Talking with Dwayne De Rosario today
August 31, 2007
Hello out there! I will be talking with Dwayne De Rosario later today and I just wanted to know if anyone had anything they would like to ask him? We have about 20-30 minutes to chat with him and we’ll be recording to podcast later for the ZZ community. So, let me know.
Cheers,
Jason
Kiwi does Your Body good!
August 29, 2007
How important is potassium to your body? Important enough that if you don’t get enough of it you could run your the risk of cramping up in intense athletic competition. If you do not receive enough Potassium you could significantly effect your blood pressure and increase lactic acid build-up in your muscular system, which would lead to cramping.
Because bananas are so commonly recommended as the best source for potassium I thought I’d share a favorite fruit of mine for potassium - the kiwi. Of course, there are many other sources of potassium, which you can find linked here. As well as some other interesting information on potassium intake here. Generally, I think you would agree that a healthy dose of fruit dishes on a daily basis would certainly help you to maintain your potassium levels for training.
So, enjoy the Kiwi’s - they go well with strawberries and bananas mixed with a cup of ice and a touch of milk in a blender.
Is Our Best Good Enough - What needs to happen?
August 21, 2007
I feel like I’ve been slacking a bit since I have not posted
much this past week but, I have my reasons. I’ve been working on a few projects lately and its been
pretty hectic but that’s life sometimes…eh? Now, back to our regularly schedule program.
of his youngest son Scott to post on the ZZ video portal as an example for other
players so they can benefit from this feature by showcasing their skills to
college coaches and pro scouts. On the way up I was talking with Scott about his playing
experiences with the Lonestars,
which is a Nike Premier Club in
currently trying to develop themselves and what resources they are currently
using to do so. Talking with Scott was
interesting, when asked about how he was learning and growing in the game he
said,
“I learn most by watching the pros when
I can and from the club”. When Scott said,
“when I can”, that caught my attention.
As a competitive soccer player and dad, Scott & Steve
don’t have much time to really enjoy live matches. So, they have to record pretty much everything
and watch it later.
or 3 hours round-trip in order for Scott to train with one of the most
competitive clubs in the
weekend to Austin, Houston or Dallas that they may do. Hmmm sounds familiar huh Clint?
depends on the club, I asked about the ancillary things the club does to
educate its players. I was interested to
know if coaches do video/film sessions or provide nutritional guidance. Scott indicated that the club did some
nutritional sessions in the past but, the focus was primarily more on tactical
and technical training. Of course, I
expected that since most competitive club coaches are primarily educated to
provide a high quality physical training environment. Such is the distinction between professional
youth development systems like an Ajax.
Question: when will US players have wide-spread youth Academy systems like those of Ajax in America that teach about a holistic football life? Answer: this has started on a small level with in MLS here but we have a long way to go still to reach the level of professional football training received over seas. But, how far is it that we have to go? What are the other countries doing to create their edge like Brazil, Italy, Germany, England, etc., and will they share?
Speaking of, I’d really love to travel the world and study how different clubs train their players. Since that probably won’t happen real soon, I’m wondering if you read this if you might contribute a couple of comments about the club/academys systems you have knowledge of…that would be really cool.
For your enjoyment, here is a short clip of the Lonestars practicing direct attacking and transitional play for their showcase they just won this past weekend.
Find more videos like this on Ziga-Zoga
….SLOWLY, BUT SURELY
August 20, 2007
I watched the Galaxy v NY match over the weekend, and I was SHOCKED!! …what an exciting match. I say "exciting" not only because of all the goals, but the action was almost nonstop. That on top of seeing the stadium full and actually hearing the supporters singing and chanting was BRILLIANT!!. THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN RANTING ABOUT BOYS AND GIRLS!
ATMOSPHERE!!, ATMOSPHERE!!, ATMOSPHERE!!!…it makes a world of difference.
When I see what I watched, it makes me think.."THAT IS SOMEWHERE I NEED TO BE"! My hope now is that even if Beckham isn’t going to be in the stadium, that the crowd will still be as full and as loud.
One team that has been a brilliant representative of MLS is Toronto FC. Even though they aren’t doing very well, they consistently have a full stadium and supporters singing loud and proud.
THAT MY FRIENDS IS HOW TO SUPPORT A TEAM!!
Cheers,
~Scott
Scott Hudlow is a member of Ziga-Zoga and blogs passionately about his
views on what’s happening in the world of football. Scott that can be reached from his
page here.
Is MLS Breaking The General Market Wall Down?
August 18, 2007
I’ve always said it will take a while and tonight marked another step in the right direction with the crowd that came out in NY. Further, I think Scott’s post below is timely as it shows how our culture still has some growing to do.
So, instead of writing about the massive crowd Beckham attracted, I think it is more important to point folks to the conversation that is happening about MLS and the potential growth in the US. Reading an article posted at Fox Sports, I saw comments from a few folks admitting they are fans of other sports but, will be attending a few matches this year to check out their local MLS team. Check out the comment thread at Beckham draws 66,000 in wild NY match and read Scott’s post below as it gets to the heart of what needs to happen here in the US.
~ Jason
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A “SUPPORTER” AND A “FAN”
August 18, 2007
FANS-
Fans go to a game and bring their noise makers and horns. Fans are to busy talking to the person(s) next to them to know what’s happening in the match, their kids are screaming and yelling because they’re bored or hungry or have to go to the bathroom. They follow a team until the team does poorly, but not to worry because they immediately pick another team to follow (usually one that is in 1st place). Fans don’t know or care or want to know the history of the team they follow, or only follow a team because of a certain player….again, only to switch teams if that player moves to a different team.
SUPPORTERS-
Supporters make noise through singing, chants, yelling (and yes, at times cursing). Supporter’s kids are either left at home with a sitter or have everything taking care of before the match begins. Supporters follow ONE side….winning, loosing , top of the league or bottom of the table. Supporters don’t always know the full history of their side, but have descent knowledge…..And last but NOT least, NO ONE IS BIGGER THAN THE CLUB!! players come and go, but the support for your side NEVER waivers!!
~ Scott
Scott Hudlow is a member of Ziga-Zoga and blogs passionately about his
views on what’s happening in football. Scott that can be reached from his
page here.
Off The Pitch - Barclay’s Premier League Week One
August 13, 2007
Well, it seemed as if last season was just a few weeks ago, but as fast as last years season ended, this years campaign is here already. After the first weekend of matches, this week brought us some surprises, some great efforts, some disappointments, and some mishaps. Ziga-Zoga will have a weekly recap of the some of the highlights of each week of matches for the entire season.
1) Sunderland, Sunderland, Sunderland - Roy Keane has done it again, instilling his never give up and always work hard attitude into this team in its first match in the Prem v. Tottenham. Michael Chopra, who signed this offseason, hit the match winner in stoppage time. If Sunderland plays like this during the entire season - we could be seeing this years surprise in the BPL.
2) Steven Gerrard Bends it like Beckham - Steven Gerrard scored on an unbelievable free kick to give Liverpool a victory over Villa. Torres (although he hadn’t scored) looked as if he would fit in with Liverpool as he played a part in their first goal. This is a good sign for a team that took a huge splash in the transfer window this off-season.
3) Big Sam v. Little Sam - It was the return to Reebok of Big Sam as he led the Toon Army to a thrashing of the Wanderers. Bolton looked out of synch, out of rhythm, out of control, and were out of the game after 11 mins when N’Zogbia scored. Little Sam has some work if he wants to compete this year and not be fighting for relegation. Obafemi Martins might have a 2nd career as an acrobat after his stunning overhead kick and celebratory back flips.
4) Arsenal Recovered - It didn’t take one minute for Fulham to reap the rewards of Jens Lehmann’s mishap. As Lehmann tried to clear Clichy’s backpass - it was intercepted and Healy put it in the back of the net. Arsenal equalized in the 84th min as Kolo Toure ended a remarkable run with a illegal collision with Carlo Bocanegra in the box, and Van Persie scored on the PK. Hleb hit the game winner in the 90th min to seal the victory.
5) Chelsea wins a battle - Chelsea started their season with a record setting victory, their 64th straight home victory over Birmingham 3-2. Two of Chelsea’s off-season transfers proved their worth as Claudio Pizzaro and Florent Malouda both scored in the 1st half. Although Birmingham played well - they couldn’t overcome Shaun Wright-Philips incredible feeds, as he played a role in 2 of Chelsea’s three.
6) Disappointing start for Man U - Manchester United was unlucky to run into Marcus Hahnemann in their 1st match of this campaign….the American GK kept Reading in the game with some fantastic saves during this one. Man U (and England) for that matter had a big loss in the 45th min as Wayne Rooney suffered a hairline fracture in his foot, which will keep him out of the Man U lineup and not able to see action for the Three Lions through the Euro 2008 Qualifiers in September. With the loss of Rooney - Carlitos Tevez will play a larger role earlier than expected. You have to give Reading their due for a phenomenal defensive effort, even playing the last 17 mins down a man.
7) Manchester City off to a good start - Man City also reaped the reward of off-season transfers as Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni each scored in their first match in the Prem. Kasper Schmeichel (Peter’s son) looked impressive as he had his first clean sheet to start the 07/08 campaign. Even though Man City’s side is almost entirely new, it was West Ham that looked off kilt.
Contact Us
August 11, 2007
Ziga-Zoga Sports & Entertainment
5150 Broadway, Suite 490
San Antonio, TX 78209
www.zigzoga.com
Jason Cronkhite
Co-Founder & CEO
phone: 210.259.3242
email: jcronkhite at zigazoga dot com
skype: jason.cronkhite
im: zigazoga
Steve Arters
Co-Founder & President
phone: 210.240.9823
email: sarters at zigazoga dot com
Ed Sakiewicz
Co-Founder & CSO
phone: 210.316.3223
email: esakiewicz at zigazoga dot com
Chris Campasano
Co-Founder & COO
phone: 646.457.8703
email: ccampasano at zigazoga dot com
The Most Significant Football Rivalries…
August 11, 2007
In my book it has to be Celtic vs. Rangers because of the deep rooted history of this match. It’s so much more than just football…its about religion, politics and social attitude plus football.
I bring this up because there has been all this chatter recently about why is the MLS not on par with the rest of the world’s leagues. Give me a freakin break! Do you know how much history and how long some of these leagues have been established.
Well, the FA was the founding father of football leagues according to history on wikipedia. Essentially since 1888, today’s EPL has been playing football and the MLS is only in its 11th year after more than a decade of no professional soccer being played in this country. Although, its time we passionate REAL Football supporters do something about it.
If we want to see some of the best players in world playing here in the US, its really up to the fanbase. Yep, that’s right we are gonna have to get out and get season tickets if your in the MLS markets and start creating these heated rivalries because frankly the fans are gonna have to pay for the World Class players to come over to the MLS.
We have to show that we really want it and our own countryman have to get better. Unfortunately, its gonna take some time. Becks is a great addition to the league but we need a whole lot more players like him to be attracted to the league.
So, if you are in an MLS or USL city and you are not at the pitch supporting the local franchise you should be ashamed of yourself especially if you call your self a passionate advocate of the game. The faster this happens the more likely the league and its investors can afford to bring over more of Becks and the like.
GET TO THE PITCH, TAKE YOUR WHOLE FAMILY & CLOSEST FRIENDS AND GET STUCK IN!
ONLY THEN WILL THE "REAL FOOTBALL" RULE IN AMERICA.
Watch this interview of Becks on MLS.
What’s wrong with this picture?
August 9, 2007
It’s where football is the most unpopular. Two of the most populated countries in the world China and the US as far as all players according to Fifa’s Big Count have the most participation in the sport. So, why are the countries not better represented on the global stage?
You think it might have anything to do with the bureaucracy of the countries governing bodies? Kinda sucks being last and hope the US can get its act together this century. Look, I love this game and want to do all I can to help it grow and at the same time help people just as passionate as we are to Get Stuck In!
So, if you have the desire and passion to contribute your thoughts and knowledge on how we can change this, come join us at www.zigazoga.com. If you are a member already then get your friends on. If you are just reading this - you know what you can do too!
Let’s all Get Stuck In! together.
~ Jason
