Hanson Harmony on Soccer

Subconscious Desire to Watch USA Match? (Managers Prohibited to Read :)

2010-06-23T12:19:00.001-07:00

If either Tim or Jon are reading this, don't worry, the title is just a joke, mostly ;)

This morning I struggled with, what developed over the last 24 hours, a pulled back. Yesterday was quite uncomfortable shifting around in my office chair. The strain of the ill fitting high back exec chair sent me through the roof yesterday. Adding to my misery was a nigh spent in an easy chair as I fell asleep and couldn't wake up (until a 3:45 accident where my feet were pointed to the ceiling as my head and the back of the chair hit the floor - try picturing it). I put off my daily P90X workout in favor of a run (in the DFW heat) hoping to stretch out the pull and recover before heading off to work. No luck and I felt more miserable than before. To top it off, allergies are doing a number on my throat. All in all I concluded that working from home today would be a nice option.

Having resolved to begin the day at home, I went in search for my laptop bag en route to the easy chair, assuming a posture of work and watch as the USA Men's World Cup contingency work their magic against the bottom of the group Algerian team. Then it hit me: the bag with both PC and Mac were in the back of my wife's vehicle on its way to the Dallas LDS Temple and was not returning until lunch time.

So with only my iPhone (original and waiting for my new iPhone 4) in hand, and my corporate e-mail Inbox not functioning properly, I sent a note off, periodically checked my Inbox (no movement) and settled in for a nail-biting match.

I'll let the pro's tell the full story, slanted or not, but let's just say that I was on the edge of my seat as the US came away with the win 90 seconds into extended play in the 2nd period. While Landon Donovan put the "nail in the coffin" it was the offensive pressure from Dempsey and Altidore that pushed Algeria the whole game. You also can't deny DeMerrit's defensive prowess as he shut down attack after attack, giving US their first shutout match in World Cup since 2002.

All the while I watched the game, it was incredibly enjoyable to keep tabs on the England v. Slovenia match via the iPhone GOAL.com app and for those of you that know me you'll know why.

So if my management is still reading this, note that I'll be working a bit later than normal and hopefully a little marketing can hide the sins of my subconscious.

World Cup Comes to Mobile

2010-06-11T14:16:00.001-07:00

Many of you know that I work in the mobile app biz and I thoroughly love futbol (soccer for the colonists on this side of the pond ;). With the World Cup 2010 in South Africa kicking off (yes, that was a pun) today, I'm ecstatic that Handmark is bringing the mobile industry's premiere mobile app for the World Cup, downloadable from your mobile device at http://m.goal.com/app or from your desktop. Here's my review.

Pros:

Free - those of you that know me understand this is a must.
Multi-platform support - iPhone, Android, Window Mobile, BlackBerry, JME devices
Free - didn't I already mention that ;)
Up-to-date news from GOAL.com, not only for World Cup, but EPL, MLS, UEFA, and many others
Free - can't get over that one
LIVE SCORES - this is huge. Mostly large pay-for-models give you live scores but this is, again...FREE
Fixtures and Results by day
Group Stage w/team standings
Knockout Stage w/final tournament schedule
News coverage provided by team of 550 reports, including 10 based in SA for the finals
Social - Twitter, Facebook, Delicious and more for sharing articles and the app itself
Offline reading capabilities when mobile network is down (does this happen anymore?)

Cons:

NONE - see first bullet point in the Pros section ;)

Here's what others are saying about the app.

"Goal.com Mobile application delivers
everything you need to know about football. With provocative
commentaries, exclusive interviews and vivid photos, Goal.com mobile
keeps you in the know no matter where you are. Delivering instant,
real-time access to breaking Goal.com football news." -- Antonio Wells of Androidtapp.com

"...mobile app such as Goal.com gives me a quick World Cup fix when I need
an update." - Kevin C. Tofel of GigaOM

"IMHO, the Goal.com application is top of the bill." - Robin Walters of TechCrunch

Here are some screenshots.

So what are you waiting for? Go get yours today. It's FREE!!!

Contextual Ads Strike Again: Comic Relief to a Tragedy

2010-06-08T10:49:00.001-07:00

Contextual ads are a given in today's world of web, mobile and advertising. Unfortunately, filters for context revolving around tragedies don't exist, or are exploited by advertisers and ironic combinations often occur. Here's an example of one such irony for which I see the comic relief around the apparent tragedy.

For another example of previously noted irony, see this post. And for a final taste of irony, notice that both articles are from Desert News.

Class of 2022 Kindergarten Graduation: My Baby is Growing Up!

2010-06-03T10:32:00.001-07:00

Here's a few video clips from today's Kindergarten graduation. Yes, the video is a bit rough (blame the camera guy, me), but they're sweet. Hope you enjoy!

Nike: Write the Future

2010-05-24T08:58:00.001-07:00

Just an enticing video to get you excited for the 2010 World Cup. Check back here later for link to great mobile app w/live scores coming from Goal.com powered by Handmark.

Goalie Scores and is Scored Upon

2010-04-07T14:05:00.001-07:00

Ever have a goalie come up and score? I did. This isn't him. But this is pretty good.

Spring Season Practices Start this Weekend

2010-01-25T07:50:00.001-08:00

Hard to believe my winter break is coming to an end. Goals I had set forward for the off season unfortunately have been unmet (no marathon due to injury, personal biz yet not prototype complete). With just another 3+ weeks left until opening weekend for soccer, spring season, it's time to start the teams practicing again.

For those of you not familiar with Texas weather, the term "if you don't like the weather just wait 10 minutes" applies liberally to the spring season. This last week we were blessed with 70 degree, almost 80 degree weather (yes, in January) and the mornings were a balmy 50+ degrees. Yet, in reviewing the outlook for Saturday, the day of our first practices, it looks to be in the upper 30's to low 40's as the high. There are not many things that deter a motivated soccer player from practicing and perfecting their craft, but cold weather is one of them. The ground is too firm for the cleat but too slick to not wear them. The cold toes seem to tingle more against a ball that feels harder in the colder conditions.

But just like the adage, if I wait, likely the weather pattern will change, even that morning, and the sun may shine and the temps rapidly increase to a comfortable 50+ degrees. Welcome to Spring Soccer, Texas Style!

Fun Team Pics For Opening Games

2009-09-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures documenting the excitement my kids have at starting a new season (3 weeks late).

S in new uniform ready to take off for the game.

J in new uniform ready to take off for the game.

S & J at the fields ready for a great opener.

Cheetahs won opener 4-1 against the Aftershock.

FireDragons won opener against the Buccaneers 3-0

Innovation of Soccer Ball Beyond Round? Bring in Noaz Safari Sportz

2009-03-06T06:31:00.000-08:00

How do you innovate on a soccer ball? That was my question this morning and jokingly I put out there that "round is round." I did have a friend comment that you could provide texture to the ball, which conceptually would be an innovation. Other than the goalie, texture would likely go unnoticed as most players would have their boot on ;)

So how do you innovate on a soccer ball? Manufactures have designed a plethora of balls that are just that: innovations. From different outter covering types (leathers, synthetics), to stitching (hand vs. machine) to glues, to padding. Even the bladders of balls are different (I admittedly had never paid attention to this detail before this morning). If that was not enough, soccer balls come in 3 regulation sizes to fit the growing strength, size and development of the players.

With all the differing types of balls on the market, what attracts a buyer into purchasing one ball over another? Obviously there is marketing data out there (to which I'm not privy), and I'm sure there could be scientific clues as to what invokes a passion for one product vs another. All that aside, an average player will likely look at a ball and choose based on color, pattern and some visual connection they make with the product.

Keeping eye candy as a selection criteria in mind, I'd like to showcase a friend's new business and product line: Noaz Safari Sportz (http://noazsafarisportz.com). I met with the founder and owner of the business this morning at a local coffee shop (yup, I had my hot chocolate ;) and went through the basic concepts of the business and personally viewed the product prototypes. The business is built on Christian values of integrity and honesty, touting they bring a "rainbow of promise" to children as far as they can reach. They're plan is to create a profit share with organizations as marketing/distributing channels. The design of the product was realized by their son (my former soccer player), Chase. The company is in a unique and specific market that will allow them to propogate Christ's goodness and bring excitement, uniqueness and enjoyment to the sport I love.

Will the product be a competition level product? Not likely. In fact, they're touting it as a training product. But all that remains to be seen. Will the product rise above mere fashion and eye candy? With the hand-stitched product, quality seems pre-eminant in the minds of the owners and if the product were marketed as just fashion it would likely fail. I see this product having a good run at the market.

How can you contribute or get more information about the product? Feel free to contact me personally or go straight to http://noazsafarisportz.com/657.html for more contact information. I'm hoping after talking with the owner this morning, he'll venture into a product site on Facebook and show the power of social networking.

Good luck Noaz Safari Sportz! Looks like you have a winning product concept on your hands. May the Lord bless you through it's development and guide you into the channels were you can be of the most value in His hands!

Season Coaching 4 Teams Ends Cold But Warm

2008-11-26T11:38:00.000-08:00

For just a single season I've been able to glimpse the true insanity with which my older brother lived many years while coaching his 4 sons' soccer teams. These last few months I've spread myself a little thin and coached all 4 of my kids' teams, though under different pressures from my brother. All 4 of my teams are recreational teams which means limited travel (radius of about 30 miles of which we're the center point). I'm a board member which translates into having great control over when and where we play, including practices. I'm not totally insane on the game though some would beg to differ on that statement.

Regardless, the season is now over, the fields are shut down for the next 2 months and it's time to relax a bit and prepare for the Spring season. We elected to not run indoor with the kids' teams and just scale back and enjoy the holidays. So 2 weekends ago we celebrated the conclusion of the season with what seemed like a wintry ending to a normally warm season.

Despite the apparent cold, my morning ended with warm hugs and cheers as L's team completed their first season and were rewarded with trophies, a serious thing for such gigglers. It was a great start to the blustery day and a great ending to a fun season.

FC Dallas Clinic Hit with Local Association

2008-10-17T07:13:00.001-07:00

In appreciation of our sponsorship of the FC Dallas machine here in North Texas, our association was treated to a clinic, free to participants, by 6 of the FC Dallas crew/players. Our association and players love the attention, the opportunity to speak and interact with real soccer professionals. FC Dallas ticket sales loves the PR and at a cost of the gas and time to shuttle the players over it's worth it. Seeing all of the FC Dallas gear that was proudly worn by our KSA players, it seems as though the relationship is mutually beneficial.

What many in the association do not know, however, is the relationship is not free. When it's advertised as a free clinic, that's partially true. It does not cost the participants anything to register and participate on that day. But the association is burdened by a sponsorship cost which ultimately comes from the player registration fees since the association is a non-profit organization. Along with a bi-annual clinic, which is mostly a PR tactic, the association is blessed with pretty decent tickets to home games which are used to reward association loyals and those that contribute directly to the success of the association.

When I titled this entry as the clinic being a "Hit," it is a double entendre: it is a hit in that it is a success with the locals but it's also a financial hit, or debit, in the association's budget. Worth it? Definitely.

All four of my kids participated and loved the event. When asked how much they learned, none of them could reply that anything was learned. But when followed up with the question of whether it was fun and worth it, the response was unanimous in the affirmative.

Well done FC Dallas!

Hanson Teams: No Swimming Before Matches

2008-10-08T08:34:00.001-07:00

Please note Hanson teams: Absolutely no swimming before our matches regardless of our win/loss records.

"A Zimbabwean soccer player drowned in a crocodile infested river during a ritual to cleanse his team of bad spirits before a match", a state newspaper reported on Tuesday. First mistake may have been the location as the river has a strong current and the next that there are plenty of crocodiles and hippos in this location. Next is it's by Victoria Falls; duh!

Anyway, my soccer players are hereby banned from swimming prior to the games. Please take action if necessary ;)

Poor Ref'ing to Our Advantage

2008-10-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

Last night our U9 boys played a 6pm game against a fellow board member's team. The importance of who we played against is being critical of the ref while maintaining control of our own composure and sidelines was within our duties of being on the board. Let's just say the level of judgment the referee displayed in the match was less than adequate and our referee director will be receiving a note.

The advantage in this came when one call of handling the ball, which results in a direct free kick, was called. From my view I could not tell whether it was in our out of the opposition's penalty area but the hand came up signaling direct and my son placed the ball amid the confusion, stepped back and shot the ball up and over and into the back of the net. The goal counted.

Now, whether the referee confused the situation and awarded our team a direct free kick outside the penalty area or should have delayed and set up a PK is irrelevant to this portion of the post. What I was pleased with was how quickly and intelligently my son placed a quick kick to our advantage. The confusion likely contributed to his success but I found his thinking logical and timely.

Way to go J!

First Time Ref: Son to Assist

2008-10-01T04:37:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty excited to start a new chapter in my soccer career this weekend. Since I certified with my son as Grade 9 referees back in Aug. I just haven't had the opportunity to put my cert. into action (schedule is just too busy). But this Sat. all of that will change. Not only do I get to referee, I get to center referee with my son as an assistant or AR. I'm a little nervous as making my debut where the parents and coaches are considerably more vocal in their dissent can be daunting. That being said, I believe I'm prepared to handle it. Should be fun. I'm also excited to have this experience with my son whom I absolutely adore and love. Wish us luck.

Well Oiled Machine...Er Team

2008-09-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Some times I wonder whether my oldest team is a bit too relaxed and last night both confirmed and mystified my expectations at the start of our Monday night match (yep, odd to have a Monday Night Football game). To avoid traffic I left the house quite early and arrived nearly 45 minutes prior to the start of the game. To contrast that highly paranoid behavior, my team on average arrived a mere 4 minutes prior to the start of the game, mostly meandering in toting their water: no hustle, completely relaxed. And how did they perform in the game?

Relaxed, calm and controlled. From the start of the game they flawlessly executed basic give-n-go passes that freaked out the other team. With speed and determination, yet in complete control, the team worked together, pushing passed the opponents to take shot after shot. After the final 2 players trickled in we were up to 3 subs and never felt overly taxed on the field. Their grooming as a team was omnipresent (even the other coach remarked at how well they complimented each other's play) while individual contributions often lead to phenomenal, jaw-dropping plays.

In a victory of 5-0 as visitors, especially after our opening loss as the home team, our spirits were lifted, our confidence strengthened and I believe we'll be ready for Saturday's match against a very talented GSSA team that has spanked us mercilessly in previous seasons. Hopefully the other team's confidence will be their downfall as my relaxed squad comes in and plays according to our rules, our style of play and out classes the other team.

Something that stood out in my mind as quality and worth mentioning was how some of our developing players contributed in unexpected ways. From great personal hustle, taking the ball strong between players and passing based on patterns learned in practice, these players left memorable moments on the playing field rather than holes in their positions as in previous season. This great change, nearly metamorphic, seems distill upon these young men on a regular basis and it is absolutely gorgeous to witness.

Congratulations to my well oiled team. You deserve last night's win and may they keep coming our way! Go Strikers!

Great Drill, Great Coach

2008-09-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking about me when I mention "Great Coach" in the title of this post. I'm referring to my friend Chip. While some may not think of him as great, he certainly is plugged into the sport of soccer and loves working with the boys we coach.

Yesterday in the midst of my muddled state of mind, Chip picked up the usual slack and worked with our U9B team. The ending drill was very effective, so much so that I stole it and used it for my U13B with great success.

The drill starts with two "striker" placed lines facing the goal and one center line facing the opposite direction. The ball is started from the backfield into the center line where the center drops it back and peels out either left or right. The wide swing creates space to dribble where upon approach to the goal the two strikers receive a cross from the outside and attempt to one-touch the ball into the goal.

The effectiveness of the drill is in the quick pace, the timing of the strike on goal, the pass out to the sides and the accuracy of all passes. The drill can be varied through adding defensive players but for the sake of simplicity and timing was run without.

Give it a try and tell me what works well for you!

Easier Soccer Week

2008-09-16T13:12:00.001-07:00

With the cancellation of last weekend's games due to hurricane Ike, this week seems like an easy going schedule. We only have 2 games scheduled for Saturday, one of which is away in Bedford, TX. The craziness is the number of pictures we'll be taking: 4 for 4 teams, 3 of which are prior to the first game of the day. My day will start with 3 hours field monitoring for the association, including opening up the park for the early birds. My morning will run from 7am at the park through about 4:30 at the conclusion of the last game whereby we'll dash off to our church's picnic social. Upon conclusion of the event we'll return to pick up our oldest son from his ref'ing gig back at the soccer complex. Much easier week :)

Did I mention 8 hrs of practice between now and the first game on Saturday?

Crazy Schedule Outlined

2008-08-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

For those of you that may have wondered just how crazy my schedule as a recreational soccer coach really is, here goes:

Mondays -
--1st Monday of the month KSA Board Meeting

Tuesdays -
--4:30 - 5:30pm U9B practice
--5:30 - 7:00pm U13B practice

Wednesdays -
--4:30 - 5:30 or 6:00pm U11G practice

Thursdays -
--4:30 - 5:30pm U9B practice (and this week U6G practice at the same time)
--5:30 - 7:00pm U13B practice

Fridays -
--4:30 - 5:30pm U6G practice
--5:30 - 6:30 or 7:00pm U11G practice

Saturdays -
--any combination of 4 teams playing scattered from Lake Worth to Lewisville, TX
--2 hours of voluntary field monitoring as a part of my service on the Board of Directors
--possibly refereeing games when needed

Sundays -
--no games, no practices, merely rest (well, and a lot of meetings)

How do select coaches function? Sure they get paid but I've known guys that have 9 teams. When do they eat and sleep? I enjoy this game, and my schedule is bursting but I can't imagine much more than what I have. If you're a select coach reading this, drop me a comment. How do you do it?

Scheduling My Schedule

2008-08-25T20:15:00.001-07:00

Do you ever get so busy that you have to schedule time to schedule? I'm not quite there but rather quickly approaching it. Between work projects, family life, church duties, coaching responsibilities and board duties I'm thoroughly shot on free time. Part of the reason I asked for my iPhone was to help me organize a little better and have information at my finger tips. Well, the info is there but the organization is falling short because I actually need to schedule time to schedule.

Speaking of scheduling, this next week I'll be getting teams' schedules in working order just in time to start their season in less than 2 weeks. Coaches are anxious to find out when they play and I'm sure there will be plenty of backlash once they come out as everyone has the best reason to reschedule though no one is willing to offer those up prior to the scheduling, even when requested. So I find it ironic that yet again, I'll need to to schedule time to schedule, just in a different sense.

Life when it's busy is exciting, overwhelming and thoroughly exhausting. Two things I have to be conscientious of doing when I'm in this mode are: 1) exercise to mitigate exhaustion and stress and 2) focus meaningful time with my dear wife. So dear wife, if I fail to schedule either, please do me a favor and knock me over the head with either a kiss or my running shoes; either way I'll get the point ;)

Soccer Inequality Season

2008-08-22T20:48:00.001-07:00

For those of you that know me, soccer is somewhat a passion but it's also an adventure in time management and equality for the recreational players. Yes, I'm competitive-minded and while I want my teams (4) to succeed, I do not educate/train my players at the expense of the recreational credo: have fun. I've grilled it into my player's minds that "my #1 rule is everybody has fun."

Yet for some reason, this season I've started off with somewhat of a concern as I begin to analyze the new players on my teams. I see such a wide disparity among players, from my U6 girls team to my U13 boys, that I haven't seen in many other seasons. Maybe my perspective is clouded by last season's road to glory with my boys' teams and their incredible journey and victories. But this season I see so much that needs to be improved with handicaps that block that progression.

Through all of this I keep reminding myself that the heart of the recreational purpose is to have fun and develop the player, and collectively the team, not to rack up victories. While winning is always fun, it should never come at the expense of the individual regardless of skill set.

So to any player's parent that may keep up with this blog, rest assured your child will play, will receive a fair shake this season, and most of all will be given all opportunities to have fun. Will I work them hard? You betcha! Will we strive to perform to the best of our abilities? Certainly. But I will not let my teams, nor myself, lose sight of our goal: "Everybody has fun!"

What's Wrong with this Picture

2008-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

What's wrong with this picture? Who is at fault?

Soccer Season Stresser

2008-08-14T07:48:00.001-07:00

We've only had 1 full day of practices and things are already starting to break down in the Hanson home. Unbeknown to me, my dear wife has been stressing about the upcoming soccer season, the full days of games and weeks of practices for the last 3 weeks. Stress is not always are good thing in our lives as it can turn nasty in the blink of an eye. But it can also be a positive impetus to perform at a higher level of quality and produce greater than normal results. Time will tell how this will turn out.

What is required of this husband and father to make soccer related stress a positive producer? I need to step up more at home and make a greater effort in creating a more orderly atmosphere. Occasional dinner preparation probably wouldn't hurt either. Clear communication is essential and keeping our world in order prior to the Sabbath day is key, according to my wife.

With the 2nd day of practices kicking in today, we'll see how I perform for the betterment of the family.

R, hang in there and keep me up to date on stress levels.

Any suggestions on how to deal with the crazy schedule? Please hit the comment link below and let me know.

KSA Board Meeting Info: Coach's Lanyards Mandatory

2008-07-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

There really wasn't much pertinent info for me at last night's meeting. Most of it was business as usual and little applied. But something I was interested was how NMSCL has been voting (and this is questionable) regarding coaches and their attendance on the field.

An explainable plague has befuddled me for years now which is why parents that do not volunteer their time during practices see the need to stand next the coaching staff during the games. For the little guys they may see this as a motivator, an encouragement for their wee little child. As a coach, it's a distraction. As a ref (and I'm only guessing here), it's an impediment of control if things get out of hand. At KSA we've implemented a fairly strict parents on one side and the team/coaches on the other. This minimizes this confusion and strife. But even with this well accepted policy, the parents at times meander over to the team side of the field.

The new ruling at the league level places the burden of identifying the coaches squarely on the shoulders of the association and the coach. Lanyards will be issued that identify a registered and background-checked coach and games will either be forfeited or not start until the coach's card on the lanyard is produced.

Negative consequences? Well, for occasions when a coach either forgets or doesn't have an assistant and cannot attend the game this is an issue. But these cases are rare and can be managed.

Benefits? Of course. Clearly marking which adults are authorized by not only the association but acceptable to the league is a good thing. It's good for the opposing coaches as well as we'll know which adults to address with the referee in the event things are out of control with the players (I've had to address this in the past).

I welcome the change and hope that other coaches will welcome this too. Thoughts?

Gearing Up for Fall Season

2008-07-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how quickly the summer flies by, especially when you're not involved continuously with grooming teams, working practices and skills and constantly out on the fields for games and monitoring. With little more than Board meetings to attend, my summer has been virtually soccer free.

That's gonna change here soon. With just over 2 weeks left of July, soccer practices will be starting with a vengeance. I have so much to accomplish in so little time. I check my building rosters this morning and to my disappointment very few have returned. This was expected of my oldest team and while disappointing, I've come to terms with it. The surprise was on the other 3 teams (yes, I'll be coaching 4 teams).

So it's time to beginning the solicitations and beefing up of the teams before I have to scramble just before the season starts.

Let the near insanity begin!

Knee Injury Impetus for Temporary Retirement

2008-07-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yep, you correctly read the title. I'm going into a temporary retirement. What exactly is a temporary retirement? Well, it's more like an indefinite hiatus. I reserve the right to return to the game but may not do so immediately.

Why would I give up playing a sport that I love, look forward to each day, and actively participate with my own kids? That's a hard question to answer. The bottom line is this. I'm old and am prone to injuries. OK, I admitted it, finally. Well, I'm not that old and there are certainly other players on my team and in the league that are certainly older. But honestly, I don't like pain and love being healthy. When I'm healthy, I feel uninhibited. Today, inhibition is all I feel.

Yesterday I saw my ortho and while I did sustain a contusion on the upper tibia and a tear on the the lateral meniscus, he said I should be playing in another season, if I chose to. Well, at this time, my choice is to sit it out and enjoy life in other ways.

What does this mean for the blog? Nothing. I'll still write about my kids and their adventures in soccer. I'll still write about FC Dallas games I get to attend. I'll still write about serving on the KSA board. But I'll be fairly silent as to my own adventures in soccer. And quite honestly, it makes me a bit sad to think about giving it up.

That said, here's to an early retirement. Anyone want to take a guess as to how long it will last?

Volunteering at KSA for Fall Registration

2008-06-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

It's that time again; fall 2008 registration is upon us and as a Board Member I'm currently volunteering a few hours this morning to help shuffle people through registration.

Last year our association contracted with a firm to take the registration process online and let's say it was a little painful for the first 2 online events. The 3rd started out even more painful but things seem to have settled down now that we're out of the beta period. Today's registration, in the office, is merely for those that don't have access to the Internet, have misunderstood how to register online, need a little hand holding through the process, or need to sign release forms.

Volunteering for a non-profit organization has been interesting as I get a peek behind the scenes of how an organization that consistently registers 2500 - 3200 players functions. Everything from the financials, the politics, the volunteerism, and the perks is disclosed in board meetings and exhibited on the fields in some form or fashion. But the spirit of volunteerism is at the heart of the organization. While it's not easy for some to volunteer their time, they make the effort because they believe in the organization, they love the sport, they have family involved in the association and they either want to give back or feel compelled to make a difference.

My motivation is covered by all of these. I feel it's import to serve. I desire to give back to an organization that helps foster good competitive and social relations for my children. I adore the sport, likely too much. I want to make a difference in the organization.

I was challenged by the then VP and now Pres of the association to volunteer my time on the board when I challenged the need to have Sunday games scheduled for any of my teams. A perk I receive on the Board is scheduling priority where none of my teams play Sundays and my schedule essentially comes first and has a great priority. What a difference this makes in how we associate ourselves in our community. We do not have to be apologetic for missing games that are scheduled on Sunday's and we extend this blessing to others by preserving their right to worship on the Sabbath.

I find it interesting as I've served over the last year to listen to many excuses from parents as they try to justify one need or another with zero interest in lending support to the association. "I just don't have time." "I have no experience." These are the most common. Well, I'll be coaching 4 teams, organizing 2-3 traveling teams among those, running practices, attending Board meetings, volunteering time to monitor on the fields and giving some time to referee a few games. Think I have time? Experience is another thing. While I'm not the most proficient coach, I give it a try and that makes the difference.

So for those of you that may contemplate volunteering at your organization or mine, I say give it a go. It's worth it from many different angles. But most importantly, the service is at the heart of the cause and what better reason is there?

Re-Cap of an Exciting Croatia v. Turkey Quarter Final Euro 2008

2008-06-20T14:42:00.001-07:00

Re-Cap of an Exciting Croatia v. Turkey Quarter Final Euro 2008 taken from espn's Gamecast. Pretty exciting, for a soccer nut.

124'

GOAL! Croatia have won it! Klasnic!!

124'

Amazing!
Modric goes on another run, Rustu came wandering out as the ball broke
and as Modric swung it in Klasnic nods into the net from six yards out!

125'

Poor
old Rustu! He's looked uncertain all night and now he's stumbled into
no-mans land right at the death! Fatih Terim is apoplectic.

126'

GOAL! Semih has equalised!! Turkey are level!

126'

Unbelievably amazing!! A long punt downfield breaks to Semih who has whacked it into the roof of the net!!

127'

What
is it with Turkey and comebacks! We've sat through nearly 120 minutes
of turgid football then witnessed two minutes of incredible drama. The
full time whistle went as soon as the ball hit the net. Penalties to
follow!

128'

Croatia will take the first pen. Modric comes forward...

128'

Modric misses! Amazing!

128'

Arda for Turkey.

128'

Arda scores! Croatia 0-1 Turkey!

128'

Srna scores! Croatia 1-1 Turkey!

128'

Semih comes forward.

129'

Semih scores! Croatia 1-2 Turkey.

129'

Rakitic misses! Croatia 1-2 Turkey!

129'

Hamit Altintop scores! Croatia 1-3 Turkey!

129'

Croatia must score. Petric steps up...

129'

Petric misses! Rustu saves and Turkey are through!

129'

You can't say they deserved it, and they might struggle to field a team in the semi-final
given all their injuries and suspensions, but my word Turkey don't know
when they are beaten! The Croatian players are crushed...

130'

What
a cruel game football can be. Croatia deserved to win that game, on
their approach to it alone, and when they scored in the 92nd minute
they must have thought they were through (I certainly did!) but now
they're out. Astonishing.

131'

Join
us for Holland Russia tomorrow night. I've been Chris Murphy, and you,
you have been the football loving public. Ta ra for now.

Championship Secured: Knee Damaged

2008-06-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

After 3 points into the game by our team (one coming from my direct assist), a concussion-like collision with an opposing team sent shockwaves up my newly rehabilitated leg and doctor cleared knee, jolting my knee laterally and sending me to the turf. When I stood up my knee was loose and my spirits sank.

Backing up just a bit may be helpful for those not previously following my knee injury story on HansonHarmony. 1.5 yrs ago, just a few days before Christmas 2006, I blew my knee out on a 1-1 drive on goal that was unimpeded and self contained. My knee hyper extended, my Lateral Collateral Ligament detached (not good) and my Articuate Complex Ligament on the backside of my knee severed (even worse and without repair can immobilize the victim). After a traumatic surgery to repair the ligaments and realign the knee I began a very serious and painful recovery process filled with physical therapy and delayed strength training.

I began my foray into indoor soccer last fall and was highly excited to rejoin the ranks of the risky and aging 30+ mens on the same team I had formed a year earlier. Though the team had changed dramatically, the passion for the game persisted and we made a run for a championship, well t-shirt (no rings at our level). With the apprehension of my knee giving out, I remained braced and we left my first season back with a 2nd place finish.

The next season decimated us with our top scorers unable to attend many of the games. We were knocked down a division for this last season and things didn't start off too well either with a tie and a loss in our first two matches.

From there we never looked back, winning the remaining games and staying healthy throughout the season. We were joined last week by a player that had sat out for 2 season while his ankle break recovered. This was particularly good timing as our lead scorer suffered a near identical knee injury as I had and has been left to surgery, two blood clots and a long road to full recovery.

After having been given the go ahead to play without my brace, I fretted about the decision, knowing that one event can rock my hard training and leave me in pain and remorse. But how can I live life with fear and remain in a "what would happen if" stupor? That wouldn't be fair to my competitive side and always having that question in the back of my mind would drive me to distraction.

I began the game without the brace but brought it for security in case my knee felt weak or I lacked confidence. As it turns out, it was the right decision to bring the brace to recover from both weaknesses.

After the new injury, I hobbled off the field during play, limping slightly, and immediately berated myself for being injured. What was more frustrating was I believe that the injury would have occurred regardless of wearing or not wearing the brace. After putting the brace back on, I sidelined myself long enough to regain some confidence and head back out onto the field. While I felt my knee slip a little and show more play laterally than I would have liked, the pain was bearable and I had a team to support. Within a couple of minutes I had a goal and was satisfied I could survive the game and see us through a victory.

The victory came, the victory photograph was taken, the victory t-shirts were dispersed and I left the arena fretting over a new injury, unable to fully enjoy the team's first victory in 1.5 years of "Storm" existence. Upon my arrival and home and after showering, I iced the knee for an hour while reading before retiring to bed.

This morning, even as I write this entry, I'm still in some minor pain and highly concerned over the well being of my knee. Should I go back to the ortho and confess my folly? Should I take a season off? Should I continue on as normal, bracing each game and continue with my strength training hoping that the injury, whatever it may be, will magically go away? I have this legitimate concerns and others and I constantly find myself distracted by the questions.

Time will be the wise deliverer of the answer to my questions. Eventually I'll heal and my aggressive thirst/hunger for the sport I've loved my whole life will be a memory in life. But for now, the pain is real, the discomfort annoying and the championship accomplishment overshadowed by a singular moment of happenstance. Such is life.

Knee is Cleared: Going Braceless...Officially

2008-06-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had an appointment with my orthopedic (I had previously blogged this but my entry was somehow lost in transit). The great news is things look normal and all tests check out. I've been cleared to play without a brace so long as I am not terribly aggressive and no slide tackling. Since I'm fairly non-confrontational and wouldn't slide tackle even if I tripped in the right trajectory, I'm good.

The good news about this clearing is I'll shave off an extra couple of pounds off of my leg and add more agility to my play. I'm completely apprehensive about my ability to play without the brace and I'm very nervous about any lateral hits I may take. However, you can't live life in fear of something happening. You have to make things happen and pray for the best.

That being said, tomorrow night marks the first game I'll go braceless.

Argentine Soccer Star Pauses Career for Mormon Mission

2008-06-11T16:04:00.001-07:00

I think it's great to see good press for the church and when it relates to soccer, even better. This young man is pausing his stellar career to serve the Lord on a mission for the LDS church. How many can say they would be willing to sacrifice the fame and glory, especially in soccer which is world-wide fame, for 2 years in the service of their God? Hit the link above to find out why. It's in espanol so for you english readers you may need a translator.

Foot/Ankle Good but Bruised: Teammate Out w/Knee Injury

2008-06-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

Posted from my iPhone to the mobile site:

The foot is feeling quite well and should be well enough for tonight's game.

On the down side, a fellow teammate apparently twisted his knee in last week's win and is having to undergo knee surgery tomorrow to have his LCL re-attached. Sound familiar? Yep, that's exactly what I had to under go 1.5 yrs ago and I'm still recovering.

All for the love of the game though :)

Update on Sprained Foot

2008-06-10T15:12:00.000-07:00

As I went to bed last night, I noticed with some clarity that my foot had swollen quite a bit and was turning a nice purplie color along side my sole. Some would be quite discouraged by this and get completely off their feet (elevated, of course), seek medical professional help or just cry like a baby until the pain subsided.

Me? Well, I got up this morning and did side steps, as per my usual aerobic workout, and pushed through the swelling, the pain and the discomfort. And the results? After a full workout (steps, strength training, no yoga on Wii-Fit this morning), I felt great. The swelling had nearly dissipated and the pain had greatly subsided. I wish I could physiologically describe why this exertion caused the logically opposite effect on my foot but this is not the first time for me.

The precedent setting experience was 2 years ago when I sprained an ankle (could be the same side but I don't recall). After mercilessly waiting on my butt for 3 days I just couldn't take it any longer and I went for a 4 mile run. Felt better and kept running after that. Of course I haven't played basketball since (which was how I rolled it) and really lost any drive to play again.

This injury is different, however, in that the sporting cause of the injury is a life long passion; one that I do not intend to give up. Soccer has become a balm to me when I'm stressed or in need of an inner exertion release. While the comradeship is pleasant (if they keep their language clean), the sport itself is my companion. To bend the ball to my will through power, finesse, skill and physical tenacity is a delight in its own. While the injury is recent and likely will be painful tomorrow night, there is just something luring me to play and feel good about it. Will I be timid? Certainly? Top game? Likely not. More importantly, will my playing fulfill an inner desire expressible only on the short field? Definitely!

Injury or no injury, I'm there tomorrow night!

Barefoot Soccer @ Party Yields Sprained Foot

2008-06-09T13:36:00.001-07:00

As I'm not in the health industry, I'm sure someone will correct my self-diagnosis as impossible or unlikely but I'll throw it out here regardless and wait for the clever retorts.

In celebration of an undefeated season, including end-of-season tournament, my oldest son's team got together at a neighborhood pool with an enticing soccer field adjacent to the pool. I knew I'd be playing and brought my gear along for the occasion. The players were having a great time in the pool and after they had their share of pizza I suggested playing over on the field.

As some didn't bring proper shoes for playing, I made the brilliant suggestion that we play barefooted so as to not crunch anyone's toes. This turned out to be my fatal flaw as my ankles and feet apparently aren't as stable without my shoes.

On the first play I touched the ball, my ankle rolled and I felt something pop and give in the upper potion of my foot, below the ankle and slightly off-center on the top of the foot. I limped for a few minutes and felt it starting to give way to pain but did that send off red flags in my stubborn head other than to slow me down a bit? No. I kept on playing and enjoyed my time with my kids and players.

The ride home was filled with embarrassment as I tried to logically explain to my wife my inner drive and ambition to have fun regardless of the pain. She thinks I'm a bit foolish. Of course at the time I was boasting of a broken bone which really sounds much more serious.

2 full days later, the top of my foot is slightly swollen and I can tell it will color into a nice brown/yellow bruise. My ankle is a bit soar up through my outer calf and stretching the tissue on the top of the foot is still tender. Walking is somewhat painful but the more I do it the better it feels. Yesterday's church services, while long, were actually tolerable (meaning the pain in the foot not the services or religious presenters ;) ).

So the question I keep asking myself is this: Will I be ready to play in Wed night's final season match up against the #2 team and will I contribute to our team's victory, sealing #1, or be a hindrance? The next 2 days will tell. Until then, ibuprofen, ice and elevation are my friends.

Soccer: An American Game

2008-06-06T09:27:00.001-07:00

Do most people realize that soccer (American's name for Football) is truly an American sport? OK, maybe not born in the USA but certainly a well accepted and loved sport. I've heard that youth soccer is the fastest growing sport in the US and as such many adults are clamoring to participate.

The love of the game is definitely felt in our family. With a tournament now behind us (last weekend), we enter into a period of summer isolation. Yet something competitive within me yearns to keep our kids going. My wife, the ever provider of balance and normalcy regarding sports and any obsession, is good to remind me that momentary breaks in aggressive training is healthy and wise. The sage has a point and from that I derive some peace in our summer long break from sports.

Yet...

I'm off to the Soccer Corner in a few to pick up a B-Day present for my youngest boy. Guess what it could be? I'll post pictures later tonight after he opens it.

Split Blog out for Soccer

2008-06-06T05:41:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder if that inner self is just crying to get out? Well, I know I happen to have multiple personalities all crammed into one (not really a psychological disorder, yet) and I must release this inner beast: the soccer soul.

There is a fair amount of blog entries at my main blog regarding soccer that I figured it was time to specialize and break out the soccer specific posts into their own niche. The Hanson Harmony on Soccer blog will be dedicated to just entries on our Hanson life as it relates to the wonderful game of soccer.

Much of the content will be dedicated to our families interaction with this phenomenal game but some may be newsworthy entries from the game itself. Please feel free to drop me a comment if you have suggestions on blog entries.