The Union of European Football Associations

The U.E.F.A. is the governing body for the European football league. This group of people is responsible for setting the rules and standards for the European football league at all levels of football playing. The people in this group take their jobs very seriously. The association was formed so that the integrity of football would not be lost in the European countries, as it is believed to have been lost in other countries around the world.

Each year there is a convention held to discuss the rules and regulations that should followed by the league. Each year the convention is held in a different country that participates in the football league. This year, the U.E.F.A. set a list of value that they intend to instill in the league to safeguard the sport.

The first value that they feel needs to be instilled is to keep football first. Football is about the sport of playing the game, not the merchandize that is produced and sold because of the game. They also believe players sponsoring other products should be kept to a minimum.

The second value they implemented is pyramiding the structure of football. The purpose is of this is to keep the players and the coaches involved in the decision making processes of the league. The U.E.F.A. feels that if the coaches and players help in the decisions it will help keep them honest and passionate about the game.

Unity and leadership is considered the third value that they have implemented. With unity and leadership the sport can be protected and the players stay role models for the younger people in the nations. This is a big concern for the leaders of the sport.

The leaders also feel that keeping football as a grassroots sport will help preserve it's presence in Europe for years to come. Although they put that youth protection and education is a separate value to maintain, it actually falls in to this category as well. The U.E.F.A. feels that the protection and education of Europe's youth is vital to maintaining a respectable football league.

Sporting integrity and betting is another value that the association hopes to instill in the league. While betting revenue helps support the football league, leaders are concerned about coaches and players rigging games for the profits of betting. Maintaining integrity and limiting the betting is a sure way to help insure the league's standings for years to come.

The other values that were set by the association are just as important as the ones listed. Financial fairness to the players and regularity of competitions helps to further keep the integrity and success of the sport. Discrimination of any type is not tolerated in the European league. National teams and clubs are also regulated to insure fairness and structure. Respect is a must for all players, coaches, and fans. No violence of any type is tolerated.

Maintaining the European sports model is the ultimate goal for the U.E.F.A. For more information regarding their rules and regulations, as well as season scheduling check out their website.

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Grassroots Football Development in Sapele From 1950-1980

Sapele is a city in southwestern Nigeria, located in Delta State. Sapele is situated at the headwaters of the Benin River, which flows out to the Niger Delta.

Football development in Sapele started in the 1950's, when football was just at its infancy in Nigeria, and Sapele a town noted for excellence was at the fore front in football then. The then Sapele township stadium was among the first constructed stadium in Nigeria The desire to fully develop football at the grassroots level gave birth to the Sapele Amateur Football Association in 1987.

This was quickly followed by the staging of the inaugural Sapele Cup of Nations Competition in 1988. It was a competition that featured 16 teams from Sapele and environs. Some of the teams that participated at the inaugural Cup of Nations competition include: K.B Stars, Athletico De Marin, Ghana Black Stars and Loaders F.C.

The competition was put together by Mr. Gabriel Igarri and Mr. Dan Evumena. It is interesting to note that the inaugural Sapele Cup of Nations trophy was donated by Chief P.D.O Akpeki the Ugo of Okpe Kingdom. Going back to football development in Sapele, it is worthy of note to recall that in 1968, Nova Luna Football Club was formed. It was the first Youth club in Sapele. It was founded by Late Mr. Tony Okonedo who was then a Graded football referee. He also founded Ladies Football club that same year. After the formation of Nova Luna, came Niger Pools Football club in 1969. It was formed by the Niger Pools company.

It later metamorphosed into Strangers Football Club in 1969 which was formed by former players of Niger Pools F.C. Strangers Football club was then captained by Olayinka John( Ayogi) who died on the 7th of January 2010 after a protracted illness. The club existed for two and a half years.

In 1971, Ethiope F.C Sapele was formed and it gained prominence due to the caliber of players in its fold then. When it was rumored that the club will be leaving Sapele for a new base, the then Governor of Bendel State- Osaigbovo Ogbemudia took over the affairs of the club and re-named it New Nigeria Bank F.C, with its base in Sapele.

There were four State club in the then Bendel State

Ethiope Football Club (Later re-named New Nigeria Bank F.C Sapele)

Viper F.C Benin (Later re-named Bendel Insurance of Benin)

Ika Rangers F.C Agbor (Later re-named Midwest Line F.C)

Warri Wolves F.C Warri (Later re-named Midwest Line F.C\z)

These four clubs were later handed over to various companies by the then Bendel State Government.

In 1971/72, there was the eleven brothers F.C and Eleven Strikers F.C both based in Sapele.

Late Olayinka John (Ayogi) was the then coach of eleven brothers. The club produced the likes of German Odjegbe who was the then captain of Bendel U-17 football team that won Gold medal at the 1973 National Sports Festival. The club also produced Prince Afejukwu, Oshoff Shogbene, goalkeeper Nasiru Momoh, Samuel Afejukwu and Ighoraye Ogayone. Eleven Strikers F.C were then captained by Monday Daibo and the team had the likes of Andrew Boyo.

In 1973, Ethiope F.C later re-named New Nigeria Bank F.C left Sapele and in 1974, the team was then known as Custom and Exercise F.C. A bulk of players from Strangers F.C Sapele formed the Custom F.C which was then under the Custom and Exercise Department.

The team was then captained by inspirational defender Gabriel Igarri from 1975 to 1983. Within this period under review, there were other teams that sprang up in the Sapele metropolis. These include: Government Coastal Agency F.C - Founded in 1976, Seaboard F.C (Comprising Delta Packaging company, Life Flour Mills and Top feeds)- founded in 1977 and Palm Line Agency F.C- Founded in 1977. From these three teams, a joint team to represent Sapele was formed. It was then called Urhiapele F.C. Urhiapele F.C was founded in the 1985/1986 season. The club did not however last long due to administrative problems. They only played one friendly match against the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Football Club Warri.

There was also the Rainbow Football club which came into existence in 1980. The club which was then playing in the State League/ State Challenge Cup was sponsored by Chief Michael Ibru. One notable player that came out of the ranks of Rainbow F.C was Goalkeeper Andrew Aikhomogbe who later rose to prominence and represented the U-17 National team the Golden Eaglets at the FIFA U-17 Championship tagged Scotland 89.

Clement Sadjere is an Author, a motivational speaker and an information product sales/ marketing expert. He can be reached via telephone on +2348052790262

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6 Reasons Why College Football Should Go to a Playoff System

Reason # 1. Obviously, so that we can finally have a clear cut winner, with no speculation. And it's teams that fought hard to get there. Teams that are deserving..not some over weight powerhouse that hasn't played a game in 2 months because they don't play a conference championship.

Reason # 2. It would give more deserving conferences like the SEC and the Big12 a chance to get in. Thus insuring a exciting game. No more blow outs!

Reason # 3. It's what the fans want. President elect Barrack Obama even said a 8 game playoff system has been long over due in college football. Let's give the people what they want!

Reason # 4. Nobody cares about the outback bowl. Nobody cares about any of the bowls other than the BCS bowls and the title game is the only real tv draw on a weeknight. You bring in this playoff system and suddenly it's March Madness in December. What's more exciting then a bracket with these 8 teams in it. Florida, USC, Texas Tech, Georgia , Alabama, Oklahoma, Texas, Oklahoma ST. I wouldn't put Penn ST. or Mizz on there but for you fans,it could happen. Then,think of the action that a 16 game system would produce. The Sweet Sixteen has never been seen like this...

Reason # 5. I'm sick of all the talking. Let's put this to rest. No more will there be some under achiever that achieved over crying for a piece of the title. No more "co. champions." Not that there ever was really. To my recollection they only give out one crystal ball each year. Still,I am sick of the chatter. I want to see some action.

Reason # 6. I'm sick of hearing Pete Carrol cry about how his team deserves a shot. I want to see USC take on a real team.Not one of these mediocre teams that seem to throw a monkey wrench in the National title implications for USC every year, but a real team, with a real defense. I guess that doesn't take care of Pete Carrol's crying though,because after a thrashing from UG or UF. USC will finally be seen as they are. And not the greatest team in college football.

b-rad from the boot signing off

[http://bradfromtheboot.com]

The University of Southern California Football

USC (aka University of Southern California) has been a college football powerhouse for many years. The football program was established in 1888. They have claimed a tremendous 11 national championships. Their national championships run from the late 1920's to as recent as 2004. However, the 2004 title may be vacated due to recent NCAA violations. Over the past few years, USC has been a consistent top 5 football program.

They have won a total of 37 PAC-10 conference championships. They have been in a total of 47 bowl games since the program started. This trails only Alabama as having the most bowl appearances. However, they do have the most bowl wins at 31. They have recorded a record 7 straight seasons in which they had 11+ wins. Also, a record 33 weeks ranked as the #1 team in college football. USC has numerous players to receive awards over the years. A total of 6 previous Heisman winners & 34 players voted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Add to that, a total of 150 college All-Americans as well. Doe to the school's tradition of producing great tailbacks, USC has been dubbed the name Tailback U".

How could we forget about O.J. Simpson? He may very well be known now for his legal troubles more than his personal accomplishments in football. However, there's mistaking this was a great football player. He won the Heisman back in 1968 all while leading the nation in rushing yards. He also has led the nation in rushing the previous year as well. His Heisman victory goes down as the largest margin ever in this race. Simpson went on to the NFL & became a great success including an NFL MVP award in 1973.

Charles White was voted Heisman winner in 1979. He also won the Maxwell & Walter Camp awards. One for the best college football player in America & the other for college football Player of the Year. During his college career, White set or tied a total of 22 records. He was also an All-American in 1978 & 1979. He was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995. In the NFL, White didn't have as much success. He did garner one Pro Bowl selection. He later revealed that he struggled with drug addition in the NFL. In 1987, he enjoyed his best NFL season with 1,387 yards & 11 TD's.

Marcus Allen was another one of those great USC backs. He played at USC from 1978-1981. His 1981 season was regarded as one of the greatest seasons in college football history. Allen rushed for a whopping total of 2,342 yards. These numbers earned him the 1981 Heisman Trophy. Due to his success, USC retired his jersey number.

Allen went to the next level & had continued success. A Super Bowl champ. An NFL MVP. A 6-time Pro Bowl selection. He spent most of his NFL career with the Raiders. He has been voted into both the Pro & College Football Hall of Fame.

Bush is a current New Orleans Saint & former USC great. He too won the Heisman back in 2005. He was also All-American in 2004 & 2005. Bush rushed for 1,740 yards & 6 TD's his final year at USC. Bush was drafted out of college by the New Orleans Saints. He hasn't done anything great in his 4 seasons with the Saints but he does already have a Super Bowl for his time spent.

Writer and editor, Freddie Brister, is a former high school coach. Check out his Southern Cal Trojans Watch or his Miami Hurricanes Watch