Soccer Balls Online

If you’ve ever wondered about how a soccer ball can change someone’s life, look no further than Street Soccer USA. This non-profit organization is dedicated to ending homelessness by getting men, women, and children off the streets and onto the soccer field. The documentary “Kicking It” introduced many people the idea of the Homeless World Cup, an international event which has been held since 2003. Street Soccer USA is the US partner of the tournament.During the weekend of July 30-August 1, the Street Soccer USA Cup was held at the Washington Kastles Stadium in Washington, DC. At the time of this writing, however, the tournament had not yet begun. This year’s competition features 16 teams hailing from all across the nation. Of all the players, 16 individuals will be chosen to make the journey to the 2010 Homeless World Cup in Brazil. (more…)

When it comes to playing soccer, there are a number of things that can affect how well you control the ball. One is the ball itself, as famously seen in the recent World Cup controversy. Another is the type of soccer cleats you use. If you have the wrong ones for your foot, you won’t be as comfortable, and your control will suffer for it.In America, “cleats” can refer to either the entire shoe-and-stud package, or to the studs themselves. It’s important to decide which route you want to go before heading out to the shoe store. If you want molded soccer cleats, you will have a couple of limitations to make up for the ease of shopping. While the cleats might be more secure than if you attach them yourself, you will probably be limited to plastic or rubber studs, and you will have to think about which type of field you play most often (since you won’t be able to switch them out). There are three major divisions: hard, firm, and soft ground. (more…)

There are several soccer video game franchises that have been entertaining players for years. On today’s next-generation video game consoles, one of the biggest draws is online play. There’s nothing better than being able to take to the cyber-fields and duel it out against people across the world. Several modern series offer enhancements that make these online matches even better.FIFA 10 is the 17^th FIFA game published by Electronic Arts. It’s available on all modern platforms, including the Playstation 2 and 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Wii. One of the special features is the ability to create your own Virtual Pro (customizing down to their very appearance) and then using him across all the different modes of play, including Kick Off, Tournament, Lounge, and the online FIFA Clubs. After purchasing the game, players can also pay to download more stadiums, players, and teams. (more…)

The history of modern association soccer can be linked back to games played in medieval England, but the idea of kicking a ball around a field practically dates back to the dawn of human civilization. Ancient civilizations like the Chinese and the South American Indians used animal-skin balls and stitched-up cloth to get their energy out. Accounts of using human heads or skulls also show up in a number of legends.The ball didn’t have a whole lot of development over the first 18 centuries A.D. But when a change did come, it was big. In 1836, Charles Goodyear patented vulcanized rubber, and twenty years later he designed a rubber soccer ball. He must have been a fan of the sport who had grown tired of the unpredictable nature of animal-bladder balls. Today, this original ball can be viewed at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York. Fans will see that it resembles a stitched basketball more than the pentagons and hexagons of a modern ball. (more…)

A soccer ball is only as important as the kick you put behind it. Many players have their own signature moves which set the ball (and the crowd) on fire. It’s always best to start with the basics, though. Here are some of the more common kicks you’ll find yourself breaking out on the field (and no, victory dance high kicks don’t count).

• Dribbling kick: The easiest kick in terms of power is one of the most difficult when it comes to being aware of other players. Use short kicks to propel the ball without losing control, and be vigilant to avoid having the ball stolen.
• Pass kick: With this kick, there is a definite foot stance to ensure completion. Angle one foot behind the ball and the other in the direction you want it to go. Control and strength are equally key here. (more…)