TeamSport90 Grass Roots Football Forum - Blogs http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php This is a community forum for the grass roots football scene in the UK. You can share tips and gain knowledge from our grass roots football links and knowledge base. Grass roots football is here to stay. en Thu, 17 May 2012 01:56:46 GMT vBulletin 60 http://forum.teamsport90.com/images/misc/rss.jpg TeamSport90 Grass Roots Football Forum - Blogs http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php Help For Heroes Official Sports Numbers http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=216 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:21:20 GMT I would just like to thank all the customers who have called today to wish us good luck and to say thank you for our New Help For Heroes Sports... I would just like to thank all the customers who have called today to wish us good luck and to say thank you for our New Help For Heroes Sports Numbers.
The response has been fantastic, nearly every new full kit quote we've done today we were asked to include the new number style.

Its been an absolute honour for Teamsport90.com to have been rewarded to the post as Official Corporate Sponsor for the charity, and I’m sure I speak for all my staff when I say we are very proud to help in any way we can.

If you can help in anyway to promote this new number style to every sports club in the country I know the charity and all our service men and women will be eternally grateful as all profits from the sale of this number goes directly to the charity.

Thank you Mike Smith

Click image for larger version Name: Help-for-Heroes--Numbers-Style-Sheet.jpg Views: 255 Size: 29.7 KB ID: 237 ]]> Mike http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=216 Benefits of Vitamins and Sports Drinks while Training – Try it and See http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=155 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:25:33 GMT The method by which water is assimilated and absorbed into the body is called hydration. Water plays an essential role in a number of important... The method by which water is assimilated and absorbed into the body is called hydration. Water plays an essential role in a number of important bodily processes.
This is especially true of athletes. Water hydration is an integral part of all stages in an athlete's training, including preparation, participation, and recovery.
The benefits of vitamins and sports drinks to help maintain fitness while football training cannot be underestimated.
Water based fluids, like energy drinks that contain glucose and electrolyte based sodium are very beneficial to an athlete's overall performance. A good multi-vitamin should also be added as a daily regimen.

Along with the usual training involved with football practice, a player needs to utilize the tremendous rewards of healthy, regular nutrition, and the proper vitamin supplements.
High amounts of vitamin C keep an athlete healthy, and B-vitamins help maintain muscle mass. The right combination of nutrients will aid in counteracting the normal stress a football athlete encounters.
The benefits of vitamins and sports drinks to help maintain fitness while football training makes up a minimal base plan for enhancing an athlete's functioning. The rest needs to be filled in with a basic understanding of how the body works to absorb water and nutrients, and how the body heals and repairs itself.

Glutamine is a mineral that helps the body to repair itself. It aids in elevating growth hormone levels. High growth hormone levels help guard against the strain that playing football puts on the body. Whey protein is great for improving muscle gain and building. Muscles are required to do many tasks all at once while playing football. Whey protects the muscle tissue from being broken down during exertion. It also assists in muscle recovery from a game that is very tough on your muscles. The benefits of vitamins and sports drinks to help maintain fitness while football training works optimally with these other additions.

Football involves sudden sprints and requires bursts of energy. In a typical game, players run an average of 10 kilometres, sprint 800-1200 meters, accelerate 40-60 times, and change direction every 5 seconds. Wow! This alternation between running and sprinting seriously drains a player's glycogen stores. This is where the benefits of vitamins and sports drinks to help maintain fitness while football training comes in again. The glycogen in sports drinks quickly replenishes the body's stores of glucose. Fluid intake is also vitally important during a game. Players lose an average of two to five litres of fluid just by sweating, along with salt and trace minerals. ]]> Mike http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=155 Avoid Injuries With Proper Technique http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=153 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:33:13 GMT Stretching is not complicated. Then again, It is not as simple as leaning one way and reaching another. Of you do a stretching maneuver wrong, you... Stretching is not complicated. Then again, It is not as simple as leaning one way and reaching another. Of you do a stretching maneuver wrong, you won’t get all of its benefits or, worse, you could injure yourself. So learn the right way to lean and reach.
Start by knowing when to do it. Remember – stretching is a form of exercise all to itself. So for its own sake, devote at least three times a week to only stretching. If you have a particularly tense or tight part of the body, stretch it every day or even twice a day.
On top of that, stretch along with your daily walk, your tennis match, or your dancing session. Stretching complements every fitness activity under the sun. it is especially important if you are active in physical activities like strength training or cardio. These exercises naturally tighten up your muscles. Stretching counters that by lengthening them.
Whatever activity you are involved in; loosen up lightly before you do it. Then stretch thoroughly afterward. You can skip the first stretch if you are short on time, but make sure to do the end session – before your muscles cool down and tighten up.
Take the crucial first step – warm up
You would not jump into the shower right after turning on the water. The cold water would shock your system. Instead, you wait for the water to warm up. It is the same with stretching. Don’t dive right in when your muscles are still cold. Spend several minutes warming them up with one of these activities:
• Jumping jacks • A ride on a real or stationary bike •Walking while pumping your arms • Running in place • Practicing the stretches you plan to do • Your favorite exercise or activity at a slow pace
Any one of these can get your heart rate up, loosen your muscles and joints, and prepare you for an injury-free workout.
Work slowly and gently for maximum gain
It is best to stretch all your major muscle groups any time you do a stretching routine. In other words, loosen all the muscles you usually use in your day – your legs, back, neck, and other upper body muscles.
If you are in a rush, however, loosen only the muscles you need at the moment. Work on your legs before you jog, for instance, or stretch your shoulders before golfing. Afterwards, make sure to do a complete stretch. For all your muscles, follow these easy stretching guidelines.
• Reach as far as you can. Don’t feel you have to touch your toes or bend over backward. For any stretch, reach as far as you can until you feel a slight tension in your muscle. If you feel pain or a burning sensation, on the other hand, you have gone too deep. Ease back until the pain goes away.
• Hold it for at least 30 seconds. Do each stretch for this long, and you will only need to do it once. A whole minute may be in order if your muscle is really tight. Time yourself with a stopwatch at first to get the feel of how long this is. If you really enjoy stretching and feel you need it, repeat each stretch as many as three to five minutes.
• Feel at ease and breathe. This session is not a workout for your lungs, so breathe as you normally would. You are not supposed to clench your muscles, either. Relax every muscle except the ones you are stretching at the moment.
• Do not bounce. No matter what your gym teacher taught you in high school, do not bounce when you stretch. You risk injury by doing it, and it may even make you less flexible.
Source: http://www.articlecircle.com
About the Author Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information. ]]> Mike http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=153 A Balanced Approach To Exercise And Activity http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=151 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:28:18 GMT During a pain flare-up you will likely limit your activities. After a flare-up, it is important to gradually return to a more active life. How much... During a pain flare-up you will likely limit your activities. After a flare-up, it is important to gradually return to a more active life. How much physical activity is appropriate? How much is too much? What type of activity is best? There are no absolute answers for these questions. Each person needs to decide what activities they will engage in to stay healthy and fit. Activity will keep you healthy, physically fit, and safe from injury; it will also help lessen your pain. Different types of activity need to be balanced for optimal fitness. Here are a few suggestions that can help you.
Activity For Flexibility
To maintain flexibility in your muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you should stretch daily. This takes only a few minutes and pays off in many ways. You will likely feel better in general, have less pain, have fewer flare-ups, and also be at less risk for injury. In addition, without adequate flexibility, you will not be able to use the correct body mechanics for daily activities, putting you at greater risk for pain or injury.
Activity For Strength
Maintaining strength in your muscles will allow you to do more with less effort and pain. You will be able to perform activities with safer technique, for example, lifting with your legs, not on your back. Having strong trunk muscles will allow you to keep your back in a comfortable neutral position while engaging in a variety of activities.
Activity For Endurance
Endurance will allow you to maintain activities for longer periods. You can build endurance for any activity – whether it is walking, gardening, or sitting in a chair – simply by gradually performing the activity for slightly longer periods. The result will be greater energy and the ability to participate more in the things you want to do.
Activity For Aerobic Fitness
Aerobic fitness is accomplished by engaging in activities that moderately raise your heart rate. Such activities include walking, riding a bike, dancing, and working in the yard. We know that this is good for your heart, lungs, and health in general; and it helps you to maintain a proper weight and also releases endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers.
A Balanced Program
It is recommended to consider a balanced program, including activities for flexibility, strength, endurance, and aerobic fitness. Strengthening muscles without proper attention to flexibility could make you feel worse. Similarly, overworking some muscles while neglecting to strengthen others can cause more problems.
Source: http://www.articlecircle.com
About the Author Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information. ]]> Mike http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=151 American Football vs European Football http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=150 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:24:29 GMT American football is usually confused with European football. The difference between the two is greatly, but the same use of title can confuse... American football is usually confused with European football. The difference between the two is greatly, but the same use of title can confuse others. The difference between American and European football is simple by definition. Football is used mostly with the hands to control the ball, and the European football is what most people call Soccer. In soccer, you kick the ball and they not allowed using their hands at all. By definition, football is when 11 players on a rectangular field 100 yards long. Teams try to steal/keep possession of the ball and move across the field to the other teams goal line by running a series of plays. European football or soccer is a game played with a round ball (not diamond shaped like American football).
Again, two teams of eleven players user their body to control the ball to pass the opponents goal line. Soccer is played dominantly with the feet, but can be controlled by other parts of the body like knees, chest, and head. They can use any part of their body by their arms and hands. If they do use the hands, a foul is called the other team gets control of the situation. They only people who are allowed to use their hands are the goalkeepers.
Many soccer games are played on football fields. They are set up the same way except instead of having a huge goal post, they use two goal nets (much like hockey). The games are in quarters that are times. There are four quarters per game and a half time. Usually there are only a minute or two pauses between quarters and the half time is much longer. Soccer games usually do not take as much time as soccer, because there are fewer rules to soccer.
Football is a complicated sport that has flags and penalties for, what seems everything. In soccer, penalties are called but mostly for being offsides or out of bounds. Sportsmanship is a problem in both sports. The two sports are very competitive and can be frustrating to the players. Even though you are not allowed to tackle a player purposely in soccer, some players do tend to collide and when they do, they hit hard.
Soccer and football are much alike in some aspects, but are completely different in others. Either way you look at it, the two sports are just as aggressive and competitive and can be very enjoyable to watch and play.
Source: http://www.articlecircle.com
About the Author George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including http://www.cyclingexpert.com and http://www.ellipticaltrainerszone.com. If you want to read more about football, click over to George site at http://www.footballcompass.com. ]]> Mike http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=150 O-MAN! Footy fever takes of in the Middle East http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=94 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:38:07 GMT Hello! Long time no see! Have been spending a lot of time travelling just recently and came back from Oman on Saturday morning. It was funny... Hello! Long time no see! Have been spending a lot of time travelling just recently and came back from Oman on Saturday morning.

It was funny watching the football in Oman; the Omanis it turns out, are passionate about football, and it was strangely odd to watch the England v Algeria game on an outside screen, in sweltering humidity, (about 38 degrees!), at 1030pm, in a totally alcohol free environment, surrounded by Omanis in traditional dress. Not a football shirt in sight, no drunken lairyness, (even when the tv lost signal for 8 minutes!) yet there was still the keen anticipation of the game that was most unexpected.

Every shot at goal, save, miss, foul was greeted with a cheer from the amassed onlookers and it made no difference which the team was (though I felt that most of them were supporting the Algerians, being another Moslem country).

The Omanis having no big teams of their own, or indeed not even a decent national team, and they just support football; it doesnt matter which teams are playing; they have Serie A, The Prima Liga, Bundesliga and Premiership beamed into their homes and it appears they watch football for the sheer enjoyment of it.

The markets were filled with fake football shirts of the big European teams and national teams, and the younger kids were sporting shirts from Chelsea to Portugal; indeed it was a Portugal shirt wearing Omani that set me up for my goal in a game of beach football that I joined in. (It was a decent effort- half volley into the bottom left of the goal)

It made me stop and realise though - i didnt miss the World Cup when i was in Oman; i felt part of it- all the games i watched (Argentina/ Greece, Brazil/ Portugal, Japan/Denmark), I too found myself cheering at every goal, freekick, foul etc; for that one week I became a fan of football too- it didnt matter who it was- it was a joy to watch the beautiful game, in a beautiful country, with who I found to be very kind and friendly people.

And then i came back to watch England get destroyed by "ze Germans" - my love affair with football had cruelly come to an end!

On future trips I will wear a TS90 tshirt see how many places I can get it photographed.

Click image for larger version Name: beachfooty.jpg Views: 139 Size: 49.9 KB ID: 235 ]]> wycliffewanderersfc http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=94 <![CDATA[Reality Football is having an exhibition - and you're all invited!]]> http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=93 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:23:11 GMT Those of you that read the blogs posts here will remember we featured Alan Powdrill's work at Reality Football a little while ago. Now Alan and theprintspace Gallery are running an exhibition of Alan's work.

Taken from theprintspace website is the invitation for a sneak preview and drinks;
Reality Football opens with a private view (with free drinks!) to which you’re all invited at theprintspace gallery from 7pm on June 17th and continues 9am-7pm Monday-Friday until July 13th, the perfect way to kick-off the World Cup!
Worth mentioning also is that all profits from the exhibition will be donated to the Willow Foundation, a very, very worthwhile charity.

So go enjoy having a look around at these amazing photos first hand!
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]]> Neil http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=93 TeamSport90 Team Performance of the Month Round Up http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=92 Wed, 05 May 2010 11:48:21 GMT January winners were Waltham Reserves. They won the award for beating league rivals and previous winners of our award... January winners were Waltham Reserves. They won the award for beating league rivals and previous winners of our award, Ingoldmells FC 3-0 away.

Previous winners of this award, Waltham Tea Gardens FC have been awarded the prize for February for getting to the final of the Lincs County Cup.

Click image for larger version Name: WalthamFEB.JPG Views: 371 Size: 78.4 KB ID: 219


Pictured is Waltham Tea Gardens FC's secretary Mark Carlton (left) being presented the award by the ELFCL's secretary, John Bryant.

Congratulations to both teams and best of luck for the remainder of the season! ]]> Neil http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=92 Win an Uhlsport TCPS Stadium Training Football! http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=91 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:15:29 GMT Our latest competition has been announced in the Competitions forum... Our latest competition has been announced in the Competitions forum. Details are below but please visit the forum to enter the competition. Registration required.

Quote Originally Posted by Neil View Post
We have some Uhlsport TCPS Stadium Training footballs to give away to 8 lucky people! These Uhlsport footballs are perfect for getting the best out of your football team's training sessions and normally retail at £9.99 ea.

This is what Uhlsport have to say about them; The STADIUM Football is a classic for training sessions, enhanced by the TRI CONCEPT design. Its good flight and rebound characteristics make it a proven training and individual skills ball. Our last remaining PVC ball: NON-toxic and REACH compliant.

All you have to do to win one of these footballs is to email forum-admin@teamsport90.com with your forum username and answer to the following question;
  • In date order can you name all previous winners of the FIFA World Cup starting with the first FIFA World Cup in 1930?
After you have emailed your answer please post a reply in this topic (do not include the competition answer) stating that your email has been sent. This is very important - competition entries that do not consist of a reply here in this topic as well as an email (as above) will be disqualified. Email addresses will only be kept for the purpose of notifying the winners and not for marketing purposes.

The closing date for this competition is 30th April 2010 and winners will be chosen at random from all of the correct entries received up to and including that date. Winners will be announced after that date as a reply in this topic.

Good luck!
]]> Neil http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=91 The Reality of Grass Roots Football http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=90 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:30:38 GMT
Reality Football Banner

Showcasing the unsung heroes of the beautiful game. That is the concept behind this fantastic project thought up and photographed by Alan Powdrill of Realityfootball.org.

I asked Alan if he could tell our members here at TeamSport90 grass roots football forum his ideas and thoughts behind starting this photographic project;

As a Hackney resident in East London, I was always aware of the amazing Hackney Marshes, home to one of the largest collection of Sunday League pitches in Europe. I began photographing there in 2005 and realised that my project Reality Football should be carried on nation wide. 3 or 4 seasons and seven cities later, the results of my efforts can be found at Realityfootball.org

Reality Football is a celebration of the grass roots game in the uk where week in week out players of all skill levels wear their passion and pride for the game on their sleeves in all weathers and conditions for nothing but love. Football at a professional level has changed beyond all recognition in recent years and this project aims to provide an artistic contrast to that untouchable world.

The dream for the project is a photographic book and exhibition. Part of this process is to start collecting photographs by the grass roots stars themselves which will hopefully really add to the shots I've done. Any would be gratefully received at Realityfootball.org Blog
Maybe some of you are already in Alan's gallery? If not maybe you would like to be? Head over to Alan's blog to get in touch with him and ask how you can help him out.

TeamSport90.com wish Alan the best of luck for the success of his project! ]]> Neil http://forum.teamsport90.com/blog.php?b=90