Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Cleats.
Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Dawn of a New Era in the EPL
For starters, I am a Liverpool fan, so let me get that out of the way. I try to be as unbiased as a "Red" can be, but my team, at this moment, is clicking on all cylinders and flying high, so if I come across as boastful it's only because I take pride in what they have become. And how couldn't I get fired up after the display they put on the other day?
By Sam Hazelwood7 years ago in Cleats
The 10 Best Soccer Books Every Player Should Read
I know what you're thinking: "Soccer is about playing, not reading!" Well, you're right in one sense. You can't become a great soccer player without, you know, playing soccer. There is another dimension to the game, however. It's not just about the physicality of kicking the ball or rushing the field. There is a mental element. The best players in the game know the history of each league in the world. They understand the evolution of the playing strategies and coaching tactics. There are a number of soccer books every player should read if they want to add this dimension to their own playing.
By Joseph D. N. Kendrick7 years ago in Cleats
The Best Gear for Playing Soccer in the Cold. Top Story - December 2018.
A sport that is played all around the world, soccer has been played in many weather conditions, be it under hot summer sun or in the elements of winter. In fact, many soccer players prefer to play in cold weather as opposed to really hot weather. Though difficult to breathe in the cold, hot weather can be much more dangerous when intense cardio is performed. When temperatures drop, however, it’s important to wear the correct gear for playing soccer in the cold. How to choose soccer shin guards may still be a personal preference, but in order to stay warm while running up and down the field, players need the correct head, hand, body, and foot gear. The top brands like Under Armour, Adidas, and Nike have created clothing tailored specifically for these cold weather conditions.
By Brad Gould7 years ago in Cleats
Best Soccer Books for Kids
Soccer books can help young players learn more about the sport and increase their love for the game. These books tell stories about famous soccer stars such as Mia Hamm and Alex Morgan, who became legends that kids love to look up to for inspiration. A great soccer book for kids will not only teach children about the game, but there will also be a moral to the story, teaching them important life lessons as well.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Cleats
The 10 Best Biographies About Female Soccer Players
Female soccer players are particularly interesting athletes to read about because they have struggled for so long to gain the same respect as male players. Biographies about female soccer players have popped up everywhere, especially in the United States, to tell the stories of how the US women’s soccer team bonded as a team, went to the World Cup, and ultimately, became victorious, not only in soccer, but also in their personal lives. Many soccer players will write a personalized book as a way for readers to hear their stories firsthand. These books are inspiring and they can teach us a lot about the players and the sport as a whole.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Cleats
Best Soccer Autobiographies
Some of the best soccer autobiographies have been written not only by soccer players, but also by coaches and managers who have participated in this beautiful game and helped form the playing career of so many of the world’s most successful athletes. Soccer is one of the world’s most popular sports, and behind the scenes, there are many people who deal with contract negotiations, trades, and the logistics for each player. There is plenty of politics involved that fans of the sport almost never see. The best soccer books every fan must read and other football books give us knowledge on the life story of many players, as well as some intel into other aspects of the game.
By Morgan E. Westling7 years ago in Cleats
11 Soccer Mom Necessities You Can't Live Without
You want to see your kids play their hearts out and have a good time, but you also want to be fully prepared for every contingency to make sure that they can get the best experience possible. Soccer moms don't just drive a minivan full of kids to practice and games—they have to have all the bases covered, from drinks and snacks to a change of clothes to a comfy chair for sitting back and enjoying the game. Some of the most important soccer mom necessities will help you give your kid, their team, and yourself the best experience possible.
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Cleats
The Resurrection: Serie A and Its Rebirth
For years now, all I have heard is how far superior the big three leagues of Europe are compared to the rest of the continent, specifically the Italian Serie A. I'm referring to the Barclays Premier League, La Liga, and the German Bundesliga. All the major US soccer outlets bang away about how these three leagues style of play is far and away better than Serie A. While I will concede that of the big three, the EPL is the best right now at being able to attract the huge names within the sport. It does make me wonder how good that is for the EPL as a whole due to the fact that many players who go there are then forced to sit on the bench who would otherwise star for another team in the very same league, La Liga/Bundesliga or the other leagues of Europe. Therefore, I will focus primarily on the EPL in relation to Serie A. Everyone is allowed their opinion. But this is why yours is wrong about Italian football. Let me take you back and show you how far Italian Serie A has come from a mere ten years ago. I will focus primarily on the current Top 6 within the league and hopefully reshape your definition of what makes a league a "great league."
By Sam Hazelwood7 years ago in Cleats
The Ultimate Soccer Ball Guide. Top Story - December 2018.
Believe it or not, there are a lot of different kinds of soccer balls out there. Some soccer balls are designed for street or urban settings, while others are best on an indoor turf field. Some balls have more or less air retention, or differ between latex bladders and butyl bladders. That's why soccer ball guides are so important for your gamplay. In order to cover the basics of all the different types of ball, from when and where they're used to how they're made, you need to be informed so that you can choose which ball will work best for you.
By Connor Brighton7 years ago in Cleats
How to Choose Soccer Shin Guards
Depending on your position, shin guards may seem like an absolute necessity or a simple nuisance. Nevertheless, many leagues and positions require players to wear this crucial piece of soccer gear, and for good reason. Shin guards are not just important for protecting the shin from serious bruising and damage, but also for absorbing some of the impact from the ball, which can cause injury to every part of the body—not just the shin. That said, there is a wide variety of shin guards out there, and knowing how to choose soccer shin guards that are right for you can be tricky. To that end, there are some especially vital considerations you should keep in mind when you’re setting out to protect your shins from the dangers of the game.
By Nicola P. Young7 years ago in Cleats
