Monthly Archives:

Weston FC: Girls Attack

Posted on by

Girls just wanna have soccer.
Weston FC’s girl teams join the ECNL Elite Clubs National League, a challenging platform.

Florida begins a new era for female soccer, with the start of the ECNL (Elite Clubs National League) and the recent acceptance of Weston FC from next August. Carlos Parra, Weston Girls Technical Director, tells us everything about the program.

ECNL is very important for girls to get scholarships for their studies and to develop their full potential, says Carlos. This new stage places Florida to a higher level on female soccer.

How many girls attended the ECNL tryouts?
Around 415.

In what divisions will they play?
U-13 y U-18 and 20 to 25 are accepted by division.

Where do the best soccer players usually come from in The U.S.?
From Texas, California, New York, New Jersey.

How many matches will the Weston girls play in a regular season?
About 33 matches. Universities’ coaches attend to every game because they know that Weston has the best of the best.

Is there any difference between girls and boys training?
The curriculum is the same, but the volume of work is a little different with them. We have training 4 days a week, plus weekend matches.

With regard to other teams, at what level are the girls?
We have all kinds of players, at all levels.

¿How do you see the future of female soccer in WFC?
It’s going to be the best place for female soccer in Florida.

¿What do you expect from female soccer in WFC?
We are very happy for what is coming for female soccer. Great things are coming.

GIRLS WFC IN NUMBERS

1. When did the Girls Program begin in WFC?
1998

2. How many girls are playing?
375

3. How many teams?
24

4. What divisions?
U8 to U18

5. In what tournaments have you participated in this season?
We are heading to ECNL/FPL/SFYSA, CASL/ Disney/ Weston CUP.

PROFILE

Name: Juan Carlos Parra
Age: 39 years old
Position in Weston: Weston FC Girls Technical Director
Professional Teams: Metro stars, Miami fusion
New England Revolution,
World Championshp U20 USA National Team in Malaysia
Favorite international team: Atlético Nacional, Colombia
Favorite movie: Gladiator
A word that defines you: Humbleness
Something you hate: Arrogance
Favorite food: Bandeja paisa
Pet: A dog
The most sacred: My son Sebastian, my heroe.
Favorite place: Medellín

SFK: The Stars Of The Future

Posted on by

Soccerplus visits a real hotbed of future soccer players in Kendall. Jim Zarate, the coach who guides these U3 boys and girls talks about the experience.

What is your experience in the world of professional soccer?
I’m the only one of the coaches of Sports for Kids who played professionally in the MLS, with Cosmos Orlando. My playing position was goalkeeper.

What is like to direct a U-3 team?
Coaching the U-3 team is something I enjoy a lot because at this stage of their growth, boys and girls do it for recreation, for fun, no pressure of any kind. We don’t even count the goals.

What do you like most of your team?
The desire and boldness of the children when playing. It’s always risky to get a foot between many boys and girls who are kicking the ball so hard…!

How long do they play and what rules do they have?
In the U-3 stage there’s no fixed time to play. As a rule, due to Miami’s weather, girls and boys must be drinking water every 5 minutes.

What unforgettable experience do you have with the U-3?
Well, here we live unforgettable experiences daily. For example, when a plane flies over, the match can be stopped because if one kid begins looking at the sky, later all of them want to look at the sky to see the plane and forget about the ball. And later, they continue…


Who is He

NAME: Jim Zarate
BORN: Venezuela
AGE: 38 years old
TEAM: Cosmos, Orlando

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Best Forward In The World

Posted on by

With seven seasons as top star of Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo -today 31 years old- continues to break records and demonstrating that remains one of the two best in the world.

As a rough diamond was Cristiano Ronaldo considered in the beginning. People said that with his talent, he could one day become the best player in the world. Today it’s a reality: Cristiano Ronaldo is the idol of millions of people around the world and considered by many the most complete player.

Cristiano Ronaldo, was born in Portugal, and is the player for whom a club has paid the largest amount ever: in June 2009, the transfer fee to Real Madrid cost the white club 94 million euros, the highest figure in history. Today with a value is 110 million euros.

Weakness

During his time at the Manchester United team, Cristiano stood out for his cocky and self-centered character, his game, full of luxuries and irrelevant soccer shoes, and his compulsion to take possession of the ball limiting his potential. Until one day, Cristiano seemed to understand that 11 are needed to play soccer and then everything changed. The goals came magically and, with them, titles became an everyday thing. He won the Champions League and the Golden Shoe with the United and was signed by Real Madrid, where he has emerged as a legend and surpassed all scoring records.

Happy Childhood

Cristiano began at age 9 his first steps playing soccer at the Andorinha Club, where his teammates teased him because his father, to earn an extra pay, cleaned the locker room’s latrines. He was called “little bee” because he kept running tirelessly all over the field. Cristiano Ronaldo says his childhood was happy. Why? ” Because he never left the ball, slept with her,” tells her mother.

WHAT YOU DIDN´T KNOW

1. Tsunami
Cristiano is a very generous man, not only with his family but with everyone. During the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean, he noticed a boy in a Portugal shirt and traveled to the affected areas, met with the president of the country to raise funds and donated € 120,000 out of his pocket.

2. Bombings
In 2011 after the bombing of Israel to Gaza Strip, he auctioned his Golden Shoe to help build schools for Palestinian children.

3. No tattoos
He has chosen not to have tattoos in order to be able to donate blood whenever he wants to, something he does twice a year since he was a teenager. A few years ago Carlos Martins, a Granada player in Spain, asked for help for his child sick with leukemia. Because of the indifference of most players in the league, Cristiano became a marrow donor and has since invited sick children to the Golden Ball delivery.

Ronaldo a route
In Madeira, his place of origin, has created a museum to keep all of his trophies. Tour packages have been created to visit the places where he spent his childhood.

WHO IS HE

Origin: Santo António do Funchal, Portugal
Date of birth: February 5, 1985
Age: 31 years old
Siblings: Katia Aveiro, Hugo Aveiro, Elma Aveiro
Child: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
Favorite food: Grilled cod
Favorite drink: Santal, made with fruits
Jersey number: 7, 9
Nickname: CR7
Data 1: His mother, Maria Dolores dos Santos, worked as a cook in a restaurant and his father was a municipal gardener; in his spare time cleaned the locker rooms of the Andorinha Soccer Club.
Data 2: At 9 years old, he was called “cry baby” because tears came out of his eyes every time his friends didn’t pass the ball to him or he missed a goal.

TEAMS HE PLAYED FOR

2002 – 2003 Sporting Lisboa (Portugal) 31 Matches 5 Goals
2003 – 2009 Manchester United (England) 292 Matches 118 Goals
2009 – 2016 Real Madrid CF (Spain) 323 Matches 338 Goals

Knowing the Different Positions. The Perfect Goalkeeper

Posted on by

It is no coincidence that leadership skills, personality and sobriety, which are usually the characteristics of a goalkeeper, end up being the qualities that often make him the captain of a team.

This time we’ll discuss the characteristics of the ideal “1”, the perfect goalie in all areas at global level. And to do that, Soccerplus spoke to Claudio Techera, an Uruguayan goalkeeper very successful in the 90’s who has been working as youth coach, head coach and coordinator of children in several clubs of Paraguay and Peru.

“The first thing to be a goalkeeper, good or bad, most importantly, is that you like the job. That’s fundamental because it’s a totally different job, you’re in the back, you’re the last to protect your team and you have to know how complicated it will be. Then, there is something very important to be a goalkeeper, which is size. Formerly you could see goalies under 6’0, but today this is impossible; the average height to be a goalkeeper is 6’3 “said Techera.

Strong mind

And precisely, coming back to the theme of personality and leadership skills that a goalie must have, Professor Claudio commented about it. “The ideal goalkeeper must have a very strong mentality, very solid; because he will receive slaps all the time, will receive counter attacks, and attacks but you always have to think that you’re the best in the world” the coach added.
The Uruguayan also commented on the messages the ideal “1” has to transmit, since he’s in constant communication, not only with his defense but almost with all his teammates.

“It’s very important the communication between the goalie and his defense, but I think it’s best to give a direct and short message. If you transmit the full match to the defenders, they’re going to go crazy and they will want to kick you, besides you will confuse them; so the best is a clear message. I went to Paraguay to play and when I was very young I spoke too much to my defense, and they said, “Hey, Uruguayan you talk a lot” but then time passed, I began to talk less and they said I needed to speak more, I didn’t know very well what to do (laughs)”,  says Techera.

Finally, the Uruguayan shared some basic guidelines to be a great goalie.

Tips for the ideal goalkeeper

1. Knowing your place at the crossbar. Never lose sight of the reference goal line and the goal posts.
2. Organizing the defense. The particular view of the goalie must be used to find mistakes and cover up mistakes.
3. Elasticity. A specific training is necessary to gain elasticity and be able to block low shots into the corner of the net.
4. Footwork. The modern goalkeeper dominates footwork and knows very well where to go to begin the transition from defense-attack.
5 Crossing training. A common mistake is not having perfected intercepting crosses techniques. That’s where goalies suffer most.


THE BEST GOALIES

The International Federation of Soccer History & Statistics selected the 10 best goalkeepers of 2015. Here they are:
1°) Manuel Neuer (Germany-Bayern Munich) 188 puntos
2°) Gianluigi Buffón (Italy-Juventus) 78
3°) Claudio Bravo (Chile-Barcelona) 45
4°) David De Gea (Spain-Manchester United) 34
5°) Thibaut Courtois (Belgium-Chelsea) 24
6°) Petr Cech (Czech Republic-Chelsea y Arsenal) 18
7°) Marcelo Barovero (Argentina-River) 12
8°) Marc Andre Ter Stegen (Germany-Barcelona) 7
9°) Iker Casillas (Spain-Real Madrid y Porto) 6
10°) Daniel Subasic (Croatia-Monaco) 4

Interview: Beymar Piraquive & Doral Soccer Club

Posted on by

Beymar Piraquive, president of Doral Soccer Club, is a man passionate about soccer. Piraquive is a strong and determined man looking to see changes in soccer in South Florida, at all levels: professional and youth, for that he has his own strategies. Soccer Plus tells his story and how hard he works with his club to improve each season, seeking to occupy the first places in tournaments.

When did you start your relationship with soccer?
I’m Colombian, I played in Colombia at amateur level. I’m involved in youth soccer since 15 years ago. I started as a volunteer, and then I became involved more and more. I really didn’t know that
I could manage children and young people well, which is very important to succeed as a director of a youth soccer club.

How long ago did you begin working?
The soccer program in the city of Doral began twelve years ago. It is licensed by the City of Doral to do it in the parks. And year after year we work to improve the program. Due to this work and the professors who are involved with us, we have improved a lot. We focus a lot on the basic part 7, 8 and 9 years old. Because we believe that if children between those ages, do not develop their motor skills, elasticity and learn to move in soccer, they would hardly achieved it at 14 years old.

How many teams does DSC have?
We have 21 teams in the competitive section, and I can proudly say that our players were trained here. They move from the recreational section to the competitive part. Very few clubs have this philosophy. Most clubs go out to seek players in other teams.

What are the key points of the Club’s work with the boys and girls?
We are focused on good education for young people and children. In order to be part of a competitive team, a boy must have good grades. A child or young person who is learning to play soccer, who is being trained must be well educated. Here we teach them to say hello, to say goodbye, we don’t only care about soccer.

What is the difference between Doral Soccer Club and other teams?
At Doral Soccer Club, we are a family and we care about having a good relationship with the children and their families. We are a good club and this is shown by the statistics of the league where expulsions are counted. We have very few youths expelled, very few parents. This year we only had five expelled all season.

In your club, is there female soccer growth?
Yes of course. This year the group of girls has increased. Last season we had about 80-90 girls. It’s not so easy to have competitive teams for girls, in the case of this area of Doral, they are not quite sure they want to play soccer competitively.

What do you offer to the boys and girls who come to your club?
We offer the truth: teach boys and girls to play soccer. We don’t offer College, or scholarships or trips abroad, because most clubs try to capture children that way. Some promise things that are not really going to happen, all for wanting to capture young people for their club.

8. What are the obstacles of youth soccer in Florida?
The teaching given to the children in public schools has a little bit to do. They are told they have to be two, three steps away from another child. Instead soccer is a contact sport. In South America, Central America, children spend time playing in the street, almost all day, having contact with one another, developing their skills, gaining experience. On the other hand, here in Miami, children need a team where they want to get, where to look. Unfortunately, some professional clubs have arrived but they lack a lot. Those who manage soccer in Florida, are not doing things well because these teams have no followers, no fans.

WHO IS HE
Name: Beymar Piraquive
Origin: Colombia
Profession: Business Administrator and Physical Education
Book: One hundred years of solitude
A word that defines him: Honesty
What bothers him: Hypocrisy
A place in the world: San Andrés, Colombia
Family: Sonia, his wife and his three sons: Jean Paul, Kevin y Junior.
Player he admires: Pelé

Chocolate. Power for Athletes

Posted on by

Chocolate is an infinite source of energy. In bar or a shake, gives the athlete a number of benefits that you cannot imagine…

It is as beneficial as delicious. A few years ago it was believed that chocolate made you fat and caused cavities. But more recent studies have found many benefits that black chocolate brings to the human body, to mention just a few: strengthens the heart, increases the amount of energy, protects the skin….

For Athletes

A study by The American Journal of Physiology found that when you exercise and eat black chocolate in small quantities, performance rises by 50 percent. Another study of the School of Medicine, of the University of California in San Diego has shown that cocoa, the main element of black chocolate, can increase the ability to do physical exercise. Black chocolate is good for those who practice a sport as it helps to greater muscle development.

How Much to Eat

The recommended amount is 10 to 20 grams of black chocolate, the purer the better. Ideally, it should be 7% cocoa. If it has more, much better. What matters is that you should avoid milk chocolate and white chocolate. Chocolate has high carbohydrate content, protein, low fat, so it does not increase bad cholesterol. Another advantage, the best known, is that it has antioxidant properties. Besides chocolate has alkaloids, amino acids, potassium, magnesium, and folic acid.

As beverage

Moreover, the American College of Sports Medicine says that drinking chocolate milk after workout is a very effective method for the recovery of muscles and to improve physical exercise. So, if you have not included chocolate milk on your menu, you must do it without wasting time!

COCOA POWDER

Spreadable products as Nocilla, Nutella and chocolate syrup are made from cocoa powder. It’s also the basis for making shakes with intent to flavor chocolate to milk. It is also used to decorate desserts like tiramisu and mocha or cappuccino coffee.

FUN FACTS

1. M&M
The famous colored chocolate pills were created in 1941
especially for soldiers, so they could savor the delicious chocolate
without having to waste time melting the classic bars.

2. KISSES
The Hershey’s Company produces 70 million chocolate kisses per day.

3. SLOW
A cocoa tree takes nearly a year to produce fruits for about 10
Hershey’s chocolate bars.

PHRASE
“If you consume dark chocolate 30 minutes before going out into the sun, it will bring blood flow to the skin and prevent you from burning”
Dr. Pete Sulack
America’s Leading Stress Expert.

Copa América Centenario 2016: The Soccer Feast

Posted on by

The best in the world in the United States.
The Centennial Copa America will be held from June 3-26 in 10 U.S. cities. The U.S. national team will seek to surprise.

The 2016 Centennial Copa America in The United States is just around the corner. Sixteen teams will compete for the glory in the 100th anniversary of the world’s oldest continental tournament. A total of 32 games will define the champion, which in its latest edition was won by the team of Chile.

BRAZIL, ARGENTINA AND URUGUAY

Brazil will not have its biggest name, Neymar. Nor will have Thiago Silva and David Luiz. The one who will be in the U.S. with the Argentine team is Lionel Messi. The Uruguayan Luis Suarez will also be one of the protagonists of the continental tournament.

COLOMBIA AND USA

Colombia arrives with chances, thanks to players like James and Cuadrado. The U.S. team will try to make a big splash. Clint Dempsey, from the Seattle Sounders FC, appears as the main figure of the team along with the Borussia Dortmund forward Christian Pulisic, Alejandro Bedoya – who emerged from the Weston FC Club- and now with the FC Nantes and Michael Bradley, from Toronto FC.

WHERE?

Chicago
East Rutherford,
Foxborough
Glendale
Houston
Orlando
Pasadena
Philadelphia
Santa Clara
Seattle

GROUPS

GROUP A
USA – COLOMBIA – COSTA RICA – PARAGUAY

GROUP B
BRAZIL – ECUADOR – HAITI – PERU

GROUP C
MEXICO – URUGUAY – JAMAICA – VENEZUELA

GROUP D
ARGENTINA – CHILE – PANAMA – BOLIVIA

Euro Cup 2016: France Becomes Full Of Soccer

Posted on by

Euro 2016 begins in Paris next June 10 to July 10, with the best 24 teams in Europe. Soccerplus brings you the basic information for you to follow your favorite teams. This year European soccer stars will fight for the top trophy. The usual great teams, Spain, England, France, Italy and also dangerous ones that are ready to spring a surprise: Croatia, Turkey, Russia, Portugal.

GROUP A
ALBANIA, FRANCE, ROMANIA, SWITZERLAND

GROUP B
ENGLAND, RUSSIA, SLOVAKIA, WALES

GROUP C
GERMANY, NORTHERN, IRELAND, POLAND, UKRAINE

GROUP D
CROATIA, CZECH, REPUBLIC, SPAIN, TURKEY

GROUP E
BELGIUM, ITALY, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND ,SWEEDEN

GROUP F
AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, ICELAND, PORTUGAL

Wilson Palacios. A kids’ Idol In Miami

Posted on by

Two World Cups and the demanding English Premier League support the talent of Wilson Palacios, forward of Miami FC. Wilson gives his advice to young people who play soccer.

After an exhausting training session under the direction of Miami FC’s coach, Nesta, Wilson relaxes and smiles when answering questions to SoccerPlus.

How can a professional player adapt to so many changes of weather, time, geographic, cultural?
At first it was not easy. I left Honduras, a place of warm weather to play in England where it’s very cold, and now I’m in Miami. A professional player has to adapt himself to these changes, no matter how strong they are.

You have played in Europe, in two World Cups, you’re a successful player. What’s the key?
Be professional and constant in soccer. You have to work hard and fight for the dream you want to achieve.

Who was the person who influenced you to play soccer?
My family is a family that loves the sport, soccer. My dad was the biggest influence I had because he was a professional soccer player. My dad was the best for us in the family.

What soccer match was memorable to you?
The first match of the 2010 World Cup South Africa, I played with my National Team, Honduras, against Chile. It was the best for me. I had never been to a World Cup. I can never erase that experience from my mind.

How does it feel to be in a World Cup?
Wow! I could not say it in words how it feels. It’s such a strong emotion!

What happens when you do not get the results you expect?
I’m still working hard. Things may don’t go as you wish in a game. But you must keep training and fighting to fulfill your dreams.

What role does family play in your life?
Without a doubt, it’s the most important thing. I live with my three children and my wife in Miami. I also talk daily with my mom and dad. They still scold me if I don’t get in touch with them. In addition, I played with three of my brothers in the 2010 World Cup South Africa. That was very nice for us as family.

Who are your best teammates?
I have very good relationship with everyone, but I’m very close with Jaime Chavez, Corrales and David Sierra.

Did you imagine you would be so successful in soccer?
As a child, I played in the street barefoot, shoeless, with friends. I always had the dream to succeed as a professional player and I worked hard for it.

“I am very happy at Miami FC and we work hard to make things go as we wish.”


WHO IS HE

Born: La Ceiba, Honduras
Age: 31 years old
Favorite food:
Baleadas, and the machuca, (Honduran food)
Favorite place: London
Music: Ballads and punta.
Children: Emily, Elaida y Rene
Parents: Eulogio Palacios, Orfilia Palacios


TEAMS HE PLAYED FOR

Olimpia (Honduras)
Birmingham City (England)
Wigan Athletic (England)
Tottenham Hotspur (England)
Stoke City (England)
Miami Football Club (U.S.A)

 

Kids’ Idol: David Beckham, The Galactic Prince

Posted on by

He has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, L.A. Galaxy and England National Team. David Beckham’s amazing ability to get the ball to wherever he likes has made him one of the most well-known players in the history of soccer. In addition to his status as a soccer star, is a worldwide celebrity.

Early days

Born on May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone, London, England, David was a middle child between two sisters; Beckham grew up with parents who were committed fans of Manchester United. At an early age, his talent soon caught the notice of Manchester United team officials, who asked him to try out for the club’s youth league. In 1992 he began his career at Manchester United, where he played until 2003 and scored 85 goals.

In 2003, he was acquired by Real Madrid. He became part of the called “Galactic” team for the 2003-2004 y 2006-2007 seasons but despite having played 155 games he just scored 20 goals. A few years later, L.A. Galaxy took David Beckham on; they offered him a contract worth $250 million, making him one of the highest paid players in the history of soccer. He quickly became team captain and his talents became a vital part of the team.

Worldwide star

But not only his sporting life was successful, his boldness and good looks offered up plenty of off-field potential. Beckham became known as a fashion icon, and together with his wife Victoria, became lucrative spokespeople sought after by clothing designers, health and fitness specialists, fashion magazines, perfume manufacturers and hair stylists.

David is considered one of the most popular players of all times. A talented, intelligent and visionary man who has changed the concept of soccer. He really is a complete star!

WHO IS HE
Name: David Robert Joseph Beckham
Age: 40 years old
Children: 4 kids
Birthday: May 2, 1975
Nicknames: Becks, Spice boy
Residence: Leytonstone and Los Angeles.
Height: 1.83 m
Weight: 80 kg
Position: midfielder
Goals in the England National Team: 17
Goals in soccer clubs: 127

Fashion
Because of his elegance, he has starred in several advertising campaigns for brands such as H & M, Armani, Motorola, Adidas, Yahoo and Pepsi.

Charity work
David Beckham is an ambassador for UNICEF to promote sport in disadvantaged areas, we have seen him playing with children and travelling to the poorest countries to support the campaigns. In addition, Beckham is a founding member of the nonprofit organization ‘Malaria No More UK’.

Teams he played for
Manchester United
Preston North End
Real Madrid
Los Angeles Galaxy
Milan Logo Milan
Paris Saint Germain