FC Barcelona Player Profiles - Eric Abidal

Eric Abidal was signed in the summer of 2007 as a replacement for Gio. While he is a natural left back, Abidal can also play as a centre back when necessary with his combination of footballing skill, positioning and tactical awareness as well as his semi-legendary runs up the wing in support of the forwards.

Futbol Club Barcelona is Abidal's first team outside France and he arrived at the club after strong interest from Arsenal. Despite being pursued by Italian clubs also, he refused to move there because he feels the game in Italy is still too racist. His move to Barcelona is under a four year deal and on arrival in his new team was unable to assume is usual number 20 due to it already being worn by Deco and he wears 22 instead.

Chelsea FC

He moved from Olympique Lyon, who Barcelona have faced in the 2007-08 Champions League, with who he won the French league title on three occasions in a row (2004-5, 2005-6, 2006-7), as well as the French Cup of Champions twice (2004-5, 2005-6). As part of the deal to move to Barcelona, Lyon will gain half a million Euros if the Catalan team win the Champions League in the next four years. Previous clubs also include Lyon-La-Duchere, Monaco and Lille.

The player, who is of Martinique decent, was considered one of the best fullbacks in the country and played for the French national squad on more than 20 occasions, including being part of the team that were runners up in the 2006 World Cup.

FC Barcelona Player Profiles - Eric Abidal

Arsenal Soccer - The Success Story

Arsenal Soccer Club started as a small club in River Dale, New Jersey. The club has increased with around 50 teams. They are formerly called the Pascack Valley club and later on became Arsenal. The soccer team now includes players from different counties in New Jersey and New York.

The Arsenal Soccer club aims to give proper soccer training opportunities every year. The club admits aspiring boys and girls as team members in northern New Jersey. The club ensures that each member is given equal opportunities in sports and with proper training and education. The club commits to its objectives to develop competitive surroundings which enable their players to become excellent soccer players and at the same time become good citizens of the community.

Chelsea FC

The soccer club's devotion and hard work, they have produce world class players like Alecko Eskandarian who is now a member of the Major League Soccer's DC United team. Alecko was also named MVP when he leads DC United to the MLS Championship in 2004. Another one is Lizzie Reed who is also a former World Class player. Another of there former member is Danny Szatela, who now plays for the Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew. With these achievements, the club is proud to be part of the lives of these successful players.

The club will continue in developing future professional players to compete for international competitions around the world. They will continue in developing education and training programs which aims to teach its members to achieve their goals.

Arsenal Soccer - The Success Story

Best London Venues to Host a Child's Birthday Party

London is an enormous city with tons to do, but organizing a child's birthday party can be a nightmare. Whoever knows where to go or what to do? Here are a few ideas for kids of all ages and interests.

1. London Dungeon

Chelsea Football Club

For all of you brave birthday kids, the London Dungeon might be the best place to host your party this year. Their live actors, super scary rides, and shows are sure to give you a fright. Who says Halloween ever has to end?

2. Queens Ice and Bowl

Everyone has at least one fond memory of a birthday party at the bowling alley, just as we all do for the ice rink and the karaoke club. Why not relive those memories with your child on their birthday? The best part of Queens Ice and Bowl is that you can do all three activities under one roof.

3. The National Science Museum

The National Science Museum is a great venue to throw a child's birthday party. There is a ton of space and a ton to see. Children can walk around and enjoy all of the wonderful history and artefacts laid out for them. Docents are always available to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.

4. The London Zoo

What better way to spend a nice afternoon then with your birthday child and their friends at the zoo? Kids will get to be outdoors while learning about animals and nature. Guided tours are available as are additional educational resources.

5.Chelsea Football Club

Every little boy has a sports team that he worships, and living in London, there is a very good chance that it's Chelsea Football team. Wouldn't it be such a treat then to host their birthday party in Chelsea Football Club's museum and stadium? A ton of child-friendly activities have been incorporated into the tour, but parents will love it too.

6. Delta Force

Paintballing is a great idea for a birthday party, providing that your child is at least eleven years old. Delta Force have organised thousands of birthday parties and ensure the safety of you and your guests. They have a 100% safe record and plan on maintaining it. Bearing that in mind, I honestly cannot think of a more fun way to spend your big day.

7. Children's party bus

Another fun idea might be not choosing a venue at all! Instead decorate a bus with streamers, and balloons, have games, music and desserts on board and you've got yourself a birthday party. Circle the city and don't stop enjoying yourself until the bus drops you off.

There you have it. 7 Great venues to host your child's next birthday party!

Best London Venues to Host a Child's Birthday Party

Billy Liddell - Liverpool FC Legend

Billy Liddell is believed by many Liverpool fans to be the best player of his generation. Born in Scotland in 1922, Liddell signed for Liverpool in 1938, a career that was affected by the onset of the second world war as the English league was suspended from 1939 until the end of the war in 1945, with the First division resuming for the 1946-47 season. Like many players of the time Liddell signed up for the armed forces and joined the Royal Air Force, he re-joined Liverpool and resumed his football career after the war.

Liddell made his official Liverpool league debut in a match against Chelsea, at the start of the 1946-47 season, scoring two of the goals as Liverpool went onto win the game 7-4, and during his first full season in which he started thirty-four matches, and scored seven goals, he helped Liverpool win the league title, a feat that unfortunately wasn't to be repeated during his career.

Chelsea FC

Billy Liddell would go onto be Liverpool's leading goal scorer in eight out of nine seasons from 1949 to 1958. A player of great versatility, Liddell played in nearly every outfield position at one time or another but preferred a striking role, where his quick pace and lightening shot caused havoc amongst the opposition defences. His preferred centre forward role, saw him score his seasons best tally of 33 goals during the 1955-56 season.

In 1950 Liddell inspired Liverpool to their first ever Wembley FA Cup final appearance, which they unfortunately lost on the day 2-0 to Arsenal.

Unfortunately Liverpool were a team in decline, and were relegated to the second division in 1954, and despite offers from others clubs, Liddell always remained loyal to Liverpool, and is credited by many for keeping them in the second division, when at worst, Liverpool avoided relegation to the third division and relative obscurity.

Liddell continued his goal scoring and in total netted 228 goals for the club in 534 appearances, a record that probably would have been bettered if it wasn't for the war years. Always popular amongst the fans he made his last appearance for the club in 1960, many fans still rue the fact that he didn't play during the management of Bill Shankly and Liverpool's revolution and rise back to footballing glory. After illness Billy Liddell passed away in 2001, he will always be remembered as a Liverpool legend.

Billy Liddell - Liverpool FC Legend