Football in Stoke

For those couples who adore watching sports, especially football, Stoke is a great place for that holiday vacation. There are two teams in Stoke-on-Trent that compete in the Football League: the Stoke City Football Club and the Port Vale Football Club.

Stoke City Football Club
The Stoke City Football Club is regarded as the second-oldest British football league club. It was established in 1863 and was initially called the Stoke Ramblers. The first players of the team were students from Charterhouse School. The Stoke Ramblers had their first documented game on October 1868 at the grounds of the Victoria Cricket Club when the team battled EW May XV.

Chelsea FootballClub

The first captain of the club was Henry Almond, who was also its founder and the first player to score a goal for the team. In 1875, the Stoke City Ramblers transferred from their initial location in Victoria Cricket Ground to a new location near Sweetings Field due to the increasing number of spectators at their games.

In 1878, the Stoke Ramblers were merged with the Stoke Victoria Cricket Club and the new team became known as the Stoke City Football Club, the same name the club carries to this day. The team also moved to a new playing venue at the grounds of the Athletic Club, which would later be known as the Victoria Ground. Soon, the club would adopt their traditional red-and-white colours.
The Stoke City Football Club entered the professional arena in August 1885, some15 years after the team was formed.

In 1888, the club became one of the 12 founders of the Football League. Unfortunately, their first performances were dismal as the team struggled in its initial two seasons, from 1871 to 1873, finishing at the bottom of league standings during that time.

The Football League was suspended for four years during World War I and games resumed in August 1919. During the wartime lull, the Stoke City Football Club competed in the Lancashire Primary and Secondary Leagues.

Despite its initial lack of success, the club also had its share of victories in the Football League, particularly in 1992 and 2000 when they captured the league championship.

The Stoke City Football club also had a taste of success in the country's primary football competition, the Premier League (also known as The Premiership). They won their first major trophy during the League Cup Final of 1972, defeating the Chelsea Football Club in the championship game, thanks to the outstanding efforts of players Terry Conroy and George Eastham. Conroy still works with the club to this day, while Eastham took up residence in South Africa.

Unfortunately, the team hasn't played at the highest level since the 1984-85 season, when they posted their record-low score of 17 points, which would earn the dubious distinction of being the lowest score in the league for 21 years.

Port Vale Football Club
Based in Burslem, Staffordshire, the Port Vale Football Club currently competes in Football League One. Their local rivals are Crewe Alexandra and the Stoke City Football Club. There is slight confusion on whether the club was named after a geographical location in the city or something else. For instance, a Port Vale existed on maps before the club was formed in 1876, but whether the club was named after this location is still under debate. That Port Vale was known as a place within the ports of the Trent and Mersey Canal, which is located in the East Midlands, North West of England.

Martin Foyle was an important manager for the Port Vale Football Club, steering the club to the pinnacle of its success during his tenure. He was replaced by Lee Sinnott on November 2005.

One of the well-known nuggets of trivia about the Port Vale Football Club is that pop star Robbie Williams is one of its biggest fans and a major shareholder. Williams, who was born in Stoke-on-Trent, purchased thousands of shares in the club. The remaining shares were snapped up by Castle Comfort and Stairlifts, the other major sponsors of the team.

This was not the only contribution of Williams to the team. For the computer game called FIFA 2000, he created an original song called "It's Only Us." He did so with the stipulation that Port Vale should be included in the said game.

Other sports clubs in Stoke
Football is not the only sport that couples can watch in Stokes. There are also amateur teams that compete in rugby and cricket as well as competitive water polo games courtesy of the local Paragon Water Polo Team, considered as one of the top British teams.

Football in Stoke

Football Shirts

The world of football shirts seems to have gone a little mad in recent times since the whole scam to do with supermarkets and cheap prices, but make no mistake about it, it's still massive business.

Football is a business these days, we all know that and the shirts have a massive impact on profits for clubs, so getting things just right in terms of design and sales must rank highly in terms of importance.

Chelsea Football Club

Why is it then, that so many teams have so many awful football shirts? I mean event the teams at the very top, will all the money and resource in the world seem to fall victim to some of the most god awful tops you could ever hope to see.

This season, let's take Chelsea for instance. They've won two Premiership titles and countless other trophies and plaudits over the last three or four seasons and this year they're being paraded round in fluorescent green tops that make them look like traffic wardens.

Is it just the fact that manufacturers think they have to come up with designs for football shirts that stand out from the crowd in order to be considered worthy? There is one kit manufacturer who seems to have things down however, and that's Nike.

No matter who they're asked to design for, they always seem to come good and they've been doing that same high class job for years now. Arsenal, Celtic and Man Utd are just three teams to benefit from the quality of their shirt designs in recent times and I'm sure there's a line of others waiting in the wings.

But what are Nike doing that all of the other manufacturers aren't? Well, they're keeping it simple. Most real football fans are just everyday people who don't want a tight fitted pink shirt with a white round neck collar. They want their teams colours represented in a simple manner so they can wear the shirt with pride on a Saturday.

A lot of manufacturers seem to be forgetting this and I hope dearly that football shirts are given the attention they deserve in the future.

Football Shirts

Chelsea Revives Title Challenge

Chelsea roar on with a decisive 2-0 win at home to Man City. This was a pivotal "six-pointer" game. City started the game in 3rd spot with Chelsea chasing two points behind. The win now puts Chelsea a point ahead of City and with a game in hand - potentially just six points behind United. The title chase is not over for Chelsea as they seek to defend their crown with a late charge.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Chelsea FootballClub

Chelsea's two goals came late in the game - on 78 mins courtesy of inspirational defender David Luiz, and then in stoppage time from their other new Brazilian star Ramires. The game really was heading for a stale 0-0 draw. Chelsea boss Ancelotti opted for an experimental strike force of Malouda, Torres and Kalou and Chelsea didn't really raise their game until Drogba and Anelka were introduced on 70 mins.

David Luiz showed again what great value he is even at his hefty price tag. He has fitted into English Premier League football seamlessly and provided energy, poise and a cutting edge to the team. He really is one of the star finds of this season. His second goal of the season proved what a superb two-way threat he is. Chelsea have to hope that he is a durable player because he is going to be a linchpin player for them for seasons to come. Ramires on the other hand - has often struggled with the pace of the league but his last minute goal indicates that he has found his rhythm and endurance in a physically punishing league.

MAN CITY

Boss Mancini will be disappointed that his team failed to show up in this critical swing game against Chelsea. They have now lost their 3rd spot and on current form, will have a hard time getting ahead of Chelsea - AND have to battle Tottenham for that 4th spot. Its looking like another soft ending to a season for City who appear to be also running out of steam and ideas. For all the money they have spent, building team chemistry has been a big struggle. The team does need some time to gel so this part is understandable. Whether the owners have enough patience to wait is another issue. If Jose Mourinho becomes available in the summer, I expect City to make him a substantial offer to run City. So lots of potential drama await City in the off-season. Stay tuned on this one.

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Its abundantly clear that Chelsea now have the momentum to take up the chase for United. Arsenal appear to be losing steam. They are not sound defensively and their keeper Almunia is hitting an erratic patch. At this rate, Chelsea will overhaul Arsenal for 2nd and be the team to apply the heat on United. I'd love to be proved wrong because Arsenal have a great chance of ending their trophy drought and are still in a great position to strike. But they have major problems right now with team dynamics and confidence. This is the point in the season when the team should be shifting into high gear for the stretch run. Arsenal are sputtering along.

THE LAST WORD

Chelsea captain John Terry has been in the news this week as England boss Fabio Capello makes a hash of figuring out the England captaincy. It has now gone BACK to John Terry. My opinion is that its the right move. Terry is a better captain than either Rio Ferdinand or Steven Gerrard. I never thought a year suspension from the captaincy was required. Perhaps a few games to send a message about his off-field indiscretions. Terry is the right man for the captaincy for what he does on the field. Decision long overdue.

Chelsea Revives Title Challenge

Soccer Songs That Make the Game More Exciting

Soccer songs are well-known all over the world. They bring more intensity to the sport which has long been associated with thrill and excitement. Football chants are combined with lots of gimmicks to boost the confidence of the various football teams. Soccer is the most watched and followed sport in the world so that every fan wants to be a part of it in any way they can.

In Argentina, Brazil, France, United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and many other countries, people play soccer, watch soccer games, and even sing football songs in public places. Soccer is often the topic friends discuss over meals and soccer news is read in every street corner. Practically, soccer has been a constant part of the people's lives and in several countries the game has even become a part of their culture. Football right now is already more than just a leisure activity. It is a way of life.

ChelseaFC

The loud singing and cheering inject a unique form of excitement and exhilarating suspense to the out field. A die-hard fan enjoys soccer games more when he or she shares something in common with the crowd. A soccer chant or song can express a fan's devotion to his/her favorite soccer team. The songs featured in the game inspire not only the players but the spectators or fans as well. Such a state makes every second of the game special and worthwhile.

Soccer songs are fun. These songs are mostly in the form of pop songs which talk about football success or sport success in general. They make the game a more exciting sport. They make soccer more fascinating.

Soccer Songs That Make the Game More Exciting

Pacesetter Soccer Club

The Pacesetter Soccer Club focuses on the development of their player. They accept kids starting at a young age and enhance their skills and how to be a part of a team. There coaches are responsible for encouraging kids to be more active and participate on competitions and trainings. They both engage on strategies and theories of the sport.

As kids grow they became more oriented on the sport and have already played on competitions and be very well deserved to be a part on their school team. They will love football and be a better player. When they turn college for sure they will be accepted on scholarship programs and in that sense their education will be insured and with the help of course by the Pacesetter Soccer Club who motivated them to do good.

Chelsea Football Club

For kids who are eager to know more about football, PSC is very much fit for them. The Club is intended to make your sport life a difference, by giving there best to teach children. They have professional coaches that are well-trained and knows the in and outs of the game and help beginners to make good.

PSC has a complete facility and friendly environment for a soccer camp. They not only focus on the game itself but have also fun activities like traveling during important tournaments and you can find lots of good friends there too. With a good training and handling players, there is nothing more you want to ask for. Part of there mission is to make players more comfortable and to make them feel at home.

Pacesetter Soccer Club

TOP 10 Moments in Football History

10. Luis Figo, a world famous football star, who played for FC Barcelona from 1995 till 2000. He was arguably the fans' most favorite player in FC Barcelona, until 2000. That's when "it" happened, Barcelona's biggest rivals, Real Madrid, decided to splash the cash and break the transfer list fees record by getting Luis to Real Madrid.

The move caused outrage among Barcelona fans, Madrid got him for a world record fee of 38 Million Pounds. And that's when the fun begins, during the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, when Luis Figo stepped up to take the corner kick, a pig's head was thrown at him from Barcelona's side. Another incident took place during the 2004 EURO Cup Final between Greece and Portugal. A Portuguese fan ran out on the field, managed to outrun the police, and heading towards Luis threw a Barcelona jersey at him, as the whole world was watching.

Chelsea FootballClub

9. 1996 - African Challenge.
1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, The most surprising gold medals went to the hands of Nigerian football stars after they overcame Brazil in thrilling semi-finals, with a 4-3 score. The finals was between Argentina and Nigeria, well over 2 billion people were watching it, of course most of them thought that Argentina will have no problems getting the gold medal, but most of them were wrong. Argentina was in the driver's seat after leading 1-0. The goal came on a 3rd minute, scored by Claudio Lopez, on the 28th minute Nigeria managed to equalize, as Babayaro scored a perfect finisher. So it was 1-1 on half-time. In the early second half Hernan Crespo gave Argentina the lead again and Argentina was on the way to get the gold medals, but "not so fast" said Amokachi as he scored the equalizing goal and again gave Nigeria hope. Match was almost over and everybody thought it was going to be decided by the penalty shoot out. 90th minute and Amunike gave the lead to Nigeria, it was a shock for Argentina, time was almost over, Argentina had no chance, so it ended with a final score 3-2. Nigeria won the gold medal, for the first time in Olympic Games history.

8. 1960, First ever UEFA European Football Championship (EURO) held in France. It was won by the USSR, beating Yugoslavia 2-1 in a tense final in Paris. It is however quite interesting to note that earlier in the competition Spain had withdrawn from its quarterfinal match against the USSR due to political reasons. As an interesting fact, USSR also scored the first goal in the EURO history, during the qualification games.

7. 1998/1999 English Premier League season, Manchester United got all trophies possible that season. They became the first ever team in football history to do so in one season. First they got the Premier League title, finishing first in the league table, then they took the F.A. Cup title by beating Newcastle United 2-0, and of course the most famous UEFA Champions League final, when United managed to come back from a 1-0 defeat, and score not one but two goals in an injury time beating Bayern Munich 2-1; it was considered to be one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed.

6. 2002 World Cup, Korea/Japan. Korean fans will never forget that historic moment, when Guus Hiddink took them all the way to the Semi-Finals of 2002 World Cup. Korean national football team became the first ever Asian national football team to reach semi-finals of World Cup. Nobody expected the underdogs to go that far, as they beat Portugal 1-0 in a group stages, then a famous 2-1 win over Italy, drawing with Spain in a quarter-finals and then beating them 5-3 on penalties. In the end however they couldn't take on Germany in semi-finals, and they lost 1-0. In the game for the third place Korean team met Turkey, but again they lost. Eventually the Republic of Korea finished 4th in the 2002 World Cup, which was still a great success for the country's football team.

5. June 2003, Chelsea FC was bought by the Russian Billionaire Roman Abramovich for a record fee of 140 million pounds. Back then it was the biggest sale of an English Football club. Straight away Roman wanted to make Chelsea the best and strongest club in the world. He began buying players for a record braking transfer fees. First season with a new owner Chelsea FC finished as a runner-up. But next year, the 2004/2005 English premier league season, Chelsea became champions of England, for the first time since 1954/1955 season. 2005/2006 Season they took the premier league trophy again as they were crowned the champions of England for the second time in a row. These 2 seasons were the most successful 2 years in the club's history.

4. January 11th 2007. It was confirmed that David Beckham will be leaving Real Madrid to play for the United States "soccer" club, Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckham's decision was a shock to many, as one of the world's best football players moves to United States of America, where "soccer" is not that popular. He was the first big player to enter Major League Soccer.

3. 6th February 1958, the Munich air disaster. It was the darkest day in Manchester United Football Club history. On the board of the plane was Manchester United football team along with the club supporters and journalists. 23 of the 44 passengers on board died. Captain James Thain, the pilot tried to take off twice, but both attempts were aborted due to engine surging. When a third take off was attempted, the plane failed to gain adequate height and crashed into the fence surrounding the airport and then into a house. Now every year on this day Manchester United holds a memorial to the people who lost their lives in the Munich air disaster.

2. 2006 World Cup Final produced one of the most famous moments in football history, when Zidane's head-butted on Italian defender Marco Materazzi. It was Zidane's last international appearance for the French national team and 3 billion people around the world were watching it. The next day newspapers all over the world were not writing about how Italy won their 4th World Cup title, but they were writing about how Zidane pulled the "stunt" on Marco. Definitely that was one of the biggest moments in the history of football.

1. Edison Arantes do Nascimento, aka Pele, the world's most famous name in football. Football is probably the most famous sport in the world, and Pele is the man who made it what it is today. Pele made 669 appearances in club football, scoring 626 goals. He also made 92 appearances for Brazilian National football side and scored 77 goals. He made his first club appearance when he was just 15 years of age. He made his first international appearance for Brazil when he was 16, and won his first World Cup when he was just 17. Pele is hailed in Brazil as a national hero. The number one moment in football history is when Pele managed to score his first international goal for Brazil, just three month before his 17th birthday.

TOP 10 Moments in Football History

10 Things You Didn't Know About Espanyol Football Club

1. RCD Espanyol de Barcelona is said to be the sixth most successful football team in Spain, despite being continually overshadowed by the ever-popular FC Barcelona.

2. This was the first club to be formed exclusively by Spanish fans, unlike clubs like FC Barcelona, which were founded by immigrants. Ángel Rodríguez founded the club with the help of his school mates from the University of Barcelona.

Chelsea FootballClub

3. The blue and white stripes on the shirt colors that were adopted in 1910 were inspired by the colors on the Catalan Admiral Roger de Lluria's shield. The admiral had sailed the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages in protection of Catalonia's interests.

4. The team has won a total of four cup titles through the years 1929, 1940, 2000, and 2006.

5. The current team of Espanyol FC started out playing in a large field near the Sagrada Familia before it moved to Sarnia and later to the Olympic Stadium. A new four star stadium, which will become the permanent home of the club, is currently under construction. The new stadium will have all the latest modern amenities including steps toward energy efficiency and handicapped accessibility.

6. In 1912, King Alfonso XIII awarded the club his patronage, giving them the right to use the "Real" (Royal) title as well as to depict the crown in their crest. The club changed its name to Real Club Deportivo Espanol, but changed it again several times due to external influences arising from the conflict in Spain.

7. Espanyol FC won its first Spanish Cup in 1929 when playing against Real Madrid in a 2-1 victory. History repeated itself in 1940 when they won their second Spanish Cup, once again while playing against Real Madrid, scoring a 3-2 victory.

8. When the Professional Football League, La Liga had just been formed in 1929, Pitus Prats scored the first goal in the competition's history. This was reminiscent of the first goal scored in Spanish Cup history, a victory achieved by Ponz.

9. In 1992, Espanyol Club became a sportive joint stock company.

10. In the summertime, Espanyol FC opens the doors of its Sporting City, where the players train and play matches, to the children of Turbula School for a sporting summer camp. The Club also runs a football school where children train and engage in competitions for internal trophies.

10 Things You Didn't Know About Espanyol Football Club