MLS is Growing Up Fast
March 30, 2006
For those of you following Major League Soccer news, this years offseason has proven that MLS is definetly here to stay as it is showing consistent signs of growth and stablization. There is certainly something to be said for MLS when you have seen over the past two years significant investment interest in the league coming from overseas and across our southern borders.
To mention a few, Chivas USA with its Mexican infulence, Red Bull buying the Metrostars with its Austrian interest and now England’s Chelsea — the EPL’s rock of a club — inking a major deal with AEG that invloves MLS Champions, the LA Galaxy. A few years back I was quoted in the Sports Business Journal defending the MLS that, "I wonder what sport corporate sponsors would support when they begin to see the grassroots soccer community rallying and supporting MLS and buying tickets to watch their teams". It now appears that the rest of the world recognizes the opportunity for soccer in America with MLS. See the story below.
CHELSEA TEAM UP WITH AEG IN US PUSH
2006-Mar-30 05:45
English Premier League champions Chelsea have become the latest club to make a play for the US marketplace after agreeing a big deal with a number of Major League Soccer sides.
The London club’s chief executive Peter Kenyon said it had penned a strategic alliance with AEG – operators of four teams and developers of a number of existing and in-progress stadiums.
The partnership will begin in the summer of 2007 with the staging of a tournament, which will take place every two years, involving Chelsea and a host MLS club.
The alliance with AEG will also include a club-to-club relationship between Chelsea and MLS champions LA Galaxy, an agreement to enhance and market the Chelsea brand in the US and promotion of grass roots football activity.
Kenyon explained: “This is a unique, ground-breaking relationship that not only demonstrates our commitment to the development of US soccer, but will also help Chelsea work towards its aim of becoming the most popular European club in the US, one of our key target markets.”
Chelsea’s business affairs director, Paul Smith, added: “Chelsea’s involvement in US football will be from top to bottom. We will not just fly in and fly out for the tournaments.
“By building the profile and interest in Chelsea in this way we are confident we can expand our business and build a platform for increasing our fan base, merchandising and sponsorship opportunities.”
Newsdesk
newsdesk@sportbusiness.com
Source: ©sportbusiness.com
Zogger Update
March 25, 2006
Hello Zoggers out there! If you’re following Ziga Zoga you may have seen some recent updates to the site with the various News categories on the right column. Here you will find the most recent news updates as released by FIFA, US Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Major League Soccer, and Fox Soccer.
We’ve been busy working on a few things off-line that will be announced soon such as, we’re looking for journalists and soccer bloggers across the country who have a sincere and passionate interest to report on what is happening in their community or region. We’re also looking for some great stories to cover that you may know of. For instance, you may know of a rising star player who deserves to receive some coverage; there may be an outstanding coach that is great with the kids that you believe should be recognized; or there may be a dedicated soccer Mom or Dad out there that you believe deserves some praise. Well, we would love to hear about them so feel free to email your ideas to me, Jason . Moreover, if you have anything at all to share - please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Speaking of what you think, have you heard about joga.com ? If not, visit the site and tell us what you think. Myself, I am interested to see the interactivity and how Joga can help American players - it should be interesting.
Lastly, as mentioned previously, we’re working on our logo and hope to share it
with you soon for your input. We are really looking forward to this
and cannot wait to hear what your thoughts are.
Stay tuned….
Ciao,
Jason
Torneo Mexicana
March 16, 2006
Today Mexican soccer’s living legend Enrique Borja announced the creation of an International Soccer Tournament — Torneo Mexicana — sponsored by Mexicana Airlines. The Under 19 boys and girls tournament will take place in 14 US cities to include: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Miami, Dallas, San Antonio, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, Baltimore, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Jose and Denver.
Teams will compete at a local level for a chance to win an all expense paid trip to Mexico City for the championship. Borja said, "I am honored to be working in conjunction with Mexicana de Aviacion. This tournament solidifies Mexicana’s commitment to the communities it flies to, bringing youngsters a valuable alternative of healthy recreation".
Having the opportunity to sit down with such a renown soccer star, I was intrigued on several levels. When asked about the impact an event like this can have on kids Borja stated, "this is an enormous opportunity for kids to showcase their talent to professional scouts on a World stage - its and opportunity for kids to catch their dream". When asked about the importance of the growth of soccer in the U.S., "this event is a chance to bring our countries together as family. Soccer is a game of values, passion and most of all its about teamwork and community. Our countries are neighbors and we want this event to offer families the opportunity to come together for the love of sport and togetherness. This event is not just a one time thing - we want this to grow and build up the soccer community, its just as important for Mexico for the U.S. game to grow as it is the U.S. This builds more talent to draw on for both of our professional leagues".
Samuel Cantu, Regional Sales Manager for Mexicana, supported Borja, "for Mexicana this event presents an opportunity for us to support our community and bring people together. We are excited to be part of such a great event that is providing a great opportunity for our youth. The next Pele or Borja is out there and we want to do everything we can to support the growth of the game".
I could not resist asking Mr. Borja about Mexico’s chances in the upcoming World Cup, "so much attention is given to the draw and the groups. When a country competes at this level everyone is good - anyone can win on any given day. For Mexico, it is most important to win the 1st game and take the mindset of a team, not individuals. If we play as a country with spirit I believe Mexico can be in the top 4 competing for the Cup".
So kids, parents, and coaches if you want the opportunity to, "catch the dream" as Enrique Borja lived - its all here for your taking. For more information on the tournament of a lifetime visit Torneo Mexicana .
Mexicana Announces New Event
March 15, 2006
Meet former Mexican National Team player Enrique Borja when Mexicana announces a new national soccer tournament for Under 19 boys and girls. Winners from eight major cities will advance to a championship to be played in Mexico City.
Press Conference is tomorrow at Johnny’s Seafood Restaurant 1816 N. New Braunfels in San Antonio.
For additional information contact:
Marco A. Barros, Tournament Coordinator (210) 771-7134
Email: Marcotourism@stic.net
Insight on potential things to come…
March 13, 2006
Today I sat down with game developer Sheri Graner Ray to talk about the potential of developing virtual and console soccer games, specifically for girls. Sorry guys DO NOT fear, you will be included but, Sheri has a certain passion for developing games for girls due to the fact that the gaming industry has largely ignored that girls play differently and are attracted to games in different ways. Sheri has some important meetings coming up and we’ll keep you posted as things develop. Girls, if you have any feedback let Sheri and I know.
BTW, I’ve been at the SXSW Interactive & Film Festival this week mixing and mingling with some of the interactive marketing industries pioneers and film producer studs. So, as I was on my way to meet Sheri, I needed directions to PF Changs and went to the information center and was helped out by Dan Renzi from MTV’s Real World. Not recognizing Dan at first, I walked away appreciative of the help and recalled, "that was Dan from the Real World Miami". Then, I remembered, that was probably one of the last Real World’s I can remember watching as they seem so Real these days. Anyhow, I went back to introduce myself and just to find out if he or anyone he knew cared about soccer and asked him to check out my blog. Well, he popped open his Mac and said he’d tell his friends about Ziga Zoga and I thought cool. So, thanks in advance Dan and thanks again for the directions - you seem like a cool cat and if you’re ever in San Antonio our office is always open.
After lunch, I got to sit in on a live interview with Craig Newmark — founder of Craigslist — given by Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia. Needless to say, this was pretty interesting and I would recommend that you learn more about our world through both of their sites. You’ll be amazed by the information that’s out there for you online as to what you might be hearing or reading about in tradition channels of media. I don’t know if either of these guys know or care about soccer - I just thought that if you were interested you could learn more about them via the links provided above.
Well back to some soccer stuff … I met Kat Candler , the writer, director and producer of "Jumping Off Bridges" where the main character Zak is played by Bryan Chafin, who apparently is an avid soccer fan. Bryan, before you become famous come talk to Ziga Zoga and I’ll get you a FREE T-Shirt, bumper sticker or something. BTW, I am working on our logo and I’ll be sure to let ya’ll know when the shirts are ready.
Well gang, its gettin late and gotta get up early to run a few miles.
Ciao,
Jason
What do you want?
March 12, 2006
So you’re out there doing different things; online gaming, boingin, on myspace , you might even be gearing up for Germany ‘06 ? Well, whatever it might be, help me understand what it is that attracts you to specific places and how we can bring content and activity that you’re excited and interested in, especially as it relates to soccer.
Ziga Zoga wants to know - how can we help you do the things you want to do better? Tell us about the cool things that you might be doing. Did you see the next phenom? Is it you? Could it be your little sister? We just want to know. I’m sure you all know Jean Carlos Chera and there has to be more of you out there? Where are you?
Is there something frustrating you about the way you’re playing? Did your Dad catch your unbelievable rip on film that you want to share? Who do you know that is just tearing up the local scene?
Talk about the products and gear you’re using. For instance, I was introduced to a cool candy company today in Austin called Sweet Riot and the CEO, she’s a pretty cool chick that all you girls out there might want to watch, as I think she’s gonna go places - don’t know if she ever played soccer but she’s got a great competitive spirit. And she reminded me of someone like Mia .
While were on Austin, I heard that the Austin Captiols have attractred some really cool coaches like Roy Lassiter and that some other great coaches may be on the way.
Well I’m out for now.
Late,
Jason
Ziga Zoga 1.0
March 11, 2006
Who Ziga Zoga was inspired out of years of playing, experiencing, building, growing and passionately thinking about the game of soccer, I began to devise Ziga Zoga out of the deep desire to give back to a game that gave me so much and taught me so much about life, struggle, determination, teamwork, success and fulfillment. I look forward to helping you cultivate your passion through and in soccer with Ziga Zoga.
What Ziga Zoga is everything soccer
When When you want soccer
Where Where you want soccer
How On-the-pitch, Online, Offline, Connect Your Way
Vision Ziga Zoga’s sole purpose is to become a major catalyst for the growth of the great game we know in America as soccer.
The time has come for American soccer enthusiasts everywhere to be engrossed in the passion for the game. Ziga Zoga can become what people want to experience through dialogue on:
o Education
o Events
o News
o Entertainment
o Experiences … and more
