulting
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel. (678) 428-1596
Email: tributemedia@att.net

Atlanta Celebrates Soccer June 11- July 12 with viewing parties, Tournament and Special Events

Bi-national Chambers of Commerce organizing Atlanta International Soccer Fest
to Benefit SOS Children’s Villages

May 18, 2010 – A metro-area celebration, Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 www.atlsoccerfest.com, is underway to coincide with the soccer matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, June 11- July 11. Included in the events are game viewing parties at more than eight local restaurants and sports bars, as well as a soccer tournament on July 12 between 20 international organizations based in Atlanta. Donations from several of the events will be awarded to SOS Children’s Villages, with some of the monies going to SOS’ Haiti relief efforts.

A major supporter of the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 has been the Atlanta Bid Committee, whose aim is to bring the FIFA World Cup™ to Atlanta and the USA in 2018/2022. Atlanta has been selected as one of 18 cities to be included in the U.S. Bid. With just a few days to go until the U.S. submits its final proposal to FIFA, Georgians are encouraged to support their state in this endeavor. For more information about the Atlanta Bid Committee and to sign the petition in support of bringing the FIFA World Cup™ to Atlanta in 2018/2022, please visit http://www.gousabid.com/city/local/atlanta-ga.

Atlanta International Soccer Fest Tournament
In an unprecedented show of “soccer solidarity” and friendly rivalry, many bi-national Chambers of Commerce, Consulates, the World Trade Center Atlanta, and community organizations have organized a round robin adult (age 20 and up) soccer tournament.
Saturday June 12th
Atlanta Silverbacks Park
3200 Northcrest Road - Atlanta, GA 30340
9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
404-969-4900 www.atlantasilverbacks.com/park for directions
$5.00 donation to SOS Children’s Villages, kids 12 and under, free.

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Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 Launches Page 2 of 3

Twenty teams representing countries from Argentina to Canada, Switzerland to South Africa, the U.S. and more will be competing throughout the day. Silverbacks Park will offer food and beverages for purchase. At 2:00 p.m. the tournament will take a break for viewing the U.S. vs. England game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ on large-screen TVs. Come root for your favorite countries and support SOS Children’s Villages.

Teams currently signed include:
• Argentina - represented by Argentine-American Chamber of Commerce
• Canada - represented by Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta
• Chile - represented by Chilean American Chamber of Commerce
• Ecuador - represented by Ecuadorian Association of Georgia
• France - represented by Enterprise Rhone-Alps International
• Ethiopia - represented by Ethiopian Community Organization
• France - represented by the French Consulate
• Rhone-Alps region - represented by Enterprise Rhone-Alps International
• (Country of) Georgia - represented by Honorary Consulate of Georgia
• Germany - represented by German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., combined team with the Consulate of Germany in Atlanta
• Kenya - represented by the Georgia Africa Chamber of Commerce
• Mexico - represented by Mexican American Chamber of Commerce
• Netherlands - represented by Holland American Chamber of Commerce; combined team with the Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Atlanta
• Nigeria - represented by Nigerian Community Organization EGBA; combined team with the Nigerian International Chamber of Commerce and the Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta
• Switzerland - represented by Swiss American Chamber of Commerce
• South Africa - represented by South African-American Chamber of Commerce
• SOS Children's Villages - represented by the Atlanta Committee of SOS Children's Villages USA
• CBS Radio/ V103/Dave FM/ WAOK

Atlanta International Soccer Fest Family Event
Saturday, June 12, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cabbagetown Park
701 Kirkwood Ave SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316

To celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and to celebrate soccer in Atlanta, a family festival will be held at Cabbagetown Park. Soccer skills competition for youth, bounce house, vendors, music, V-103 and Dave FM appearances, food vendors and more. The 10:00 am 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ game with Nigeria vs. Argentina and the U.S. vs. England game will be shown on a large-screen TV.




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Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 Launches Page 3 of 3

Soccer viewing events
June 11 to July 11, 2010
Various Atlanta restaurants and pubs
Restaurants and pubs across the city will be hosting game viewing parties. Venues will offer “Soccer Fest” specials with drinks, appetizers and/or entrees. Root for your favorite country’s team and make a donation to SOS Children’s Villages. For the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ viewing schedule, go to http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2010/01/espn-inc-2010-fifa-world-cup-schedule/. Please call the restaurants for hours of operation.

Fado Irish Pub Fox Sports Grill (Atlantic Station)
273 Buckhead Avenue, NE 261 19th Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30305 Atlanta, GA 30363-1134
(404) 841-0066 (404) 207-1369
www.fadoirishpub.com www.foxsportsgrill.com

Luckie Food Lounge Milltown Arms Tavern
375 Luckie Street, NW 180 Carroll Street
Atlanta, GA 30313 Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 525-5825 (404) 827-0343
www.luckiefoodlounge.com www.milltownarmstavern.net

Stats Queens Lounge
300 Marietta Street, NW 6889 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30313-1632 Norcross, GA 30071
(404) 885-1472 (770) 447-2400
www.statsatl.com

Ormsby’s Mellow Mushroom
1170 Howell Mill Road 6100 Roswell Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30318 404-252-5560
(404) 968-2033 www.mellowmushroom.com
http://www.ormsbysatlanta.com/

Additional participating Atlanta restaurants to be announced on www.atlsoccerfest.com.

Sponsors and Organizers
Atlanta International Soccer Fest is sponsored by Realm Advertising (www.realmadvertising.com); partner organizations include the World Trade Center Atlanta and the Goethe Center (German Cultural Center). V103, Dave FM, WAOK and CBS Radio have signed on as radio media partners. Georgia Soccer (www.gasoccer.com) is supporting this “soccer with a purpose” campaign. Additional sponsors, who will receive a generous recognition package based on mutual interests, are solicited and will be announced. For additional information on corporate sponsorships, go to www.atlsoccerfest.com.

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Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 Launches Page 4 of 4

The South African-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta (SAACOC) and the German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. (GACC South) were behind the initiative
to celebrate the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ by launching Atlanta International Soccer Fest.

According to Derrick Jackson, executive director of the South African-American Chamber
of Commerce in Atlanta, “As South Africa prepares to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ this summer, and Atlanta vies for the games in 2018 or 2022, we are tapping into
metro Atlanta's growing enthusiasm for the sport. It’s a perfect way to support SOS Children’s Villages, with its longstanding connection to soccer.”

According to Irene Bailey, president of the Atlanta Volunteer Committee for SOS Children’s Villages, “Soccer and SOS Children’s Villages have had a long-standing relationship. Soccer plays a positive role in children’s lives by contributing to their physical and social development. The Atlanta International Soccer Fest is a great way to bring together the international Atlanta community around a worthy cause.”

More than 88,000 Georgia children and adults play some kind of organized soccer, according
to www.atlantasoccernews.com.

About the Organizations
SOS Children's Villages is an independent, non-governmental social development organization (501c3) which has been working to meet the needs and protect the interests and rights of children since its foundation in 1949 in Austria. Operating in 132 countries, SOS Children's Villages provides long-term family-based care for more than 85,000 children who have been orphaned, abandoned or whose families are unable to care for them. To help prevent child abandonment, and to aid families struggling within a cycle of poverty and disease, SOS Children's Villages supports another 600,000 children and their families through family strengthening programs and educational, medical and social outreach initiatives. For more information about SOS Children’s Villages, visit www.sos-usa.org.

Founded in 2009 the South African-American Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta seeks to promote the exchange of business, trade, investment, technology, and culture between South Africa and the United States. We will provide information, services, and programs that facilitate business growth, profitability, and success for members, and support members in developing business opportunities and strategic partnerships in South Africa and the United States. For more information visit www.sa-usabuschamber.com.

The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern United States was founded in 1978 to promote and support bilateral trade between Germany and the US. They are a private,
non-profit organization and serve as the official representative of German trade in the southern U.S. GACC South has been a supporter of SOS Children’s Villages in the past, and donated proceeds from their 2009 Annual Gala to the organization. GACC South and SAACOC are the main organizers of the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010. For more info on GACC South visit: www.gaccsouth.com.

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is a trademark and copyright material of FIFA (the “FIFA marks”).
Silverbacks Women Open With A Win

Saturday May 15, 2010

Saturday, May 15, 2010, Atlanta GA –

The Atlanta Silverbacks Women opened the season with a 1-0 win against the Hampton Roads Piranhas Saturday night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park. The Silverbacks, wearing their throwback blue jerseys, looked as good as years past as they limited Hampton Roads to just one shot. The night also marked the 2nd Annual Disability Awareness Night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park, whereby half of the proceeds from the gate were donated to three local charities – Hi Hope, Blaze for Life and the Gwinnett Children’s Shelter.



Forward Kay Harbrueger scored the first goal of the season for the Silverbacks in the 19th minute as she laced a shot to the left side of the goal past the scrambling goalkeeper. Harbrueger’s goal would prove to be the deciding factor. Midfielder Katy Frierson nearly put the Silverbacks ahead by two during the first half stoppage time, but her shot went just wide of the net.



The Silverbacks played terrific defense and goalkeeper Michelle Betos picked up her first clean sheet of the season. The second half turned into a defensive struggle as both teams looked to be more aggressive. Each team picked up a yellow card in the second half. Frierson picked up a yellow for tripping in the 90th minute and Hampton Roads defender Laurel McKenzie picked up a yellow in the 60th minute for holding. Although there were opportunities throughout the second half, the lone gone would decide the match.



“We are obviously happy anytime we can get a win, especially at home to start the season. This week of training will be crucial in that we have a few more players that will be joining the squad and we face Tampa next week, which is always a battle and tough to get a positive result,” commented Head Coach Chris Adams.



The Silverbacks are back in action on Saturday, May 22nd as they host the Tampa Bay Hellenic at Atlanta Silverbacks Park at 7:30. The game will mark the first ever City of Doraville night where many of the schools and local business will be represented. Due to the likelihood of a capacity crowd, fans are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they make kick-off. Silverbacks Season Ticket Holders, Sponsors and Staff will be able to park on the lower fields and lots. If you haven’t purchased your season ticket yet, you still can online at www.atlantasilverbacks.com. For just $100 you can get up to 6 people into each home game.
2010 World Cup: On ‘Africa’s richest mile’ soccer is king
Sandton City mall provides five-star accommodations, exceptional dining and a resort feel inside Johannesburg
Published On Fri May 14 2010


Adrian Brijbassi Toronto Star

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA—So you want to make sure your World Cup experience is a safe one?

No better way to do that than to follow Sepp Blatter.

The 74-year-old head of FIFA, international soccer’s governing agency, will set up at Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, an opulent Johannesburg neighbourhood that’s been referred to as “Africa’s richest mile.” Blatter and 23 other executive members of FIFA will stay in the apartment-style rooms at the Legacy Hotels property whose smallest suite is 800 square feet.

Steps from them, 200 more FIFA members will lodge at the Michelangelo Hotel, another five-star gem attached to the Sandton City shopping centre, a massive complex with about 300 retailers. Sandton City is so big (1.5 million square feet and expanding) you could fit eight malls the size of Yorkdale in it.

You’ll find high-end retailers as well as global staples such as Toys R Us and Virgin Mobile; plus doctors, dentists, a trendy nightclub and a movie theatre. A rapid rail system, the Gautrain, is scheduled to have a new Sandton stop completed before the World Cup starts on June 11. When finished, the Gautrain will shuttle visitors from O.R. Tambo International Airport to Sandton City in about 20 minutes.

Once there, private security abounds. The mall’s guards are approachable and eager to help, as are the staff at the hotels and restaurants. Any visitors determined to take no risks while in Johannesburg never have to venture from the complex. Even if they’re in town for the World Cup, they can arrange for transportation to and from the hotels to either Soccer City Stadium or Coca-Cola Park (formerly Ellis Park Stadium), the two venues in Johannesburg that will host games. Both arenas are about a half-hour drive from Sandton City.

The mall is an example of a Johannesburg phenomenon. With the high crime rate and a downtown area that has gone the way of Detroit, people have few areas where they can walk without feeling guarded. Sprawling shopping complexes, with their contingent of private security guards, provide an alternative. Along with Sandton City, popular malls include Melrose Arch and the gambling-centered Montecasino.

“You find out where you can and can’t go at night, and the malls are one of those places that allow you to walk around where you don’t have to worry,” says Brian Green, an information technology manager for McCain Foods, which is headquartered in his hometown of Florenceville, New Brunswick, and has a branch in Johannesburg. Green relocated to South Africa in 2006 and says places like Sandton City give people a needed sense of security. “In general, though, if you just listen to the locals you’ll probably be safe.”

Sandton City adjoins Nelson Mandela Square, which has 10 restaurants that overlook the outdoor public space that’s dominated by a six-metre bronze statue of the patriarch of new South Africa. Not only are the restaurants well-regarded, they’re also bargains for North Americans thanks to the favourable exchange rate ($1 Canadian equals 7.34 rand).

The pad thai at Wangthai costs 79 rand ($10.75). Large and delicious, it had succulent prawns and peanuts mixed in with the noodles rather than loaded on top. The grilled baby Kingklip at Montego Bay was an eye-opener. Having never heard of the whitefish, I expected something flaky like cod or bland like haddock. Instead, it was buttery and sweet, easily sliding off the bone. Although not quite as tasty as halibut, Kingklip was still a culinary highlight.

I didn’t make it to the famed Butcher Shop & Grill, but no one I spoke to questioned its reputation as one of the finest steak houses in South Africa. During the filming of Invictus, Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon were among the notable diners.

At Michelangelo Towers, the breakfasts at 8, the restaurant on the lobby level, were outstanding. Pancakes with poached eggs and smoked salmon came to 47 rand ($6.39).

While FIFA will hole up at the Towers and adjoining hotel, other World Cup guests will stay at Sandton City properties such as Rafael Penthouse Suites, another luxury hotel in the mall. InterContinental, Radisson and Holiday Inn locations are also part of the complex or within a few steps of it.

What Sandton City and Johannesburg’s other ritzy malls have accomplished is the creation of a resort feeling within a city of eight million. A visitor can stay ensconced in the posh facility and never have to encounter the blight and poverty of one of the world’s most notorious big cities.

TWO GIGS this weekend!

First: Friday night, May 14 at the Harp Irish Pub II (That's the one in Duluth). 8pm till 12 or so...

 

Address: 10305 Medlock Bridge Rd, Duluth 30097

Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=&daddr=10305%2BMedlock%2BBridge%2BRd,%2BDuluth,%2BGA%2B30097&hl=en&ie=UTF8&z=16

 

Then, it's Saturday, May 15 at the usual haunt, Los Arcos!
 
In case you don't already know about Los Arcos, at the intersection of Old Canton Rd and Rt120 Upper Roswell Rd: 
 
It is a great Mexican restaurant, from 7-10pm (early start, reasonable finish time). It is smoke-free, family-friendly yet has a great bar, great food and it's local and handy!

 
Check out my songlist at http://alanvmusic.com and pick the songs you want to hear! Just bring the list and enjoy a customized night of music...

 

LOS ARCOS This Saturday May 15

When

Sat, May 15, 7pm – 10pm GMT-04:00

Where

Los Arcos Mexican Cantina, Marietta GA

Who

(Guest list has been hidden at organizer's request)

 

 

Atlanta to host international soccer events
Atlanta Business Chronicle - by Lisa R. Schoolcraft Staff Writer
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Atlanta, in the hunt to host the FIFA World Cup in either 2018 or 2022, is out to prove it can host big time soccer right now.

The Atlanta International Soccer Challenge is set for July 28 at the Georgia Dome featuring Mexico’s Club de Fútbol América (Club América) against the Barclays English Premier League’s Manchester City.

“We are proud to bring a soccer event of this magnitude back to Atlanta again this year,” said Michael Reene, International Events Groups Operations managing director, in a statement. “It's not just a soccer match. It's good for football, it's good for soccer. It's good for a World Cup bid.”

The United States is among 10 nations bidding for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 and Atlanta is one of the 18 final host cities that will be included in the bid.

If the United States makes a successful bid, Atlanta will also be the host city for the international broadcast center, drawing 9,000 media representatives and staff over the 31-day World Cup event.

Atlanta hosted Club América and AC Milan last year in front of more than 50,000 fans at the Georgia Dome in 2009, he said.

“Club América is defending their space here in Atlanta,” Reene said.

Manchester City has a history in Atlanta as well, he said.

In 1968, Manchester City played two games against the former Atlanta Chiefs, and Atlanta's team won both times.

This year's game, which will have about a $3 million economic impact, also allows fans to see potential World Cup participants up close and personal, Reene said, as both teams will likely field players for the event, which will be held in South Africa June 11-July 11.

International Events Groups Operations is working on both a title sponsor and television rights for the game, as well, which could broaden the game's reach beyond Atlanta, he said.

The soccer challenge “is sending a clear message of what we are capable of,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

A successful soccer challenge “will signal Atlanta is an international city that embraces international sports,” he said. “It will put Atlanta on the map in the soccer world.”

Club América inked a three-year agreement with International Events Groups Operations and will serve as the home team against Manchester City. Opponents for the 2011 and 2012 Atlanta International Soccer Challenge will be announced later.

The Atlanta International Soccer Challenge will also benefit non-soccer organizations in the city, including Junior Achievement of Georgia.

Read more: Atlanta to host international soccer events - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
It's official: our Bid is in.

Tomorrow, the USA Bid Committee will deliver our Bid Book to FIFA. We're another step closer to earning the honor of hosting the World Cup!

This Bid is our story -- the story of all fans whose passion for the game courses through our country: the busy mom coaching her kid's soccer team; the lifelong fans who brought their love for soccer from other nations; the weekend warriors who play in city parks and parking lots.

The Bid Committee has created a new video telling this story. They've traveled to communities across the country, speaking with players and fans of every kind, capturing what soccer really means to the American people. Take a look at the video and pass it to everyone you know:





http://gousabid.com/ourstory

I'm excited about the USA Bid effort because I've seen soccer come such a long way in the United States since I first set foot on the pitch more than 30 years ago.

Soccer is America's game -- the perfect sport to match our nation's diversity, creativity, and cooperation. And now, with your help, we can bring the game's greatest tournament back to America, and welcome the world.

Watch this great new video and share it around:

http://gousabid.com/ourstory

Thanks again for all your support.

-- Mia
Fascinating reminders of how English football changed for the better at Italia 90

A nation wept with Gazza
Hugh MacDonald

Share 0 comments 12 May 2010

It is 1990.

The scene is a beach in Italy as waves of excitement from the World Cup lap across the shores of the host country. Three young men sip their beers. Two of them are to play crucial roles in how the World Cup is decided. The other will be its foremost chronicler. Yet there is no security, no crushing mass bearing down on them. They are three Englishmen having a beer.

Two of them are players for England: Paul Gascoigne and Chris Waddle. Their almost constant companion is Pete Davies, who would write All Played Out, one of the best football books. Waddle missed one of the penalties in the semi-final shoot-out defeat to Germany. He is now a shrewd commentator on the game. Davies published his book, now renamed One Night in Turin and the inspiration for the brilliant documentary film of the same name. Gazza cried. And no Englishman or woman has forgotten that.

“My girlfriend was 17 and living in Liverpool at the time,” says Davies. “She cried along with him because it was a seminal moment in English consciousness. When Gazza cried, he cried for everybody.” The outpouring of tears was not just a reaction to defeat. It was a response to the realisation that something marvellous had ended before its time. “I have watched the two hours of that semi-final many times. There are chunks of it in the film, of course. And it is an excellent match, vibrant and compelling. We did not know England could play like this and now they were playing with such freedom, such spirit. We believed anything was possible.”

At the heart of everything was Gascoigne, the manchild. The former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio and Rangers player was one of the great English talents. But at his core there was a naivety and vulnerability that has cost him dear. Gascoigne, once imperious, cheeky and gifted, is now damaged. It is difficult to watch the end of One Night in Turin without crying.

We always believe we have a golden generation then go out with a whimper. The 1990 side made it feel good to be English even in defeat. Pete Davies
“The match was a turning point for England,” says Davies. “There was an innocence to Gazza and to the tears. We moved from Gazza crying to Beckham in a skirt in the blink of an eye.”

Davies, too, is aware that the 1990 World Cup was “two-dimensional”. England had an excellent, improving side who would have been worthy winners of the tournament. Their fans, though, besmirched the event.

Of July 4, 1990, the day of semi-final, Davies writes: “In the afternoon, English drunks had fought with plainclothes police on a train coming into Turin from Genoa. Groups of Germans ambushed other English fans in the streets around the station. Minor skirmishes between English, Germans and Italians ran on and off for an hour or so.” One German was stabbed.

“We bemoan quite rightly the passing of some of the values of 1990 but we can never forget that football has made great strides from then,” says Davies, 20 years on. “The most important factor is that one can go to a match without being killed. That is especially relevant in a nation that has experienced Bradford, Heysel and Hillsborough.”

There are two other major changes that Davies has experienced. For All Played Out, the original title of the book, he was given exclusive access to Bobby Robson, the England manager, and the team. Such a deal is unthinkable now. Davies could wander the hotel corridors with the players, have a beer with them on a beach or watch the hyperactive Gazza playing seemingly endless games of tennis.

“Can you imagine trying to get access to just one player nowadays? You would have to go through agents, personal staff and wardrobe assistants,” he says.

The other change is the expectation on the English squad. The English won the World Cup in 1966 (and one would think they would have told us) and reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in 1970. But a period of underachievement, marked with failure to qualify and a demise at the hand of Diego Maradona, had ensued.

“English football had to change and it did on the playing fields of Italy,” says Davies. One of the major footballing themes of the book is the side’s adoption of a more modern style, principally employing three at the back.

It seems extraordinary now to look back at Davies’s 1990 record and read just how revolutionary this concept was to some. But Robson went with three at the back and England went within a penalty shoot-out of the final. “A stolid, unimaginative side was suddenly transformed into a gifted side whose spirit was freed. It was as if Robson had suddenly come up with a magical elixir that made the team almost irresistible and wonderful to watch,” says Davies.

The finals will always be known , certainly to Englishmen, as the time of Gazza’s tears. But Davies also recalls a telling moment: Butcher’s backheel. Terry Butcher, an inspirational captain of Rangers, was widely and erroneously regarded as just a yeoman stopper. “He epitomised the change in the team, though,” says Davies. “At one point in the semi-final, he brings the ball out of defence and looks for a forward pass. When he does not see an option, he calmly backheels the ball to a team-mate for the move to progress.”

England 1990 held a promise that was never fulfilled. Will South Africa see a triumph for the Three Lions? “We seem to live in a loop in England,” says Davies. “We always believe we have a golden generation. We always believe that this could be our year. Then we go out of the tournament with a whimper. That is the crushing aspect. They always disappoint. The 1990 side made it feel good to be English even in defeat.”


* One Night in Turin by Pete Davies is published by Yellow Jersey at £8.99. The film, One Night in Turin, is written and directed by James Erskine and is on general release.