...If Pele, Maridona, and Beckham don't sound at all familiar to you, or if you think Freddy Adou is a guy you may have gone to high school with, keep reading... please. This article covers all the equipment and skills you'll need to join the rest of the world in playing the wonderful game of soccer.

Actually, the rest of the world plays football - they call the sport that Steve Young used to play american football. The term 'soccer' came into being in the later part of the 19th century when people began abbreviating the French variation of 'association football' to soccer. Whatever name you use (I'll call it soccer for the purposes of this article), it refers to the fast-paced, exciting game that has captured the interest of more and more Americans in recent years. If you've found that you've been left behind when it comes to the sport, here's a few equipment tips and skills you'll need to have to start playing.

As the name 'football' suggests, you'll need a ball. Soccer balls come in many different sizes, materials, and styles; and league specifications vary depending on the age and level of the players. If you just want to buy a 'normal' ball, double check with the store clerks to make sure you've chosen the right one; or if you're buying online, you can check the ball size against the standards found at www.fifa.com. The best material for your ball depends on the type of surface you'r...more

Championship Betting Review - 26 February 2006

...Reading ended Preston North Ends 22-match unbeaten run at the Madjeski stadium. Steve Sidwell opened the scoring for the 7/10 Royals after six minutes but Calum Davidson equalised almost immediately. Leory Lita netted the winning goal for Stev Coppells side on the stroke of half time.

Sheffield United lost ground on Reading after losing 3-2 at Brammall Lane to Queens Park Rangers. Marc Nygaard gave the Hoops a sixth minute lead but the 1/2 lead 2-1 through Ade Akinbiyi on 21 and a Marc Bircham own goal eight minutes later. But 5/1 outsiders Rangers leve...more

Championship Betting Review - 13 February 2006

...Reading stretched their lead at the top of the Championship to 12 points with a professional victory over struggling Southampton on Friday evening.

The bookmakers were taking no chances and the Royals were a best-priced 4/9 to win their third match in a row and first half goals from Leroy Lita and Kevin Doyle justified that decision. The Saints are now winless in six matches and could find themselves dragged into a relegation battle.

Sheffield United dropped more points with a goalless draw at Plymouth Argyle. Following their 4-1 drubbing at Brammall Lane by Watford in midweek, the Blade...more

Soccer Drills Kids Will Love!

...re and more players should gradually enter and cross the square. As in many soccer drills, repetition is the key. This is one of the soccer drills to help make children concentrate on the direction they are headed in and where other players are in relation to them, otherwise called traffic.

ball Control: Driving School

You will need a lot of space (at least 20 square yards) to play this game and complete this drill. Similar to many soccer drills, every player has his/her own ball. By making sure everyone has their own ball during soccer drills, you will give them responsibility and they will be less likely to lose interest in watching others practice as they observe. In this drill, you (the coach) are the driving instructor. The players must do exactly what yo...more

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