Playing Soccer / Football / Futsal

[grilled cheese]

this thread is dedicated to the joys, pains, triumphs and heartaches of playing the beautiful game. please keep all other football/soccer-related discussion (particularly vitriolic discussion of professional teams) in the following thread: http://supertalk.sup...beautiful-game/

i play three to four times per week, pretty much exclusively small sided games. in the summer, or actually anytime when there isn't snow and I can get people to play with me, i play street soccer on a street hockey court/rink twice per week. the surface is beautiful and perfect for such a game. we essentially play futsal without a goalkeeper, and use a low-bounce street ball (Calle ball). when it gets cold, I play in a couple of futsal leagues. and while I miss the warmth of the sunshine and the flow of the street soccer game, i relish half-volleying bullet-like shots at a hapless keeper from eight yards out.

i'm old now--in my mid-30s, and didn't play for well over a decade due to a traumatic break-up with the sport after a promising youth career hit the rocks in part thanks to a bully coach that robbed me of my confidence and love for the game. but at this point in my life, I simply can't imagine not playing. if you are reading this, you might understand why.

in any case, i see there being lots to talk about, including:

* clothes that you play in (this is superfuture after all)

* shoes (recent research has led me on a search for mizuno morelias, made in japan--as if i don't have enough financial problems with rakuten and proxies)

* styling teams (chinatown soccer club, gastown fc, etc. and what they're up to)

* injuries (i'm icing my left ankle right now)

* war stories and tales of great goals

* the sociology and power dynamics of your local pickup games

* designing uniforms / crests, etc.

to those of you still playing--even if you aren't playing with and in style--i salute you.

[kchuk]

Seems interesting so ill poke my head in. I'm just getting back into the groove of playing again. I'm in my 20's and just returned from my first serious injury playing sports (sublaxted patella), it feels great.

I scored a sweet goal this Sunday. Flicked my first touch over an over-eager defender. Raced down the left side, the defender recovered and challenged again just outside the 18. I showed him right and went left and once again he bit. I was just inside the 18 in the very far left (my left), i opened up and curled it into the bottom far post. Very Henry-esque for me

I nearly got into a fight that game but thats another story.

What position do you play Grilled Cheesus?

[grilled cheese]

Nice man! I love hearing stories of wonderful goals scored by normal people.

My position is a good question--I'm still trying to figure it out a bit. In my past in 11 v 11 world I would play as a defensive midfielder and then later as a winger. When I play 11 v 11 now I typically try and play on the wing and do a lot of drifting inside. In futsal I particularly enjoy playing in the left channel--it's a perfect for combining with teammates or cutting inside on my right foot for a shot. In 5 v 5 games you end up rotating all over the place, but I love receiving the ball on the left wing and then running at people going inside or out.

Re: the fight, in my opinion, one of the tragedies of playing as an adult is that there are so few games you can play in where dudes just relax and have fun playing. Why bark at the ref incessantly? Why slide tackle me from behind in a non-competitive game? Why talk endless shit and start fights? All that stuff saps the enjoyment of the game for me. I don't have the answer, because there are assholes everywhere--even in over 50 co-ed 5-a-side leagues. I deal with enough conflict in the real world, so when I'm playing I'd much rather concentrate on finding the perfectly weighted ball that unlocks a defense or finding the right moment for a beautiful turn.

What are you rocking for shoes? These days I play almost exclusively in Nike Lunar Gatos for street and court use.

They aren't the most durable of all time, but the lunar sole helps my knees a lot when playing on the hard court. I definitely feel it when I play in other shoes (regular Gatos or Gazelles). The Lunar Gatos come highly recommended--I have a couple pairs. For turf and grass I play in old school Puma Kings--I have molded and turf versions. No studs these days. And once the turf Kings wear out, I'm on a mega-hunt for these:

The above get me wondering about what else there might be to discover in the world of made-in-japan soccer gear...

[mis]

Where do you guys live?

[grilled cheese]

Where do you guys live?

PM'ed you mis.

On another note, I've been snooping around Rakuten to see if I could find some interesting soccer gear. A cursory search under "futsal" reveals some brands that I'd never encountered before, i.e. Goleador, Svolme, and Luz e Sombra. I was hoping to find the soccer analogue to Gyakusou, but it appears that doesn't exist yet--but I have no doubt that it will soon. Of all the brands Luz e Sombra seems the most intriguing. There's some typical weird Japanese genre fusion going on at the margins (soccer, streetwear, breaking, outdoor gear), but the classic soccer uniform / training gear has some promise. I may order a couple of things and report back. In the meantime, check out the following for the vibe.

[grilled cheese]

playing / training late tomorrow afternoon outside. nothing like a late afternoon practice in 30 degree december weather in new england. should be exhilarating and invigorating to the lungs and spirit.

PS--if anyone cares, got my luz e sombra gear a few weeks back. two jerseys (both very nice, one made in japan and one made in china), and shorts (made in china). i like them a lot and get lots of compliments on them and i wear them hard in training. quality seems good; slightly better than adidas' and umbro's best stuff, with nicer materials, and a far superior cut. price is expensive, but not too far out there. sizing is standard for japan--order one size up from your US size and you will be perfect.

[Rob060]

need to get my act together and start playing again. joined an indoor team a few years back, got a pair of adidas copa indoor shoes, but the team just kind of fell apart after a couple games and the shoes have been sitting around collecting dust ever since. been running half marathons for the last couple years, so my fitness is good. just need to start kicking a ball around again and find a team.

always preferred the classic style of copas over the crazy looking stuff.

[grilled cheese]

Classic shoes. Intense debates used to rage over which was better: the copa indoor or the samba k...

[beatplusmelody]

I didn't play for 7 years out of High School and regret it still today. Came back to it 3 years ago after I put on a bit of weight and I look forward to it every year when the season starts. I can't play this year because I'm moving to Japan but am actively looking for a club in Japan that plays Amateur football. If anyone knows about playing outdoor amateur football in Japan that would be awesome. I know Futsal is huge but I'd prefer outdoor.

Here's the website for my club:

http://www.oldcareysoccerclub.com/

Club is less than 10 years old so we're pretty new but it's really competitive and a shit load of fun. Last year was our worst year, finishing last and losing our president and both coaches. New committee on board this year (of which I'm a part of) so there's a good feeling around the club and 3 new coaches that all seem super invested in it.

I usually prefer Nike gear but last year I switched to Pumas V1.11. which are awesome. Light, fast and really strong.

I went looking for Muzinos last year but couldn't find em here in Australia.

I also play Futsal twice a week and find it an awesome way to keep my control sharp and try new things, but my strength is in my speed so Futsal isn't great for fast breaks.

Although sadly I think I'm getting old. I've had two injuries that haven't gotten any better over the last 6 months. adductor muscle and my big toe so I dunno what to do.

Edited December 29, 2012 by beatplusmelody

[grilled cheese]

bpm,

welcome--you sound like a player. i'd be curious to see if anyone with experience playing in japan might ever join the conversation--from what i know futsal (and other small sided games) seems much more popular than 11 v 11. with all due respect, those pumas are really ugly. i'm sure they're functional and feel wonderful on the feet though... i have a very different taste in boots having grown up with copa mundials, puma kings, etc, and tend to value form as much as function...

it's really interesting the differences between futsal and "regular" soccer. right now my futsal team is struggling toward the bottom half of the table while probably possessing the best "regular" soccer talent in the league. in part this is because we have a goalkeeper that is still learning the position, but mostly it's because none of our players (aside from myself) have played futsal before and we are simply getting outwitted by more savvy teams that have played together for years. in a nutshell, our movement is static and immature, with people trying to play too many through balls and ball down the wings (like regular soccer), and we have no set plays or defensive shape. but aside from that we are awesome. at least we have the best uniforms in the league...

[kromophobic]

Been playing since the age of 8, competitively since 12. Am now 25, looking for some new teams,as my outdoor team has pretty much disbanded (old age, getting relegated etc), and my indoor team was getting watered down with lower quality players, and it wasn't worth the commute anymore. Turf indoor, been rocking copas for a few years, love them, though the sole has gotten very soft and I've suffered from toe injuries in the last couple indoor seasons. For outdoor, I've been wearing Predators for a few years. First one's were soft ground Pulse's, which I still wear, as they only get worn in rain, then I got Absolutes, and those lasted me several years, until finally the sole came off. Loved those to death. I replaced them with Predator X's but bought them a little smaller than usual and the leather has not stretched as much as they used to, so i've had many bruised toenails. Now that the preds are no longer K-Leather, I'm going to switch to either Copa's or Nike's, the leather on the Tiempos looks sweet.

Another option for an older style K leather shoe is Pantofola D'oro (Gold slippers?). One of my teammates swears by them:

[grilled cheese]

nice! pantofola d'oros have been of major interest to me. i'd love to hear from somebody who has played in them. they are second on my desired list if i can't find the made-in-japan morelias or if they somehow don't work.

Turf version of the ones you showed:

which nikes were you thinking about. these?

I just played full-sided soccer for a couple of hours, after having played nothing but futsal and street for months. it felt absolutely luxurious to be able to have so much time and space. i felt like friggin xavi--i think i maybe gave the ball away once...

Edited January 11, 2013 by grilled cheese

[grilled cheese]

Cool article on the the US' distinct culture of pickup soccer.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130419/us-national-team-pickup-soccer/

[howl]

I play professionally, any one out there too on sufu (?). Was with the glory (though i hadn't broken into the first team, only ressies), a club in the A-league. On the cusp of it but I had to go back to my birth country to serve. Almost done now, but might stay on to sign with a local club till the end of the season to get back into it before going back to Australia.

 

 

[grilled cheese]

jibril,

that's very cool. i'm from the us, and an avid fan of the game, so i've heard of the glory and watched them on tv once or twice for a few minutes at 3am, but obviously don't follow the a-league all that closely. are you trying to get picked back up by perth or another a-league team? keep living the dream, man. 

[howl]

Once I'm done serving in 3 months, I'm staying to play here in Singapore for the rest of the season and then heading back to Perth to see if I've got a chance of getting back into their books. If not, I'll see how it goes...possibly another A-League team or the lower divisions of Europe if I can get contacts.

[beatplusmelody]

bpm,

welcome--you sound like a player. i'd be curious to see if anyone with experience playing in japan might ever join the conversation--from what i know futsal (and other small sided games) seems much more popular than 11 v 11. with all due respect, those pumas are really ugly. i'm sure they're functional and feel wonderful on the feet though... i have a very different taste in boots having grown up with copa mundials, puma kings, etc, and tend to value form as much as function...

it's really interesting the differences between futsal and "regular" soccer. right now my futsal team is struggling toward the bottom half of the table while probably possessing the best "regular" soccer talent in the league. in part this is because we have a goalkeeper that is still learning the position, but mostly it's because none of our players (aside from myself) have played futsal before and we are simply getting outwitted by more savvy teams that have played together for years. in a nutshell, our movement is static and immature, with people trying to play too many through balls and ball down the wings (like regular soccer), and we have no set plays or defensive shape. but aside from that we are awesome. at least we have the best uniforms in the league...

 

Haha, I used to wear black Tiempos for ages because I hated trying anything different. Those were the only colorway available for the V1.11's and they were the highest rated boot on cleats101 at the time.

 

Haven't had any luck sourcing a club in the small town of Nagasaki. There is one 11side amateur team that plays that I'm going to watch a game for as soon when I can and haven't had any luck sourcing a futsal team either. The fact I don't speak Japanese doesn't help at all.

[grilled cheese]

bpm and jibril,

keep us posted with how things go. 

 

in more pedestrian football matters, my club has a friendly with a group of salvadoran farm workers this weekend. we are going all out with the coronas, bbq'ed meat, and partying afterward. it should be a great time--maybe i'll post a photo or two if i feel motivated. 

 

i'm battling a bit of achilles tendinitis at the moment--too many 2 hour street sessions. the foam roller has been my friend and i'm on the road to recovery. play beautiful, my friends. 

[jeepers]

Once I'm done serving in 3 months, I'm staying to play here in Singapore for the rest of the season and then heading back to Perth to see if I've got a chance of getting back into their books. If not, I'll see how it goes...possibly another A-League team or the lower divisions of Europe if I can get contacts.

Damn man, didn't know you played professionally. Did you play in any local (Singapore) clubs before? 

I just got back into playing regularly again after tearing my acl and damaging my meniscus. Rehab was tough as but so so worth it. 

[howl]

Last season I was with Home United and I didn't play the first half of this season cause officers (NS) wouldn't release me. Just recently though, they've changed their minds when Young Lions picked me up. I was only looking to train so I could go back with some rhythm but I've just signed till the rest of the season.

 

Shit, knee injuries are a bitch. I'm fortunate not to have had anything serious to do with my legs but I've suffered from a stress fracture in my back and had to sit six months out.

[grilled cheese]

Copped a pair of Munich Grescas for futsal season. All red joints--I'm going to be looking good.

[Quiver]

been playing for over ten years. most interesting story is when we were 16 or something and playing five-a-side semi-final against an older and more experienced team. we were 5-4 down and it was getting heated. received the ball close go goals and i was about to shoot when one of the opposition came from behind and grabbed my nuts. no foul give. dirtiest move ever. think a fight broke out afterwards but i really only remember the ball grabbing. 

 

anyways...knee problems these days and more recently chronic pain in the heels. can't walk or run much so just gonna give it a break. anyone had similar experiences? 

[Quiver]

favourite players, videos? falcao is obviously legendary but i like this guy mati from movistar...predominantly right footed so nicknamed the "wand of matias", some slick passing and the goal at the end does it for me everytime

[grilled cheese]

Quiver, great video. falcao is a beast, obviously. also check out some videos of ricardinho or mourad boukhari--both well worth watching...

 

i'm still playing 3x a week at 35, and i find that injury prevention is critical. i ice bath my ankles, ice my knees, use compression socks, and stretch my hamstrings and calves religiously after every playing session. i could probably play once a week without doing all of the extra stuff, but if i want to play more i have to take care of my body. 

[Rob060]

renewed my referee license and have been doing 7 games or more per weekend. really makes me want to play again and get my touch back. i'm in pretty damn good running shape already, but man, being on my feet for that long, i start to feel it in the knees by the 3rd or 4th game of the day.

[ROYALEFATALE]

i'm also looking to get back into playing (probably indoor since that's where a lot of adult leagues are focused) just need to get back in shape , i started playing indoor around age 5 or so and eventually playing with a club through elementary and middle school which basically turned into my high school's team, i haven't played in a minute and i definitely feel like those years playing is part of the reason why i still have knee and hip flexor pain occasionally.

 

i remember wearing these for a few seasons when they were released.

 

also had the somewhat obligatory puma kings (i feel like everyone's had a pair at some point)

and later (i think in high school) wore the first model of nike vapors when they came out, couldn't believe how light (or thin) they were at the time:

[Quiver]

Grilled Cheese - Boukhari has insane individual talent but the videos out there looks like he's probably playing at an amateur state level. Would really like to see him against professional competition, and I wonder if any of the pro teams have considered signing him on. Anyway, at the end of the day teamwork is still where it's at!

 

[grilled cheese]

Grilled Cheese - Boukhari has insane individual talent but the videos out there looks like he's probably playing at an amateur state level. Would really like to see him against professional competition, and I wonder if any of the pro teams have considered signing him on. Anyway, at the end of the day teamwork is still where it's at!

 

 Quiver, I'm with you... I generally enjoy the precision/speed passing dynamic of futsal the most. But sometimes it's just fun to watch someone with ridiculous individual skill that can't be dispossessed. I have no idea where Boukhari actually plays--some Moroccan guys on my club put me on to him.

 

@Rob060, ice those knees, brother! I'm interested in the game from the referee's perspective--it's something entirely foreign to me. I have great sympathy for refs, and don't give them a hard time, but I have a difficult time imagining the game through their lens.

 

@ROYALEFATALE, I still love Puma Kings. I use the moldeds for the two times a year when I play on grass soft enough to warrant them, but more often I use the King Turfs. The King Turfs are actually a really unique shoe. The upper is the "heritage" style king, but it has a more modern EVO midsole and turf outsole that make it much less of a throwback boot than other kings. I give them my highest recommendation. They are great on a variety of surfaces from grass (I use them on grass more than moldeds) to the old-school "astro" turf and everything in between.  

[Rob060]

@Rob060, ice those knees, brother! I'm interested in the game from the referee's perspective--it's something entirely foreign to me. I have great sympathy for refs, and don't give them a hard time, but I have a difficult time imagining the game through their lens.

 

i was a ref all throughout my youth playing days and it gave me a better understanding of the game as a player and how rules are meant to be interpreted and enforced, instead of learning things from coaches and announcers on TV. It's really not a bad gig if you have a thick enough skin to deal with the odd delusional douchebag parents or coaches who don't know the rules of the game, the offside rule being the main one. The loudest, most abusive people are usually the most clueless. Being a good center ref does take a lot of experience because there is so much to watch while the game is being played and they have so much influence over how the match is played compared to other sports. One wrong decision or missed call can cost a team the game, so there is a lot of pressure as well and everyone makes mistakes no matter how good you are. it's also kind of scary reading all these recent reports of referees being attacked and killed in youth leagues around the world. scary how insane people are about a simple little game. 

 

i've heard plenty of stories about bad refs who are overly defensive and have ego problems. there are plenty that go about the job the wrong way. i think the best ones are really open about their decisions and having a dialog with the players. i think howard webb is one of the better ones out there that does that. i was lucky enough to know brian hall while i was growing up and see him ref and learning that early on really helped. to this day i think he is still the only american referee to be chosen to officiate in a world cup.

Edited November 16, 2013 by Rob060

[Quiver]

^When I was a kid, one of my teachers said she was most impressed by referees in football, which was a really interesting perspective at the time (and still even now) given that the vast majority of the fandom is towards the players. Nice share from a first person perspective.