March, 2008

This is an article about a campaign for respect for soccer referees. The campaign was started by The Football Association and has recently been pubically supported by Manchester United's manager, Ferguson.

Read it: Ferguson Backs Call for Respect

I think this is great. It's so important that we treat all referees, umpires, game officials of any sort with the utmost respect. They are figures of authority on the feild, court, diamond, whatever. Especially in soccer, there is so much to watch at one time and so much effort goes into each minute and each call. They have a hard job to do and can't possibly please everyone. Though we as players, coaches, or spectators may not agree with some calls, we absolutely must remember that they deserve our respect. We think it's hard to play, but to referee is so much harder.

Thanks to The Football Association for bringing this back to the front of our minds.

With summer fast approach, Soccer Chica's financial needs for the fall semester are fast becoming a reality. So, she's decided to launch a new line of merchandise featuring various "Soccer Chicas Rule" designs. Her first few items with her initial design are now online in a CafePress Store to test the waters.

Won't you please consider helping her out and making a purchase for the Soccer Chica in your life?

Visit the Soccer Chica store at Cafe Press here: www.cafepress.com/soccerchica

Good news for American and US soccer fans! The US women's team is once again number 1 in FIFA rankings. The victory in the Algarve Cup sent us over Germany. The US team is the first to knock Germany out of the number 1 spot since the Women's World Cup last year.

Congrats!!!

There's a little more on this here:
US Regains No. 1 Ranking

These are some amazing people. I hope I can still be active as intensly as they are when I hit 50. I think the program is great and that this group of men and women would be very interesting to know.

Over 50 and Still Kickin'

Any over 50 soccerchicas or soccerdudes out there? I'd love to hear about your experiences!

Big D sent me this article, and I thought it was pretty interesting.

I still don't know how to get the actual article in this entry, so here's the link: Gays in Soccer

I was particularly caught by the word "popular" used to describe homosexuality in South America. Of course, I'd love to hear what you think of the issue.

Is soccer really for everyone or should the soccer community stick to a "don't ask, don't tell" standard?

Speak up. Be heard.

-SC

Hey there!

I know it's been a while. I apologize, but appreciate Big D's efforts to keep this up when I'm unable to. I also want to thank you all for your wonderful comments. It's always nice to see evidence that real people are actually reading this blog.

So, between a heavy class load, a part-time job, and gobs of volunteer work, while Big D has been running this show, I've seen a lot happen in the soccer world. It's all kind of flown by in the two months since I've written. I intend to just jump right back into this...until I get enormously stressed out again...and keep talking to you.

Watch for an update in the next couple of days!

Thanks again for all your support!!!

-SC