Category: Soccer

Introduction

Soccer is a game that is played by two teams that are comprised of eleven players each. The sport has a large following in the whole world compared to the other sporting activities. The soccer world cup is held after every four consecutive years since 1930. The event takes one month to be completed because there are normally 32 teams competing for the same trophy.

The most recent world cup was played in South Africa in 2010, and it involved several theoretical terms in marketing, including repackage, re-imagine, and restructure. Repackaging is the process of changing a product into a more attractive form. Re-imagine involves re-thinking on the marketing strategies previously followed and coming up with new strategies for product improvement, which can be achieved through restructuring. Therefore, this paper discusses how South Africa was marketed for soccer world cup.

Soccer World Cup in South Africa

According to Deutsche Welle (2006), soccer world cup was an important occasion because for the first time in history the event was held in an African state. The government of South Africa took advantage of this occasion to market itself as a tourist destination. The host had to create an African impression in every aspect from architectural designs of the stadiums to the opening ceremony because the event was to be held in Africa.

From the day South Africa was assigned the role of hosting the world cup, the government had to adequately prepare for the event. The preparations entailed conducting a research on the environment to identify its weaknesses and strengths.

This meant that South Africa had to evaluate their facilities and identify whether their current facilities would satisfy the needs of the visitors so that they would want to come back after the event was over. Ignoring the issue of facilities would work against the objectives of marketing South Africa as the preferred tourist destination.

For instance, the countrys infrastructure had to be restructured to meet international standards because by then the transport system could not have accommodated the visitors without creating a traffic crisis. New stadiums had to be constructed before the commencement of the event, but then in as much as South Africa was more concerned about the event, it was also concerned about how it would benefit from the event. This is because for a period of one month their currency would be very active and stable due to its high demand.

In addition, the country would earn a lot of revenue and the common people will benefit from employment opportunities that will arise during the construction of roads and stadiums. The security of the state had to be enhanced so that the visitors do not go through bad experiences while in the streets because if they are mugged or something like that they would certainly not come back. All these and many more upgrading had to be done so that visitors would feel like they are in their mother country.

What Was To Be Done

The government of South Africa could not have achieved the goal of holding soccer world cup alone and thus, it had to partner with key industry players in the tourism sector and other ministries. This was found to be the most relevant option because the tourism board is the most experienced in such matters.

South Africa had to carry out a survey to find out the attitude that those who have been there before had about the destination in general; thus, the officials re-imagined the approaches of holding the event. The findings were to be compared to the success that the destination had achieved in history.

Attitude is considered crucial in destination marketing because if it is positive, it has to be maintained and vice versa. Morgan, Pritchard, and Pride (2004) argue that South Africa looked at other destinations where the same event was held and identified what was available for the visitors.

For South Africa to succeed in its mission of luring more tourists it had to go an extra mile beyond what the other previous hosts. The efforts made here are worth because it takes a lot of time to attract customers and very little time to loose them, and because South Africa is considered to be the most developed state among African nations, it had to re-imagine the advancement in this event.

In addition, being the first African country to host the event, it had to set a good legacy that is to be followed by other African states. This was one of the most appropriate opportunities for Africa to demonstrate its skills and abilities. In this regard, the marketing of a destination is directed to a particular group because its not everybody who can afford to travel oversees.

It is also important to note that the marketing of a destination is not only meant for attracting tourists, but investors and other interests. Pike (2008) reckons that this is because this soccer event is attended by people from all walks of life and when they are in the host country they will most probably look for opportunities that can be explored.

However, their decision rests on the impression they will get as they walk around. Tourists are moved by the attractions they find in a country and if they cannot access the said sites such as the national parks, they would not want to come back. Furthermore, potential investors can be discouraged if there is high level of insecurity.

Elements of Destination Marketing

All of the above activities require a lot of money and there is no guarantee that the money will be recovered in the near future, hence when the government was making the adjustments, there are a few things that were be considered. Pike (2008) suggest that the government must analyze the probability of gaining from the event by computing the number of people present and also the number of people who may show up. The government had to calculate the rough amount each person would spend.

When marketing a destination, it is important to consider the products that are in that destination. In the case of South Africa, the main products are transport, investments such as real estate, and other food products. The marketer of a destination must choose an appropriate approach of displaying the products of the destination to the tourists to be.

When the products are being showcased, the cost of the products should be subsidized, just for the sake of attracting customers. Having high price tags may send customers away because most of them may not afford to pay for such products; but the good thing about the commodities that are sold in tourism industry is that they have unlimited shelf life.

Therefore, it is advisable to establish pricing policies to regulate the tourism market. This may sound illogical because in the tourism, businesses operate as independent entities, but then the customers do not categorize them in that manner  they analyze them collectively. Lubbe (2003) states that the prices should be set in such a way that even when there are changes in future, the industry will remain stable without having to hastily hike prices.

The other approach is based on the place where the products are exhibited. In this approach the government together with stakeholders in tourism identifies an entity that is probably an organization that interacts regularly with the potential customers. This is because while a tourist is having his/her meal in a food joint he/she would be excited if there was adequate of products to choose from.

Promotional Strategy

Appropriate approaches should be employed in the marketing of South Africa as a tourist destination. This is necessary because it is the only way of reaching the desired customers.

South Africa used almost all the elements of promotional approaches. For instance, the soccer world cup was used as the basis for advertising the other tourism products in this destination, including entertainment, hotels and beaches among many others. The adverts were done through the media and the Internet. The Internet was the most effective tool because it is accessed by millions of people from all over the world.

The main target was the people who had come to watch the tournament, but there were others who had come for business purposes. In addition to that there are others who had come to visit their friends and relatives. Furthermore, marketers repackaged their products to include the soccer world cup logo. This increased the attractiveness of the products because repackaging created an appealing experience to customers.

Challenges in Destination Marketing

The act of marketing a destination may sound easy to the parties that are not involved, but to the concerned parties it is a very challenging task. Olton (2006) explains that politics are known to affect markets and therefore the government of South Africa had to ensure that politics do not obstruct the soccer event because it would portray a negative image of the state.

In fact, one year prior to the soccer event there were violent riots that were directed towards foreigners of African origin. This was a major blow because those who would have wanted to invest in South Africa had to look for alternative locations. The government had to control the riots so that the event could be completed successfully.

Furthermore, many privately owned enterprises in the tourism sector were not willing to invest in destination promotion because they have a common attitude that their participation would be benefiting their competitors. They had to be informed on how they would benefit from the event as a way of motivate them to actively participate in the initiative. The communities in South Africa had high expectations on the event, such as business opportunities.

Many people were busy selling merchandise in the streets. It is certain that the resources that are found in South Africa are linked to a community and therefore these communities had to be integrated into destination marketing. Some of them had to be trained to work as tour guides and entertainers because they are experienced in their respective terrains. This was meant to make them help in the conservation of natural resources because their livelihoods was and still depends on tourism.

Benefits of Destination Marketing

Baker (2011) argues that there are so many benefits that come along with destination marketing. One is that the destination has higher chances of being awarded the contract to host global events in future. For instance, South Africa is currently looking forward towards hosting the forthcoming Olympics. This is because the soccer world cup provided a window of opportunity for South Africa to gauge its abilities in managing such events.

Additionally, industry players enjoy a larger market share because there are many customers who need their products and hence, they do not have to reduce their prices to attract customers from their competitors. In the final end, the industry players earn more profits due to increase in product sales. Besides, if South Africa encountered any crisis in future, it would be easier to recover because it is a recognized brand in the tourism market.

Conclusion

All parties involved in destination marketing should think positively to avoid being discouraged by possible setbacks. Now that South Africa was able to host the soccer world cup successfully, the focus should now shift to attracting foreign investors and hosting other events without focusing only on sporting events.

South Africa is the most recognized tourist destination in Africa, possibly due to its advanced infrastructure and a stable economy. In essence, South Africa was restructured and soccer products repackaged to meet the expectations of soccer fans. Therefore, once the desired position in the market has been achieved, it has to be maintained because there is stiff competition in the market. This means that the government and industry must continue to upgrade the infrastructure and the other facilities to meet international standards.

References

Baker, B., 2011. Challenges and Rewards of Destination Marketing. Web.

Deutsche Welle, 2006. South Africans Promise to be Prepared for 2010 Cup. Web.

Lubbe, B., 2003.Tourism Management in Southern Africa. Cape Town: Pearson Education.

Morgan,N., Pritchard, A. and Pride, R., 2004. Destination Branding: Creating the Unique Destination Proposition. Burlington, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Olton, L. V., 2006. How to Develop an Effective Destination Marketing Plan. Web.

Pike, S. (2008). Destination Marketing: An Integrated Marketing Communication Approach, Burlington: MA, Butterworth-Heinemann.

In the fundamental studies of recent years, among the priority areas for developing the problem of increasing the effectiveness of tactical training of young football players, they need to build training based on age patterns of competitive and training volumes of the versatility of technique and tactics of the game is highlighted. In the modern theory of sports training, technical readiness is characterized by the degree of mastering by the athlete of the movement system corresponding to the characteristics of the sport and ensuring the achievement of high sports results (Clemente, 2016).Technical preparedness cannot be considered in isolation, but together with the physical, mental, intellectual, tactical capabilities of the athlete.

It is generally recognized that modern football has largely changed the functions of players, and accordingly the requirements for athletes and their level of preparedness. But as before, the basis of the skill of football players is tactical and technical readiness (Clemente, 2016). In modern football, the intensity of the game increases, which requires the player, first of all, the ability to quickly and effectively perform tactics in an unexpectedly changing environment, time and space. A team that wants to succeed now has to play fast, that is, it must have players who have rational tactics and combine it with speed of movement, which is why some football experts use the term “speed technique” (Clemente, 2016).

The Principles of Physical Fitness

Although all this seems like a boring and far-fetched theory, it’s the basis. And this basis is important for the formation of a high-quality complex of physical fitness.

The principle of unity of special and general physical training are:

• The fact that the training of soccer players uses exercises from special physical training and general physical preparation (GP).
• Special physical training is a set of exercises with a set of specific tactical and technical actions. There is even a common misconception that all modern-day coaches’ footballers train exclusively “with the ball”, and physical fitness exercises are few. But, as practice shows, it is impossible to completely abandon the OFP (Clemente, 2016).
• Some power qualities, flexibility, speed and coordination, endurance, are trained more efficiently with exercises from physical fitness classes. Because these exercises are specialized in developing individual qualities.
• The practice of some children’s trainers shows, for example, good coordination results from 2 lessons per week in dancing. Some clubs use yoga exercises. But more often than not, trainers use the usual techniques of physical conditioning exercises.
• Special exercises are necessary for the development of specific actions. For example, a one-touch pass at high speed. But, again, without good general physical preparation, one cannot talk about special training.

The principle of maximum manifestation of qualities in training

Outwardly, it resembles the principle from the “old school”, but, in fact, it is confirmed by modern observations. The essence of the principle is that in training, game exercises are performed with maximum dedication (maximum loads). Then, in the game, actions will also be performed at maximum. Because the body learns to reveal its capabilities. Without ‘training’ to get the desired performance in the game simply does not work (Clemente, 2016).

The principle of the variability of loads

It is noted that even maximum loads do not always lead to progress. The body ‘gets used to them,’ adapts. As a result, instead of progress, a marked decrease in the level of training. Also, even at a high level, it can be observed that not all coaches use this principle. And this, in the end, also adds to the number of injuries. In addition, this principle is designed to consider the speed of recovery of soccer players after matches. It is different for everyone and certain changes are needed. Hence the following principle (Clemente, 2016).

The principle of an individual approach.

Of course, we are talking about using this principle to a reasonable extent. Most actions, in modern soccer, are group. Therefore, someone, during training combinations, will work ‘to the limit’, and someone at 80%. And here it is individually difficult to approach. However, reasonable individualization is needed. It allows you to focus on those qualities of a particular soccer player that are lagging behind (Clemente, 2016).For example, one needs more work on speed, the other on endurance. Also, the principle of an individual approach is used for players after an injury.

The principle of repeatability or cyclicality

The essence of cyclicity in repeating a set of exercises, general approaches, etc. at certain intervals – cycles. It is usually customary to divide the gaps into microcycles (inter-game), mesocycles (middle cycles) and macrocycles. For what purpose? The fact is that in each cycle certain training tasks are solved. For the convenience of organizing the training process, periodicity is also used. A microcycle, most often, is a weekly interval. It consists of a recovery period (for those who played in the previous match), a period of intense training and a recovery period before the game (Clemente, 2016).

Recovery periods do not mean rest. Ideally, the day after the match, players go through a whole range of procedures (from running to massage) to speed up the recovery process. Before the game, usually, the load is 50-65% of the maximum (peak). Peak loads are reached during the period of intensive preparation. During the period of intensive preparation, the trainer can solve both urgent and strategic tasks. For example, as an urgent task, there may be a quick draw of certain combinations. And in the context of strategic tasks – training speed qualities, both by means of general physical training and special exercises (Dello Iacono, 2017).

The task of the coaching staff is much more complicated. Special means of intensifying recovery processes are used. The match itself, in the middle of the week, is, in fact, a ‘peak’ part of the microcycle. As if on this day there was a workout with maximum load. Nevertheless, modern clubs and coaches are simply obliged to have a sufficiently wide and deep composition for rotation. Otherwise, injuries and a general decline are inevitable. In many cases, a recession can begin, for example, in the next season or even a couple of seasons after the team has made obvious progress (Dello Iacono, 2017).

The macrocycle consists of preparatory, competitive and transitional periods. Here, too, have their own moments. During the preparatory period, the volume of training first increases, and only then does the intensity of the exercises increase. First, exercises on general physical exercises prevail, and then the proportion of special exercises (technical and tactical) grows. In Europe, the preparatory period includes friendly and “exhibition” matches (various kinds of commercial tours in North America and Asia). Therefore, it is believed that in Western Europe there are 4 periods, preparation for the season, “rolling in the season”, competitive and final (Dello Iacono, 2017).

During the transition period, after the actual end of the season, ideally, teams should not immediately go on vacation. There is a gradual decrease in loads. First of all, players need psychological, emotional relief. Many clubs, for this, conduct a series of friendly matches. But experts also suggest using non-soccer, but sports hobbies of players. By the way, the approach to cycles in physical fitness in South and Latin America is somewhat different. Especially in countries where they play according to the “two championships” system in a year (Dello Iacono, 2017).

The principle ‘from simple to complex’

Both the development of exercises and certain tactical and technical actions should be built from simple to complex. Although this seems quite obvious, many trainers ignore this principle. Especially those who have just accepted the team (Dello Iacono, 2017).However, sometimes you can understand the coaches because they require a quick result.

Continuity of physical fitness

The players are “people too”, and small pauses, days of a violation of the regime, are permissible. But only if they are planned and, not surprisingly, are part of a physical fitness plan. But if a soccer player begins to deviate from certain attitudes and recommendations, then everything becomes worse (Dello Iacono, 2017).And no “increased intensity’ will return the player to its former level. Maybe after a certain time. But, in practice, many players fail to return.

In practice, even in top clubs, they do not always follow the principles described above. It should be noted that the unpredictability factor intervenes in the theory. Although this does not at all cancel the importance of strategic planning for the season. The head coach should clearly develop a tournament strategy, options for possible changes. This is a big risk. But, as practice shows, it is better to have a strategy than not to have it (Dello Iacono, 2017).

Training methods

The task of training is to obtain a certain effect, result. Of course, in practice, the training tasks are specific. But here, in this section, it is important to understand what the effect of training depends on. Of course, it depends on various factors. But one of these factors is the training method. There are two main methods for organizing a workout: continuous and intermittent.

All training tasks, conditionally, can be divided into two types:

• Achievement of functional shifts.
• Achievement of tactical and technical shifts.

If the coach wants to get functional shifts (speed, strength, endurance), then he uses the method of continuous training. The essence of the method is that the player is given a specific task, which he performs without pauses. The intensity of the load can be either constant or variable, low and high. If the intensity is low, then these are, as a rule, exercises that are aimed at recovery. High intensity and load indicate the desire of the coach to get progress on a specific parameter or several parameters (Belozo, 2018).

The variable intensity of the exercise is aimed at adapting to real game loads. For example, the scheme: acceleration – step – run – acceleration (Belozo, 2018). It is important, for example, the accuracy of the pass, the speed of processing the ball, the completion of the game combined with an accurate shot. Then the trainer uses the intermittent training method. That is, between exercises pauses are made and the players, for some time, are in a state of complete rest to restore functions. The tactical and technical exercises require clear spatial-temporal coordination of actions, which also depends on accuracy (Belozo, 2018). If the accuracy decreases due to fatigue, especially against the background of a high intellectual load (a difficult combination), then the effect of the exercise is also. Since, in fact, the exercise itself will not be performed. Therefore, pauses for recovery are important. Trainers do not choose any one method. They come from certain tasks and goals, for example, for a match, for a certain tournament period, etc. And for this period one or another method is used, even as part of a microcycle (Belozo, 2018).

After the match, the method of continuous training with low intensity and a small amount of exercise for recovery. Then the method of continuous training with constant intensity to obtain the effect on the endurance parameter. Then, at the peak of the cycle, continuous training with variable intensity. Before the match, training with breaks to practice the game in the game with a specific opponent (Belozo, 2018).

Training and Practice

In order to effectively use space and time, the trainer can use various forms of exercise.

Front: All players perform the same exercise, usually across the court. The advantages and disadvantages are obvious. The coach can see all the players well, but there are few options for an individual approach to each player.

Group training on points: Players are divided into groups, each of which performs certain exercises on a certain part of the field (hall or terrain, depending not only on the place but also on the training tasks). Coaches can divide players into groups according to various principles. For example, on groups of the defensive and attacking plans. Or a group of major players and a “reserve.’ In the context of group training, the coach sets individual players individual tasks. But, also, the coach can focus on teamwork to build mutual understanding, for example, between central defenders or the entire line of defense, including the goalkeeper. The obvious disadvantage of this method is that it is difficult to evaluate the load as a whole for the team. Also, the coach is forced to concentrate on individual groups, excluding observation of other groups of players (Belozo, 2018).

Pendulum training: A type of group training in which players are divided into groups and groups into subgroups. Subgroups, after doing the exercises, change places. Often this method is used in tactical and technical training (Belozo, 2018).

Circular training: Players are divided into groups that perform exercises at specific points. At the command of the trainer (usually after a certain time), groups in a circle go to the next point. This method is often used when high-intensity training is needed. During transitions and after passing the circle, as a rule, pauses are insignificant or absent. But here we need a very clear organization of the training and high commitment from the players. However, the coach himself must be careful. Excessive intensity will have negative consequences (Belozo, 2018).

Cardiovascular Endurance: Cardiovascular endurance is the ability of the human body to utilize and transport oxygen, the process involves lungs, heart, blood circulatory and respiratory system to take in oxygen and remove waste products from the body during exercise. It can be defined as the proportion of vo2 max at which a player can perform and sustain for twenty minutes of exercise (Belozo, 2018).Cardiovascular endurance is an important thing to consider in all sports for better performance, recovery, and training of athletes. Stronger cardiovascular endurance represents the longevity and fitness of players that how long they can do exercise and how fit they are at playground without any fatigue.

Components of fitness: Fitness of a player can be defined by two main components. First component of fitness is related to health that includes muscular endurance, strength, cardiovascular endurance, body composition and flexibility (Belozo, 2018). Second component of fitness is related to skills of player including agility, power, speed, reaction time, coordination and balance. Health is defined as the state of complete mental, social and physical well-being and absence of infirmity and disease. There are many factors affecting health of an individual, almost everything that we encounter, eat, think etc. every day is influential to health. For a soccer player, fitness includes physical fitness, mental fitness, nutritional fitness, emotional and social fitness. According to chief medical officer from department of health, Dr Liam Donaldson, ten important tips are necessary to adopt by soccer player to keep fit. These tips include

• Stop smoking and if you can’t stop then reduce consumption of tobacco
• Healthy diet is necessary for players that contain balanced amount of nutrition with plenty of vegetables and fruits.
• Adopt daily routine full of physical activities
• Manage time for yourself and avoid stress by talking about things that make you happy.
• Don’t drink alcohol excessively.
• Stay away from bright sun and sunburn
• Safe sex is necessary to keep yourself healthy
• Take screening tests regularly for any disease
• Learn basic health concerns and first aid like breathing, circulation, and airways
• Follow highway codes and be safe on road

Overtraining

While training the soccer players it is important to note that the players should not be trained intensively, because it may hinder their performance in the ground. Overtraining is a phenomenon that makes a player restless and addicted. It is also estimated that, overtraining is the major cause of mental and psychological issues (Strudwick, 2016). Players may do not find any improvement in performance that further deteriorate their abilities. Overtraining issues can be improved through proper rest, diet and realistic training and performance goals. Rest is the important strategy that may improve the performance of the athlete (Strudwick, 2016).

Bibliography

1. Belozo, F. L. (2018). Effect of game format on the intensity of soccer training. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte.
2. Clemente, F. M. (2016). Small-Sided and Conditioned Games in Soccer Training. Springer, Singapore.
3. Dello Iacono, A. M. (2017). Game profile-based training in soccer: a new field approach. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
4. Strudwick, T. (2016). Soccer Science. Human Kinetics.

References

1. Belozo, F. L. (2018). Effect of game format on the intensity of soccer training. Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte.
2. Clemente, F. M. (2016). Small-Sided and Conditioned Games in Soccer Training. Springer, Singapore.
3. Dello Iacono, A. M. (2017). Game profile-based training in soccer: a new field approach. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.
4. Strudwick, T. (2016). Soccer Science. Human Kinetics.

Soccer, known as football in most parts of the world, is the globe’s most popular sport, engaging billions of fans with its exciting gameplay and unifying spirit. In the United States, soccer has been steadily growing, catching up with other major American sports like basketball, baseball, and American football.

History of Soccer in the USA

Soccer was introduced to the United States in the late 19th century, but its real ascendancy didn’t begin until the late 20th century. The sport’s early history was characterized by fleeting interest and shaky leagues struggling to sustain against the already established sports. The formation of the North American Soccer League (NASL) in the 1960s, a pioneering professional platform, sowed the seeds for soccer’s growth in the USA. However, the NASL’s lifespan was short-lived, folding in 1984 due to financial instability. The inception of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the 1990s provided the steady groundwork necessary for the professional development and recognition of soccer.

The Impact of Major League Soccer (MLS)

The establishment of MLS in 1996 was a turning point for American soccer. This league has been a critical catalyst for the sport’s domestic growth, providing a high-quality professional platform that has developed local talent, attracted international stars, and increased the sport’s visibility and prestige. With a current roster of 27 clubs and plans for further expansion, MLS has demonstrated an increasing appetite for soccer in the USA. The league’s focus on building state-of-the-art soccer-specific stadiums, its successful franchise model, and its strategy of cultivating local and international talent have resulted in steady growth in attendance figures and TV ratings, securing soccer’s place in the sports landscape.

Key Moments and Figures in American Soccer

Several key moments and figures have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of soccer in America. Hosting the 1994 FIFA World Cup was a significant milestone that boosted soccer’s profile and interest domestically. This event laid the groundwork for the establishment of MLS two years later. On the international stage, the U.S Women’s National Team’s exceptional success, including four World Cup titles, has been a source of national pride and a major factor in popularizing the sport.

Iconic players have also made their mark. Landon Donovan’s successful career, both at home in the MLS and abroad, has inspired many. Mia Hamm, with her extraordinary achievements, has been a role model for countless aspiring female soccer players. More recently, Christian Pulisic’s exploits in Europe’s top leagues have elevated the perception of American soccer talent and inspired a new generation of players.

The Future of Soccer

Soccer’s steady growth trajectory in the USA suggests a promising future. Youth participation rates in soccer are higher than ever, signaling the sport’s increasing popularity among the next generation. The U.S. Men’s National Team is demonstrating its growing prowess, with a promising crop of young players playing in top European leagues.

Looking forward, the increased visibility of American players in international leagues, further development of the MLS, and potential greater success at the World Cup level are likely to propel soccer’s popularity and prestige in the USA. Investments in grassroots programs, infrastructural development, and player development pathways will continue to strengthen the foundation of the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the growth of soccer is a testament to the universal appeal of this beautiful game. Its popularity is increasing, and the future holds great promise. As more Americans don their cleats or cheer from the stands, the USA is set to become an increasingly significant player in the global soccer arena. Once seen as an outsider in the American sports landscape, soccer is finding its home, creating a vibrant and diverse sporting culture that is uniquely American.

Rachel’s Day

Rachel’s day was a combination of coping with work-related tasks and procrastinating. However, keeping in mind that she is a project manager, what seems as procrastination at first sight may be carrying out work functions. Therefore, except for several questionable moments, Rachel’s day was effective. The level of efficiency can be described as moderate because it was effective from the perspective of completed tasks and ineffective in view of planning work and time spent for completing tasks.

There are at least two reasons for coming to this conclusion. To begin with, Rachel gets distracted easily. Checking e-mail and voice messages, communicating with colleagues, spending some time on her own (listening to music and taking a walk) are just some of the examples of procrastination. Nevertheless, she is a project manager. From this perspective, completing sociocultural tasks is one of her functions. In this case, communicating with colleagues is one of the sociocultural tasks. Even though most of time was spent gossiping, it still enhances communication between team members and fosters trust in the workplace.

Speaking of e-mails and voice messages, they might have been sent by the customers. In this way, negotiating and meeting customer expectations are other sociocultural functions of a project manager (Larson and Clifford 15). On the other hand, Rachel spent the rest of the day working on the project and negotiating with colleagues on different aspects of her project as well as sharing the latest news with her team and senior management. From this perspective, she conducted both sociocultural (negotiating and leadership) and technological (preparing and reviewing reports, updating on the status of her projects and schedules, etc.) functions. To sum up, even though Rachel has not started her working day earlier like she planned to and stayed at work till late, functionally, her day was spent effectively.

Deliverables in the Project

The major deliverable of the project is a summer invitational soccer tournament. It is chosen as the central deliverable because the successful organization of the tournament is the most desirable outcome of the project. This major deliverable is inseparable from several smaller ones – subdeliverables. They are smaller-scale objectives of the project that help achieve the major outcome. In case of this tournament, the success in organizing it is connected to justice on the soccer field and active promotion of the event so that teams are motivated to participate, while young people are interested in visiting it. The subdeliverables involve more desired outcomes. To achieve the subdeliverables mentioned above, it is essential to hire professional referees for guaranteeing justice and attract local artists, as well as offer some souvenirs for visitors, to make the event attractive. In order to obtain a better understanding of the deliverables of the projects, developing a work breakdown structure (WBS) is advisable. WBS for the case under consideration is shown in figure 1 below.

There are some significant issues with the project under consideration. First and foremost, costs are higher than planned by the senior management. In addition, more time is needed for developing and designing the new laser printer. In order to cut the time, additional costs will be needed. At this point, being a project manager, it is critical to inform the senior management of the challenges identified during the estimations. It is imperative to keep in mind that estimations were necessary in order to determine whether the project is likely to become a success and worth investing in, i.e. whether it should be launched (Larson and Clifford 127). From this perspective, communicating with the senior management is a direct responsibility of a project manager regardless of the potential reaction to the news.

Reasons for Justifying a Decision

Once the findings are reported, the decision is to recommend outsourcing technology design. This decision can be explained by several major reasons. First of all, the company does not have enough funds for financing design by its specialists. Outsourcing may help cope with this challenge. In this case, there is an opportunity to decrease the costs so that they are even lower than planned. In addition, outsourcing design may help to reduce time needed for developing and introducing the new product so that company’s reputation is not jeopardized. Finally, outsourcing is another way to improve design due to the opportunity to collect new opinions on the project and ideas to improve the design and the product.

Still, it is essential to note that once the estimations are shared with senior management, it is essential to point to the human factor – the risks of errors in estimations (Larson and Clifford 128). In this case, the idea is to offer additional estimations of time and costs so that these risks are eliminated and the senior management is confident in the made decision.

Work Cited

Larson, Eric W., and Clifford F. Gray. Project Management: The Managerial Process. 5th ed., McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2011.

Female soccer players are to the same training activities as their male counterparts in the current times. Soccer is an intensive activity that extensively utilizes various body muscles. Thus, it is important to undertake serious training to improve the preparedness of players. Fischetti et al. (2019) note that plyometrics is a popular training activity that trainers use to enhance jump performance capabilities of their players. Moreover, it has been proved that plyometric training is an effective method for improving agility, running economy, sprint ability, and strength while playing (Fischetti et al., 2019). Besides, trainers have adopted plyometric training to protect their players from getting knee injuries as it improves landing mechanics and increases knee flexion as well as hamstrings activity, thereby reducing the landing force (Stojanović et al., 2017). Thus, this literature review aims to determine the effectiveness of plyometric training as an intervention to increase vertical jump or jump performance ability in adult female elite soccer players.

Table 1 – characteristic of included PT Studies.

Findings

The studies involved in this critical literature review aim at exploring plyometric training in improving the effectiveness of adult female soccer players. In particular, this training is regarded as an intervention to enhance vertical jump or jump performance ability in some studies, such as Fischetti et al. (2019), Ozbar et al. (2014), and Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018). The other articles provide a wider look at the importance of explosive training on physical well-being, strength, and speed of soccer players, including Campo et al. (2009) and Ozbar (2015). Nevertheless, the results of all the studies are taken into account to ensure the comprehensiveness of this literature review. The empirical research is applied by all the involved authors, which makes their findings critical for formulating relevant recommendations.

Jump performance capabilities were confirmed to improve in all the studies except the one by Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018), who found the implementation of plyometric training is not associated with the extra impacts on female soccer players. Based on Maximal kicking velocity (MKV) and 15-m linear sprint-time tests, the authors stated that one session per week during eight weeks is not effective. On the contrary, Ozbar (2015) claims that two sessions per week for ten weeks allowed for increasing the overall strength of the study participants. In this study, the players were tested according to anthropometric, running speed, and peak power tests, which reflects the comprehensiveness of testing since several methods were used. Likewise Ozbar (2015), Campo et al. (2009) referred to standard anthropometric testing, which makes it possible to compare these studies in more details. In turn, Ozbar et al. (2014) also included a set of tests, such as a 20-m sprint test, peak power test, and jump test to either verify or reject their hypothesis. A distinctive method of the countermovement jump height (cm) and agility T-test time (s) tests was used by (Fischetti et al., 2019). Accordingly, the evidence shows that there a great variety of tests to measure the effectiveness of plyometric training, and it complicates the comparative analysis of studies.

Speaking of testing methodology, it should also be stated that all the studies except Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018) included professional and elite soccer players. In particular, the article by Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018) presents the results of amateur female soccer players, Fischetti et al. (2019) and Campo et al. (2009) investigated elite players, Ozbar (2015) – professional players, and Ozbar (2014) – players from the Women Second League. These variances demonstrate that the outcomes of professional and amateur players cannot be directly compared since their motivations are different. While non-professionals play on weekends to have pleasure, elite players are interested in winning and showing the best results. Therefore, the findings of Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018) cannot be considered reliable regarding the chosen topic of this review.

The sample size of all the studies is relatively small, which limits the generalization of the results. In particular, the average sample size is 18-20 participants, who were divided into the plyometric and control groups. The fact that all the included studies have a small size should be taken with caution when providing any recommendations for further research and practice. In addition, this fact prioritizes the need for the future empirical studies with a greater number of respondents. Nevertheless, these studies serve as a convincing starting point for more work in the field of sports studies since they set the tendencies and practical applications that are discussed at the end of this paper.

All of the studies included two groups of participants, whose results were compared and contrasted. However, the study by Ozbar (2015) did not allow the participants of the control group to train, which means that the positive results can be attributed only to additional load. In this case, there is a lack of special adaptation of the environment to plyometric training. Other studies report that the members of the control group were also active, and the study by Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018) also ensured the involvement of amateur soccer players in sports. Another factor of reliability is a blinding nature of the study, which was conducted only by Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018), while other studies avoided blinded experiments. It would be better if they also included this feature since it minimizes possible biases. The information about the type of intervention is available only to the researcher, and the data is shared only after the experiments.

The standardization of the processes that are involved in the study is one more issue that allows evaluating the extent of reliability. All of the studies clarified the steps they took to standardize their procedures. Ozbar (2014) and Ozbar (2015), for example, mention that they standardize the warm-up period and testing points. Ramirez-Campillo et al. (2018) introduced standard exercises and some extensions to make sure that all the participants perform the same actions. In Fischetti et al. (2019), the same leaders conducted testing and evaluation procedures. A 2-step run-up was adopted by Campo et al. (2009), where females were asked to repeat the kicks, but keep the speed. Thus, in terms of the standardization issue, all the studies are reliable.

As for the theoretical provisions of this literature review, there is a need for future research that should include large sample sizes, as well as elaborated designs with intervention and control groups, where the latter should also be engaged in sports. To ensure reliability, it is important to consider the issues of standardization, generalization, and validity. It is also beneficial to provide some recommendations for practical implications. For example, Campillo et al. (2018) states that based on the results of their study, it is recommended to improve soccer kick performance by means of plyometric training. In turn, Ozbar (2014) and Ozbar (2015) suggest that the mentioned format of training improves strength conditioning and peak power, jump, and sprinting, respectively. While not all of the reviewed studies are found to be reliable, they provide valuable insights into the organization and evaluation of such training. It should be emphasized that trainers should adjust the process of training to the needs of their female soccer players, so that it would be effective for them.

Conclusion

Several studies have shown that plyometric training affects significantly the jump performance ability of female elite soccer players. Various authors argued that neuromuscular factors improve muscular coordination when athletes train at an explosive strength around a specific velocity. Besides, some authors have also stated that the improvement of a player’s jumping ability can be caused by the knee flexion angle and specificity of exercises during strength training. Women can benefit from multicomponent neuromuscular training as opposed to strength training because they have lower baseline levels of explosive strengths compared to male soccer players. While research has shown that plyometric training plays an important role in enhancing the physical performances of female soccer athletes, several studies focus on how those training effects performance enhancements. The improvement of performance is caused by various neuromuscular adaptations.

Practical Application

Based on this literature review, plyometric training enhances power performances of athletes. For instance, such training can increase an athlete’s power performances as well as their maximal jumping. Besides, young females can benefit from such training activities as they will be less prone to injuries while playing. Thus, most trainers should adopt plyometric training to protect their players from getting knee injuries as it improves landing mechanics and increases knee flexion as well as hamstrings activity, thereby reducing the landing force. Although there exists a greater difference in the effectiveness of performances between male and female soccer players, it can improve female soccer players’ repeated jumping abilities.

References

Bishop, C., Pereira, L. A., Reis, V. P., Read, P., Turner, A. N., & Loturco, I. (2020). Comparing the magnitude and direction of asymmetry during the squat, countermovement and drop jump tests in elite youth female soccer players.Journal of Sports Sciences, 38(11-12), 1296-1303. Web.

Bishop, C., Read, P., McCubbine, J., & Turner, A. N. (2018). Vertical and horizontal asymmetries are related to slower sprinting and jump performance in elite youth female soccer players.Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Web.

Bogdanis, G. C., Donti, O., Papia, A., Donti, A., Apostolidis, N., & Sands, W. A. (2019). Effect of plyometric training on jumping, sprinting and change of direction speed in child female athletes.Sports, 7(5), 116. Web.

Campo, S. S., Vaeyens, R., Philippaerts, R. M., Redondo, J. C., de Benito, A. M., & Cuadrado, G. (2009). Effects of lower-limb plyometric training on body composition, explosive strength, and kicking speed in female soccer players.The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 23(6), 1714-1722. Web.

Delvaux, F., Schwartz, C., Rodriguez, C., Forthomme, B., Kaux, J. F., & Croisier, J. L. (2020). Preseason assessment of anaerobic performance in elite soccer players: Comparison of isokinetic and functional tests.Sports Biomechanics, 1-15. Web.

Fischetti, F., Cataldi, S., & Greco, G. (2019). Lower-limb plyometric training improves vertical jump and agility abilities in adult female soccer players.Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 19(2), 1254-1261. Web.

Markovic, G. (2007). Does plyometric training improve vertical jump height? A meta-analytical review.British Journal of Sports Medicine, 41(6), 349-355. Web.

Ozbar, N. (2015). Effects of plyometric training on explosive strength, speed and kicking speed in female soccer players.The Anthropologist, 19(2), 333-339. Web.

Ozbar, N., Ates, S., & Agopyan, A. (2014). The effect of 8-week plyometric training on leg power, jump and sprint performance in female soccer players.The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 28(10), 2888-2894. Web.

Ramirez-Campillo, R., García-Pinillos, F., García-Ramos, A., Yanci, J., Gentil, P., Chaabene, H., & Granacher, U. (2018). Effects of different plyometric training frequencies on components of physical fitness in amateur female soccer players.Frontiers in Physiology, 9, 934. Web.

Rodríguez-Lorenzo, L., Fernandez-del-Olmo, M., Sanchez-Molina, J. A., & Martín-Acero, R. (2016). Role of vertical jumps and anthropometric variables in maximal kicking ball velocities in elite soccer players.Journal of Human Kinetics, 53(1), 143-154. Web.

Rosas, F., Ramírez-Campillo, R., Martínez, C., Caniuqueo, A., Cañas-Jamet, R., McCrudden, E.,… & Loturco, I. (2017). Effects of plyometric training and beta-alanine supplementation on maximal-intensity exercise and endurance in female soccer players.Journal of Human Kinetics, 58(1), 99-109. Web.

Slimani, M., Paravlić, A., & Bragazzi, N. L. (2017). Data concerning the effect of plyometric training on jump performance in soccer players: A meta-analysis.Data in Brief, 15, 324-334. Web.

Stojanović, E., Ristić, V., McMaster, D. T., & Milanović, Z. (2017). Effect of plyometric training on vertical jump performance in female athletes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Sports Medicine, 47(5), 975-986. Web.

Wang, Y. C., & Zhang, N. (2016). Effects of plyometric training on soccer players.Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 12(2), 550-554. Web.

Introduction

• Soccer has become a major actor in the business sector around the globe today. In fact it has become a major industry worth billions of dollars a year.
• The general purpose is to inform the public about trends in the soccer industry.
• The specific purpose of this informative speech is to inform the audience about the recent trends in the major markets of today’s soccer industry.

The Soccer Industry

The three major markets in the soccer industry are the European market, the Latin American market and the newly emerging North American market.

As now speaking, the European market is the biggest of the soccer industry around the world.

Last year, in 2008, the total amount of the transactions in this market was around 1.2 billion Euros, approximately 2.3 billion US$ (“Richest Soccer Teams”, 1).

European Market

This amount included both player transfer within the market and from other markets (mainly Latin America) along with TV rights and individual or team sponsorship deals with multi-giant corporations.

For example, Manchester United, the actual English Premier League Champion, has a $38 million sponsorship deal with Nike.

Man United’s former star, David Beckham, when at rival Real Madrid, earned millions of dollars in sponsorship from Gillette and Pepsi (“Richest Soccer Teams”, 1).

Even individual soccer clubs are worth hundred of millions if not billions of US$. Most of them are also part of the stock exchange offering investors high rates of return of investment.

For example Manchester United is reckon to be worth 1.3 billion US$, more than the most valuable franchise in the National Football League, the Washington Redskins, and baseball’s most globally recognized team, the New York Yankees (“Richest Soccer Teams, 1).

The European leagues along with the pan-European “Champions League” attract a global audience, unmatched by any other professional team sports (“European Championships”, 1).

This means Europe’s top teams–and stars–attract millions of dollars in sponsorship from many multinational corporations.

Latin American Market

The second biggest market is Latin America.

Last year, in 2008, the total in transactions reached up to 980 million US$ (“Richest Soccer Teams, 2).

Still it is less than half of the value of the European market.

Brazil and Argentina are the two major players in this market. Last year the transactions of transfer of players between these countries and other markets (mainly European) reached more than 400 million US$.

Even though these two countries, and Latin America in general, serve as the main source of talent search for the European teams and not only.

From a survey it resulted that players from Latin America compose the vast majority of non-European players in European leagues (“European Championships”, 2).

Thus, it serves more as a transit market for players who wish to succeed in this industry.

North American Market

The third market to be discussed is the North American market, which is the fastest growing market of the industry.

During the last decade there have been significant investments in the soccer sector mainly in the United States.

Except from infrastructure investments there have been also significant professionalism-increasing investments.

Deals like the deal that L.A. Galaxy made with David Beckham a few years.

Even though worth only 250 million US$ for the moment, the soccer industry in North America is thriving at a very interesting and high growth rate.

Some estimate that with this growing rate and the attracting of professional coaches and players, this market could reach the value of the Latin American market within the next decade (“U.S. Soccer Industry”, 1).

Conclusion

Thus, the purpose of this assignment was to inform the audience about the trends of the major markets within the soccer industry.

The above mentioned facts about the European, Latin American and North American markets meant to fulfill this purpose.

The comparison between the three major markets shows the clear tendency of growth for this industry.

Works Cited

“European Championships”. The Football Industry Magazine. 2009. Web.

“Richest Soccer Teams”. The Forbes Magazine. 2005. Web.

“U.S. Soccer Industry”. The Sport Business Magazine. 2007. Web.

This paper discusses the problems that individuals interested in soccer encounter. As outsiders to the soccer community, you might be unwilling to take the problem into consideration. However, despite the commonalities at the roots of the identified issue, the importance of finding an effective solution is very significant. As the representatives of non-profit organizations, you have a chance to make a change not only for a given soccer team but also to a long-term perspective for the development of this kind of sport in New York City. My goal today is to describe the problem we as a soccer community face, discuss some of the solutions that would help resolve it, and the projections for the future with the benefits for a larger community of sportsmen.

As it has been identified throughout a long time of playing soccer and communicating with other players, the most significant problem that obstructs active participation in this sport is the lack of indoor facilities for soccer in the city. As a direct representative of the community, I might say that this issue hinders the chances of soccer players to achieve professional heights and amateur progress. A field that is equipped with appropriate surfacing, lights, and accommodation is a basic requirement that allows the payers to practice. However, given the particularities of the game, it becomes particularly challenging to engage in an adequate training process during colder seasons when the harsh outdoor conditions are unacceptable, and indoor fields are hard to access.

Although there are several sports complexes and indoor fields that provide services through rent, they are commonly occupied due to a large number of players or operate within a high price range. Regular access to such facilities is difficult for amateurs or young players and children. As a result of the lacking affordable indoor places to train, much of the potential and talent remains unattained and underdeveloped. This problem might seem localized and irrelevant to a bigger community. However, the benefits that the solution might bring would be applicable to more people than those currently in the soccer community. With more indoor fields for the winter season, the consistency, quality, and professionalism of the players would grow significantly, setting a positive example to the whole society. Also, it is an important contribution to the promotion of healthy lifestyles and physical activity in youth.

The advancement in the field of professional soccer has shown that there are multiple ways to arrange properly equipped indoor places for training and playing. Indeed, one of the successful projects within this field is Socceroff. It is a sports complex that incorporates an advanced urban soccer facility and accommodation for sporting events and training (“Sports Complex” par. 1). The facility has “ten small 50’ x 80’ fields with the flexibility to combine two or three fields together; fields are manufactured with next generation synthetic grass materials” (“Sport Complex” par. 2). In addition, there are locker rooms, restrooms, and a lounge zone available to the visitors. Professional coaches are working with youth and children within camp programs. Overall, the organization functions as a full-scale sporting facility that provides a safe and professional environment and support for athletes. However, in the amateur segment of the sport, the shift has not been that significant. The community is currently in need of more similar spaces for soccer training to ensure consistency of practice all year long.

Safety being one of the most important issues in sports, it must be a priority for soccer players in their training environment as well. In such highly organized and professional-led facilities as Socceroof, profit from renting and booking is the source of maintenance and safety risk mitigation. However, less equipped and less business-oriented indoor fields are subject to hindered safety for players. This issue is common in the soccer community across the country. As reported by the Sun-News Editorial Board, the maintenance issues are commonly caused by discrepancies in ownership and management (par. 3-4). Therefore, it is important not only to open new indoor fields but also to ensure proper maintenance of both existing and new ones by means of incorporating private and public means.

As demonstrated with the description of Socceroof, the solution is very realistic and easy to implement given the necessary support. Since the benefits of a new indoor field apply to the whole community of New York City, I consider the involvement of non-profit organizations relevant. A starting point for solving the problem might be fundraising and project promotion among potential investors. The organizations that you represent have a history of successful programs and projects aimed at improving the sporting life in the city. Both adults and children would benefit from a new facility since it will provide a properly equipped safe space for training during the winter season.

Following the example of already functioning facilities such as Socceroof and others, we might achieve more than just an indoor field for soccer. It might be a platform for raising awareness in youth and promoting physical activity in children who are so adversely affected by the diminished mobility of modern life. Affordability and safety should be the guiding points of the project. Notably, “no new facility should be funded without a long-range plan for its maintenance” (Sun-News Editorial Board, par. 14). Therefore, the initiative for opening a new facility should be guided by professionals who would conduct accommodating and either construction or restructuring works under strictly followed standards.

As a beginning of solution-finding, our community has initiated an online questionnaire that demonstrated the persistence of the identified problem and the desire of the community members to contribute their efforts. Since your non-profit organizations are particularly dependent on volunteer work, you might count on us as your potential volunteers. However, without financial support and professional guidance in terms of facility maintenance, our efforts will not bring the anticipated result. Therefore, I encourage you to consider this project as an opportunity to contribute to New York City and add another successful project to your organizational portfolio. You might be drivers of change that will trigger a new turn in the development of soccer in the city.

References

“Sport Complex.”Socceroof. n.d. Web.

Sun-News Editorial Board. “Lack of maintenance at soccer fields a concern.”Las Cruses Sun News, 2018. Web.

Introduction

This paper entails issues as it appertains to soccer. The coverage of the history of this game which is also popularly known as soccer is quite diverse and different ideas have been put across as to where the game originated and its evolution to the current state.

Origin and history

Soccer in America is a relatively new game when compared to other sports. Its popularity is not as in other parts of the world due to many historical factors. Other games dominate the sporting scene and only recently have there been efforts to popularize this sport among American citizens.

Different countries in the world treat soccer differently and as it turned out, it’s difficult to get one standard view on soccer or its future. Everyone who has heard about the game or who knows much about it has a personal opinion on soccer.

History holds it that many cultures played games that resembled soccer but the first format of what evolved to the modern soccer game goes way back to 3000 years ago in Japan. In Japan, a game in which a ball was kicked around a pitch, though a very small one, can be followed back to 1004 B.C. This is got from texts from way back in 50B.C that describe games played between teams from China and those from Japan. The Chinese used a leather ball that was puffed with hair and the same text explains that a soccer game between China and Japan was played in the capital of Japan in 611A.D.

The Romans also played a game that resembled soccer, though a very rough version, in the early Olympics in Rome. In this game, more than half of the players were hospitalized after the matches. It is not known as to when the sport spread from Asia to Europe since historians focused on other issues like war and tended to ignore soccer and other sports.

Later during King Edward of England’s reign of 1307-1327, soccer was banned in England due to the amount of noise the crowds were making as they cheered their teams during the matches that were played in the streets. Laws were put in place for the imprisonment of anyone who would be found playing soccer. However, these laws could not stop the fan’s love for soccer and as a result, they were sanctioned in 1681.

The modern soccer version was created from rugby and rules that governed it also followed those that governed rugby.

Soccer in America dates back to the year 1620 where native Indians used to play a game similar to soccer which they called “Pasuckquakkohwog”. This is according to Pilgrim Fathers who first settled in Portsmouth.

By the year 1820 many colleges in America were playing soccer but no intercollegiate games went on as the rules changed often.

In 1880 British immigrants brought along their soccer teams to America and other parts of the world. They played their games with a lot of enthusiasm thus making the game even more popular among Native Americans.

In 1884, in Newark, the American Football Association was established. And in 1886 it organized the first international game outside British rule, between America and Canada.

The first FIFA world cup

In 1904 Federation Internationale de Football (FIFA) was formed by charter members to oversee the running of soccer in the world and on August 15 1913 the United States Football Association joined FIFA as an associate member.

The first FIFA world cup was played in 1930 and it continued to be held every five years up to date. This first world cup had only thirteen teams participating and ninety thousand football fans watching. The American team which was the highest-ranked to win the cup came third overall as Argentina clinched the cup.

The modern version of soccer

The British are the makers of modern soccer by creating the rules and commercializing the sport in the world. Their league turned out to be the most well organized and popular in the world due to the participation of foreign players in the teams.

The modern version of soccer was introduced to America from Britain by the early from Britain immigrants. Britain being the country that colonized America was not very popular among the Americans at the time and thus anything that was thought to have originated in Britain was also despised. To show that they were free of British rule, Americans, therefore put soccer off. Other games may be quite popular in America yet had been imported from Britain, for example, baseball which was created to be played by children and not adults in Britain, but popularized by the Americans at the time as a way of expressing their uniqueness from the British.

Traditional American “jocks” use soccer hating as their favorite pastime activity. Soccer has been unpopularised in America by anti soccer websites which are financed by other game coaches thus discouraging the youth in America from playing football. They use defaming terms “like soccer is communist”.

Again, America is not known for producing world renowned football players and thus its popularity fails. In continents like Europe and Africa very good players are produced who make a living from playing soccer especially in European clubs. The lack of professional players from America lies in the fact that Americans prefer other sports in which they only need to learn a single skill and become good over soccer where they have to be athletic and still master the skills of the game. Another factor is that Americans prefer high-scoring sports over soccer which is low scoring. The early soccer organizations in America were corrupt and the many scandals that befell soccer then made people view it as a sport that had no future in America thus focusing on other more organized sports.

The media in America gives soccer very little coverage to a level of 2-1 to other sports like baseball and basketball. Also, America is made up of immigrants with different origins who don’t have a sport that unifies them. Soccer seasons take the whole year and thus people figure it as being boring to participate in and opt for other short-season games.

In other countries like Italy and Brazil soccer is very popular and a way of life to them. Soccer in these nations is treated as a matter of life and death. People who take part in playing or in the running of soccer in such nations make good business from their activities. Popular players are usually treated as the countries heroes and run down the countries history books.

The future of soccer looks very promising the world over. Even in countries where soccer is not very popular as in America, efforts are being put in place to popularize the sport. Currently, soccer is ranked as the second most popular sport in America, which is a very good picture. Africa is also catching up with the rest of the world by producing quality players and organizing continental and subcontinental soccer competitions. The evolution of soccer is continuing with the current inclusion of modern technology in refereeing and the creation of new soccer rules by FIFA.

Soccer becomes more and more popular nowadays all over the world. First of all, it is closely connected with the process of commercialization of sports, and huge amounts are invested into the teams, stadiums, players, etc.

Soccer (or football as it is called in the continent of its origin) is considered to be the most popular sport all over the world; in South America, Brasilia, France, U.K people play football, attend football matches, watch matches on TV and discuss them with friends and read updated football news. The matches between elite football groups magnetize millions of people. For example, the capacity of Salt Lake Stadium in India is 120,000 people, and of Beaver Stadium in U.S.A – 107,282 people. In World Championship the stadiums are often filled up to the throat and lots of people can not cope to get tickets for the matches.

Soccer’s popularity

Football attractiveness often directs to rivalry, which occasionally enhances into hooliganism. Battles between fans of different teams generally occur after football games. Sometimes football rivalry outlines in tragedy in arenas. At the mass brawl in May 2007, hundred Liverpool followers fought each other in Athens, expecting to get a ticket for the match this way. Another disastrous occasion took place at the Hillsborough stadium on April 15, 1989, and resulted in the death of 96 people. The exceptional incursion of fans through a narrow tunnel leading to the stadium has originated a major crush.

Football has always supported a foothold in the fans’ eagerness. Most of the biggest stadiums in the world are built especially for football, as it is enormously popular. One of the key notices in this sport is the football move gossips part. Raising consciousness of the aggression among football fans might help to decrease the risk of tragedies and save the lawfully owned reputation of the game.

Though soccer’s popularity is unquestionably due to the exploits of the national team, the J. League is also displaying signs of recuperation. This year’s watcher numerals are previously significantly above those evidenced. With the aperture of a chain of 40,000-capacity stadiums for use in the World Cup and the endorsement of accepted regional clubs like Urawa Reds and Consadole Sapporo to J. League Division One, even places that were once abandoned are now crowded with fans.

It is not soccer itself that is popular. The J. League is not droning with enthusiasm. Watchers just feel understanding for the national team battling with other states. Yet the J. League has constantly aimed to care for clubs with profound roots in their local societies rather than concentrating on teams’ national reputation.

References

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There is no use denying the fact that sport has always been an integral part of human society. Since ancient times, people have devoted great attention to games with a competitive nature and develop various skills of participants. Being part of physical culture, with the development of society sport has become a very important sphere of human activity. Nowadays, it is not just a phenomenon which satisfies the needs of people and entertains them. It is the part of social life that spreads its influence on many layers of society. Besides, the more adherers a certain kind of sport has, the more influential it becomes. With this in mind, it is possible to say that is the most popular game nowadays, soccer can be taken as a unique phenomenon in the world of sport.

Thus, the rise of the popularity of this kind of sport can be connected with its blistering development. It is a well-known fact that soccer, as a kind of sport, appeared in England. However, it should be noted that games with a ball were popular in a great number of different countries all over the world, starting from China and ending with Greece. However, in England people created the first main rules which helped this game to obtain its well-known image.

Students of Cambridge and Oxford managed to create the main regulations and rules which later became accepted by all teams which played this game. Additionally, in 1885 soccer was accepted as a professional kind of sport (History of Soccer, n.d.). Since that time the blistering development of this kind of sport and the rise of its popularity has started. There were about 70 teams in England which played with each other. Moreover, the first international game between England and Scotland also promoted the development of this kind of sport. Being excited by the visual appeal of this kind of sport, people wanted to play soccer because It was rather easy to do as some special equipment except the ball was not needed.

As a consequence of all these events, nowadays soccer is the most popular sport which is played in all countries of the world. Traditionally, England was considered to be the place where this game had the greatest number of fans. However, nowadays, things are changed. There are many countries in which soccer is taken as a sort of religion and national teams are taken as the heroes of the nation. One of the brightest examples of such an attitude is Brazil.

Its national team is considered to be the strongest in the world and its football players have the marvelous skills that impress the whole world. Brazil is the five-time world champion and this result is not surpassed. Nevertheless, Pele, the best football player ever, was also born in Brazil.

With this in mind, it is possible to say that soccer is the most popular kind of sport in the world which has its unique history. Europeans and people who live in South America consider it to be a sort of religion, while in other countries it is less popular, though it continues its development. The most well known and strongest clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona promote this increase, playing in different parts of the world. Moreover, it should also be said that the word soccer is not so widely used as the term football, which is used in the majority of countries that are taken as great admirers of this game (A Football History: from its origin to now, n.d.).

References

A Football History: from its origin to now. (n.d.). Web.

History of Soccer. (n.d.). Web.

Soccer can be defined as a game or an activity for leisure. It involves winning or losing and. It also entails cooperation and competition. To play soccer, a ball is needed. A field, an opponent, and goals across each other are also necessary. When some soccer rules are used with the game being kept fair, it becomes a very enjoyable game to play and watch. Soccer involves team building as it involves two teams and, there must be a referee to ensure that the game is fair.

Soccer can be said to be a very democratic game that has been discovered. The rules involved are well understood and, at all levels, they remain the same. Those who play it for leisure use the same rules as professional players. The game has become popular because its rules are very simple to understand. They are not as complicated as the rules of other games. This means that all people with any level of skill can handle the rules, unlike in a game like tennis, where the rules need time to understand. Another thing that makes it popular is that the size of the player in terms of height, weight, or any other physical feature does not matter. But the most important reason why it is popular is the fans. The connection of the fans with the clubs they follow. This is because the emotional engagement the fans feel to their clubs makes the game not just a mere sport. The fans of soccer can be described as an organic movement since they are like a faith-based group of persons who come together to praise their heroes. The beauty of the game is winning, and if a team wins, the fans celebrate a lot but, when they lose, they complain.

The exposure of the media has made the sport more popular and, the clubs have gained sponsorships and contracts. The increasing number of fans has provided the basis of growth which is long-term. Today, soccer is the most played game among young people after basketball. Most of the adults, among them the parents, coaches, and players, are involved. The audience for soccer is established without spending a lot of money on the stars because; the youth already have their own stars and league they desire to play in. In the American culture, they see it as a natural thing to see soccer images in TV shows and commercials. This is clear that soccer is a game with a future and one with growth.

The influences of soccer could affect the demographic and economic factors, the culture of sport, television and internet growth and, professional leadership. Soccer really affects the mood of the day as it keeps the eyes of the viewers on the players. The fans are interested in the moves of the players and the scores. Since it is a leisure activity, people take their free time to watch the games so that they can cheer their clubs. It is very enjoyable because normally, the teams playing are opponents and the fans will cheer their teams to ensure that they win. At the end of every game, there must be a winner and a loser. Although in some games, ties might occur. When the game comes to an end, people will get something to talk about, and the results make them eager to watch the next game. This definitely affects the mood of the fans and players that day. The winners will be very happy and proud while, the losers will want to find out where they went wrong and lay strategies for the next games.

During soccer matches, hooliganism may occur depending on the cultural and political perspective. Violence could result due to the excess consumption of alcohol, tensions among the fans, and cultural rivalries, among others. However, soccer authorities have had campaigns against racism both at local and international levels. The supporters have engaged in self-governing policies to ensure that discipline is maintained during the games. The game has become a part of solving the problems in society since the fans have learned that it is not a live-or-die game. The racism or ethnic problems do not exist as people in the various clubs are from different backgrounds and races. The soccer authorities have put rules in place that will govern the behavior of the players during the game or on matters concerning the games. The teams are also a sign of unity, and any problems which might arise are solved from within.

Soccer brings all types of people together regardless of age, race, background, or nationality. It is a game which the youngsters and parents alike. It can act as a connection between parents and kids, and any gaps between them may be bridged when they have a common connection. The major clubs select their players regardless of the race since they choose the best. This creates a connection between the players, for they work as a team. It creates a favorable environment for them to be friends and understand each other. They are able to appreciate one another and also their backgrounds. Thus, this game is influential in society as it brings all kinds of people together. Since they share soccer as a common thing, a friendly environment is created, and any problems are solved with ease.

Soccer matches take place in fields with specific features like they have a specific radius, various areas are marked, and the players have their specific positions. The players in different clubs play in different fields. The opponents have to play in their home grounds and, other times, play away. This ensures that there is the interaction between the different teams and contacts are established among the players. The rules governing the game rule out any contact among the players when the game is on, and the ball should not be touched by the hand. However, this is practically impossible, and some contacts occur between the players. This is left for the referee to decide, and if he proves it as a rough game, he has the right to issue a warning. Soccer has given a profession to some individuals and also fame to the players. It is a career for some people, and it offers them a livelihood.

Soccer has grown to be one of the most influential games and one with long-term sustainable growth. The FIFA world cup has made it very famous, and the number of supporters of this game is increasing. It is a sport that influences the social, economic, demographic, and political aspects of the nations. It has given a career to people, and its popularity is increasing, especially with media advertisements. Soccer is a game that fits the whole family, and it creates a uniting feature for societies and nations.