...Cardiff City boosted their play-off hopes with a convincing victory over Stoke City. A rocket from Kevin Cooper gave the 4/5 Bluebirds the lead after 18 minutes and further goals from veteran defender Neil Cox sealed the points.

Gary Waddock celebrated his first match in charge as QPR caretaker manager with a 1-0 win against struggling Millwall. Marc Nygaards goal after 56 minutes secured a 20/21 win but Millwall are now seven points from safety.

Leicester City recorded their third win under caretaker boss Rob Kelly as they edged away further from the relegation zone at the expense of third-from-bottom Brighton & Hove Albion. The Foxes, 9/5 before kick off, found themselves 2-0 ahead through Patrick McCarthy and Iain Hume before midfielder Alexandre Frutos pulled a goal back for Brighto...more

The Nitty Gritty to Soccer Safety

...ty precaution you have. If it involves doing something that could harm yourself or others, such as walking over the back of the bleachers, climbing over people and tall benches, it should be avoided for your sake and others.

Equipment

Without soccer safety equipment, all of the in game rules would be ineffective. Shin guards, cleats, jerseys and proper fitting shorts and socks all work together to ensure that every player can enjoy the game without being at high risk of injury. Shin guards are used to prevent bruising or breaking of the lower portion of the leg, where cleats and soccer balls are highly likely to hit you. Without these, such as lotto shin guards, you put yourself at high risk.

Wearing a proper pair of cleats, such as the ones designed by Nike, gives you more grip into the turf. This grip helps to prevent sprains and breaks in the ankles. These shoes also give your feet adequate protection from other pairs of cleats and impact with the soccer ball.

Proper fitting clothing, ranging from the jersey, shorts and socks, contribute to player comfort. This is important, as distractions from the game can lead to injuries to yourself and others. It is always advisable to wear your proper jerseys to practice or to games. Specially designed jerseys and shorts are designed to handle the rigors of soccer. The fabric in particular is designed to stand up against grass stains as well as be comfortable.

Weather

One aspect of soccer safety that is forgotten by many players and parents is weather conditions. Playing in the rain can be a fu...more

SportGamble.us Picks this Year's college Football Bowl Games

...Here are the consensus bowl picks from the SportGamble.us staff.

Tue., Dec. 14
New Orleans Bowl
North texas vs Southern Mississippi
SGs Pick: North texas
If the So. Miss defense can stop Jamario Thomas from adding to his gaudy stats they should be able to keep this one close.
7:30 pm

Tue., Dec. 21
Champs Sports Bowl
Georgia Tech vs Syracuse
SGs Pick: Georgia Tech
7:45 pm

Wed., Dec. 22
GMAC Bowl
Memphis vs Bowling Green
SGs Pick: Bowling Green
I want to pick Memphis to win this battle, but the Falcons scoring offense, 4th in the nation, will simply outscore Memphis regardless of how well they play.
8:00 pm

Thur., Dec. 23
PlainsCapital Fort Worth Bowl
Cincinnati vs Marshall
SGs pick: Marshall
Marshall has shown up to play in big games this year. I consider a bowl game a big game, wouldnt you?
6:30 pm

Las Vegas Bowl
Wyoming vs UCLA
SGs pick: UCLA
UCLA should burn Wyoming with its passing and running game. Although, Wyoming is playing in its first bowl game in 11 yearsthats certainly motivating.
9:45 pm

Fri., Dec. 24
Hawaii Bowl
UAB vs Hawaii
SGs pick: Hawaii
NCAAs all time passing leader should have a hay-day against this no show UAB defense
7:00 pm

Mon., Dec. 27
MPC Computers Bowl
Fresno State vs 18 Virginia
SGs pick: Virginia
Fresno State failed to play with the big dogs this season and Virginia is on the horizon to become one.
2:00 pm

Motor City Bowl
Toledo vs Connecticut
SGs pick: Toledo
Co...more

Cooling Down Phase for Soccer Training - A Coach's Perspective and Focal Point

...r discuss the loss and any related issues. If this aspect is incorporated every practice then it will be a natural process after the games as well. Yes the practices need to incorporate warm up as well as cool down. Apart from the physiology of increasing strength through stretching regimes. This helps the team members understand their bodies and it's needs.

It is also a great time for the coaches to get feed back on the events. This gets the team t...more

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