Football Philanthropy

Note: I never say "football," but I can never pass up on alliteration.

Here’s a little fact you may not know about me: my career, my profession, my 9 -5, is in philanthropy.

I work in a Foundation where my main goal is to help raise money through research. Obviously, it’s a bit more complicated than that, but, essentially, that’s what I do.

Recently, I have become more fascinated with how social media and philanthropy can work together. I am sure you all have seen “for every like, I will donate X amount” or something similar. While there’s a ton of literature and debate around social giving (if you have time, I strongly recommend you check out Slavoj Zizek’s ethical implications of charitable giving, here), I personally don’t believe charity inherently evil.  

Oh sure, people may use charity for evil, but I think for the most part, people mean to “do good.”

I hope to “do good.”

Which brings me to the point of this post. I have used my blog and Twitter before to see how I can reach people through philanthropy (see: 90 Minutes of Fundraising) and a few days ago I decided to take on a new “experiment” so to speak.

Having hovered just under 1,000 followers for a while now, I decided to mark my 1,000^th follower milestone with a donation to The Homeless World Cup:

(Thanks for the RT's)

Mike Shoemaker from Umbro Canada saw my tweet and also gave his support with the following promise:

(Thank you so much Umbro Canada!)

The response and support have been great so far, and not just because I have gained followers. Rather, it is because a simple promise of a small donation has raised awareness for a great organization.

Believe it or not, this isn’t about me. I have donated to The Homeless World Cup previously and it’s an organization I want to support. I figure (maybe arrogantly so) I’d hit 1,000 followers sooner or later, this is just my way of commemorating the occasion.

Like a social media “fun run” of sorts.

However, like I said, not everyone agrees with this method, and that is 100 per cent legitimate. As one person said (and, rightfully so, they are entitled to their own opinion, “holding donations hostage for more Twitter followers is a pretty scummy thing to do” (I’m withholding the handle, as this is not a personal attack), but that is not my goal.

Trust me, I have done enough “silent philanthropy” that I do not feel like this is some sort of self-congratulatory, narcissistic ploy. The reason why I am doing this is because I think it would be a great way to promote something that I find important.

It’s that simple.

I also think that it might encourage other people to become familiar with the Homeless World Cup, something that they may not have realized existed before.

I found out about it through Jerrad Peters' book We Call It Soccer, and recently, I was made aware of Dave Bidini’s book Home and Away (he recently sent me this great Globe and Mail article about it). This is the least I can do to endorse something I find downright cool and worth sharing information on.

And while I know my followers are use to my regular tweets about Toronto FC, Udinese, and the occasional pun, sometimes I want to share a little more extraordinary.

Hopp,

scm. 

Round and Round She Goes...

Sonja has come down with a case of nasopharyngitis (to quote her, “I’ll wait while you wiki”) and so I am going to blog today to pick up the slack.

Because God forbid 90 Minutes of Hopp doesn’t get updated regularly…

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Anyway, before she lost the use of her voice (and while she is sick, the screaming about Toronto FC that she must have done yesterday probably didn’t help) she coined the term “Nelsen-fence.” Now, it’s not a very good term (relax, you can agree, she can’t argue atm), but she basically explained it as, “not quite a controversy to earn a ‘gate*,’ but ludicrous enough to have some sort of title.”

So, let us discuss (ugh) Nelsen-fence.

If you’re curious on Sonja’s opinions on the whole thing you can either read the quote she gave to The Guardian here or you can wait 48 hours and I am sure you can hear voice ringing out throughout the 416.

Her lovely, angelic, beautiful, like-a-bell, voice.

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*As in, Watergate

Round and Round She Goes...

(Bloggers note: This post was originally written Monday evening after Paul Mariner was fired, and prior to the official announcement of Ryan Nelsen being hired.  I’ve tried to update this post based on the actual announcements made Tuesday and tried make the most sense of this post, but this is TFC we’re talking about here…. It’s not supposed to make sense)

Musical chairs?  Hot potato?  Pin the tail on the donkey?  Seems it’s a bunch of party games down at BMO these days, and Monday’s latest was the firing of Paul Mariner and Bob de Klerk, and the rumoured, but pretty much official appointment of former New Zealand international and “current” Queen Park Rangers defender, Ryan Nelsen, on Tuesday. And yes, I mean “current”, because he still has “obligations” for QPR and will continue playing for them.  He will miss the MLS Superdraft and who knows how many games. 

Now I don’t really know about the merits of Nelsen’s appointment as the 8^th coach of Toronto FC.  I have no idea if he can coach, and I’m not really sure if anyone else does either (including himself).  I also don’t really care for Paul Mariner, either for him staying or being fired.  A coach’s job is to win, or at least field a competitive team with the players he’s got.  I don’t think anyone can argue that even the best coach in the world could have done much more with the roster TFC had last year, considering all their injuries.  A coach’s job is not to take chicken shit and turn it into chicken salad.

My biggest problem is the whole craziness that is going on with TFC.  This is a surprise to no one that follows the team, but these series of events are indefensible for a “professional” organization.  This team just continues to invent ways to make themselves look bad.  This is like me playing in a men’s league on the weekends, and coaching a kids team during the week.

Right, wrong, or indifferent, Aron Winter was fired back in June 2012.  You can argue if this was the right move or not, but 6 months ago, the “soccer people” at MLSE thought this was the right move.  Winter had a direction for this team, and management didn’t like the direction things were going in.  They made their move.  At some point, after the firing of Winter, the top brass at TFC must have know they had a void of soccer leadership in the front office and it was probably at this time they decided they would be searching for a new president.  Someone that would be given the keys to the team, to shape in their mold.  Someone who would bring in “their guy” to coach the team in the style they wanted this team to play. 

So my question: why hire Mariner as your permanent coach?  Why not just add “interim” to his title, and make fans understand it was a temporary solution to a bigger overall problem.  Why, when Kevin Payne was hired as President of the club, did he confirm Mariner as the coach?  Why did they have to wait six weeks to make a move and let Mariner go?

To me, Payne has now made a significant move, and played a trump card.  He had a coach that he could have ridden for a year while he makes the roster moves he feels he needs to make.  I don’t think there was a lineup of teams for Nelsen, who Payne knows from their time together at DC United, and he couldn’t have felt pressure to hire him now.  I asked Sportsnet journalist John Molinaro (here), and he put the question out there himself (here), to an interesting and valid set of responses.

Heck, he could have brought him in as a player for a year (or half year), and then moved him in to the coaches’ roll next season.  I mean, TFC’s best defender may now just be the “coach” of this team. 

Except he’s not defending for us… or coaching.

Nelsen’s announcement comes after he played in QPR’s 1-1 tie with West Bromwich on Sunday, and is given a ringing endorsement from his “current” coach Harry Redknapp:  

“Ryan is very important to us, a fantastic leader and a top player. He’s been offered the chance of a job in America and there’s every chance he might go. He wants to be a manager and he has a chance to manage a club. That’s where he’s coming from. He’s one of the best pros I have ever met in my life. A massive part of your team. To lose him would be a massive blow for us.”

But continuing to play? Sorry, I just can’t get over that.  As my friend, Dave B. says:

“Day 1 and already a lack of commitment. I would rather he comes in as a player manager, bring an experienced coach with MLS experience and go from there. He should be at the club in January, watching tape from last season, talking to the coaching staff and planning targets for the draft (TFC has first and third picks). The season starts in two months.  Could you imagine any other club hiring a manager but allowing him to play for another club?!”  

Well, Dave, they did bring him in to be a player-coach.  He’s just not doing either for us at the moment.

The club really does find new ways to invent craziness.  The one thing this team needed was stability.  An experienced man to coach this team.  I find TFC’s streak of hiring first time coaches astounding.  The last coach they hired that had any kind of senior team experience, and the last with MLS experience, was Preki in 2009…. Yes, 2009!  Funny enough, he’s also the last coach to not have a losing record as a TFC coach (#bringbackPreki!)

Here’s hoping Nelsen can be the next winning coach of TFC, and can deal with all the party games that are going on down at BMO.  Let’s hope he can always find a chair, pass the potato in time, and doesn’t get stuck being the jackass.

Arrivederci,
Enrico (@_EnricoS)
90MofW

P.S.  I guess MLSE decided that had seen enough of the criticism of Toronto FC, and decided to bury it by firing Brian Burke.  Upon hearing of Burke’s dismissal, Sonja’s immediately suggested he take up Nelsen’s spot until the EPL season is over.  Given the way this organization is run, that would not surprise me in the least. 

EDITOR'S UPDATE: Enrico's piece has since been picked up by The Dirty Tackle. You can read it here and be sure to check out their site. Based in New Zealand (with writers across the globe), The Dirty Tackle provides some good insight to New Zealand soccer (and the global game); something TFC fans may be paying more attention to in the upcoming months. 

A Swiss Soccer Sneak Peak!

It's been a week since I have returned from my Swiss Soccer Sabbatical (you can read my travel journals on Soccer Newsday here and here) and I plan to give you a full write up on my adventures. For those of you who don't know (go read those hyperlinks, geez!) I went back to my roots to fall in love with soccer again. That, and:

1. Watch Young Boys - Udinese play in Europa League
2. Watch FC Zurich - Basel play in the Swiss Super League
3. Tour the Stade de Suisse, home of Young Boys and the Swiss National Team (formally known as "Wankdorf") and
4. To invade FIFA.

Really, that last one was my priority. 

Anyway, over the upcoming week I plan to give you a bit of background on each mini-adventure (the last two points documented by my official photographer/art director), but for this Sunday night, here's a little photo sneak peak of the trip over all.

Warning: they are self-indulgent. 

   Oh, wait, I already lied. This was taken in Germany. Note the lighthouse behind my back and the TFC pashmina around my neck. 

Reason for the Trip #1

Reason for the Trip #3. Note the Toronto Football Club tshirt.

Not a reason for the trip, but a glass of  Prosecco on a mountain top. Note the Toronto FC sweater.

I told you they were self indulgent.

And just indulgent. 

But I did some sight-seeing too!

However, let's face it, this was the real reason for the trip: FIFA invasion.

More to come soon. Promise.

Hopp,

scm. 

Allez

Tonight, during dinner (this was before the blue-cheese-in-the-eye incident), I found myself humming “we’re going to Brazil” without even realizing it. The truth is, I am excited and nervous and terrified and excited and nervous and terrified for tomorrow.

See:

(Sorry Duane, but, you know, feel honoured that you were ‘shopped!)

My journey in becoming a Canadian fan has been a rocky one (pun! …sorta). But, here I am, full fledge. In fact you could say, you have seen thee rise for me to become one:

(pun! And, thanks Umbro Canada!)

This also means, I am far too stressed out to discuss tomorrow's game. And, from 16h00 on wards, I will be a bit of a wreck. But, in the meantime, here’s a couple of things for you to check out while you wait anxiously for the game as well (I am so good to you!) First, as you may know (but, probably not if you don’t live in Canada), Dalton McGuinty, the Premier of Ontario, has stepped down. Currently, we are Premierless, however I will always have this tweet to remind me of all the good times with Dalton:

The second is that my newest article is up on Soccer Newsday. Curious to know how I feel about TFC Fans, MLSE Suits, and finding love in this crazy soccer world? Good news! You can read it here!

Until tomorrow, my fellow Canucks (and Canuck sympathizers). 

Allez,

scm. 

90 Minutes of Updates

Darling,

You may have noticed some changes to the blog. This is because I am an idiot, fucked around with the settings, and have no idea how to fix it (I spent an entire night crying about it, it was awful). However, after a few kind words (especially from a lot of people I respect) I decided to keep it this way. But, um, with a different font (when I figure out how) due to overwhelming demand.

Anyway, while we’re on the subject of change, there are a few things going on here at 90 Minutes of Hopp and in the general life of Sonja Cori Missio. First, I started a new gig at Soccer Newsday. I now have a weekly column called Red Dawn Rising (RDR for short) and I would love if you read me; my inaugural column can be found here (oh boy!). I am still doing the occasional post for The Guardian (plug: my latest post!)  and, of course, 90 Minutes of Hopp will still be going strong.

Except, with a little help.

So this week, instead of Sonja’s 90 Minutes of Hopp, you’ll be getting Enrico’s 90 Minutes of Wopp. He’s blogged for me before (see: The Doubtful Guest) and, despite his perverse choice in soccer teams, he’s not that bad of a person writer. See for yourself below [Editor’s Notes in red] and follow him on Twitter: @_EnricoS

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Serie A Week 6 – Top Six Stories So Far

So we’re six weeks into the Serie A season – about one sixth complete – and so far there have been some great stories and a few surprises. Here’s my top six:

6. Sampdoria – Currently in fifth place, including a convincing opening win at the San Siro against Milan, this promoted Sampdoria side are making a little bit of noise to start the season.  Their only loss came last week against Scudetto contenders Napoli, and their schedule for the next two months remains reasonable, aside from a mid week game at Inter at the end of October and a renewal of the Derby della Lanterna in Serie A versus crosstown rivals Genoa in mid November.  I don’t think anyone believes they will pull off a repeat of their surprising, but deserved, Scudetto in 1991, but a great start can lead to building confidence, and they may able to finish in the top half of the table.

5. Torino – As a Juventus supporter [Editor’s Note: “supporter” would not have been my first word choice…], it’s hard to write about the good in the “other” Turin-based team, given the obvious rivalry, but after 3 years their return to Serie A is welcomed.  For a newly promoted squad, Il Granata have had a fantastic start to the season, winning two, a 5-1 away win to Atalanta and a 3-0 win versus Pescara, and only having lost to Inter.  Currently sitting tied for 6^th in the table, Torino will be hard pressed to keep up their current form given a tricky upcoming schedule.  The first of December also brings the return of the Derby della Mole, the first in the new Juventus Stadium.  However a team with Torino’s history deserves to play in the top division, and hopefully, for Calcio as a whole, they can continue their strong play.

4. Cavani and Gilardino – Past and Present.  Young and Old.  Beauty and Beast.  One striker coming into his own as one of the world’s best, the other scoring goals like he used to in the town of Parmigiano.  Cavani, leading the league so far with 6 goals in 6 games, is establishing himself as a premier goal scorer, with a lethal touch around the goal.  His impressive hat trick versus Lazio was his fifth in a Napoli shirt.  Gilardino, having scored two braces so far this season, is having a renaissance, after a mediocre last season at Genoa.  While Cavani scoring goals should surprise no one, his goal-a-game pace and emergence as a world class striker in the garbage filled streets of Napoli Stadio San Paolo is a pleasure to watch.  Gilardino’s recent nose for goal is even causing some to mention his name with an Azzurri recall. Two goal scorers, both currently firing on all cylinders: one, a modern days sports car, the other, like a fully restored vintage muscle car. [Editor’s Note: Notice how unbiased I am being by letting this point remain. If you don’t know what I am talking about, I will wait while you Google the schedule for this upcoming weekend].

3. DiNatale & Guidolin Argument – Firstly, let me say this: I am treading very lightly on this subject [Editor’s Note: coward].  But the fact that the two biggest heroes currently in Udine have gotten into an argument, causing the captain to be left out of the game with Genoa, has sent most fans of the Friuli side to shake their heads.  As if this season hadn’t started out with enough heart break (which I will refrain from rehashing for fear of being hurt) [Editor’s Note: coward x2], a row between its best player (ever?) and beloved coach could have been the last straw for the fragile ego’s of their supporters.  If you’re a regular reader of 90 Minutes of Hopp, you know how dear their fans hold these two men in their hearts (here and here, for example), so only a massive come back away win in Anfield could restore their pride, and bring smiles back to the faces of the Udinese faithful [Editor’s Note: Friulanos never smile, we just look less pained].  DiNatale’s comments after the game would seem to indicate that that the problems have been solved, but winning will always make things easier.  This could be an interesting story to watch.

2. San Siro Curse – Install a brand new synthetic pitch in your stadium so you don’t have a messy field every time you play, and you would think that this would help your team.  Well in nine home games played by both Inter and Milan (including Serie A, UEFA CL, and EL), they have only just won their first games each.  What is most surprising is who these giants of Italian soccer have lost points to; Milan to Sampdoria (see above) and Atalanta, and a UCL tie to Anderlecht and Inter to Roma and Siena, drawing Vaslui and Rubin Kazan in UEL.  Now, I can’t say that I don’t hope this string of poor results continues for the Milan sides, but this is definitely one of the biggest surprises to see Milan sitting in 11^th position, and until the last two weeks, seeing Inter mid table as well.

1. Goals, Goals, Goals – Boring.  Defensive.  Catenaccio.  If these are the words you use to describe Serie A, you’re a moron really need to pay more attention.  Average goals per game in La Liga - 2.8, in the Premiership - 2.8, in Serie A - 2.6.  Big difference from the “high flying” leagues of Europe, where only slow, defensive minded, tactical games are played.  Fifteen games have been won by a two goal margin, and nine by a three goal margin (compared with fifteen and two in Spain, and twelve and seven in England).  Serie A continues to be a league of competitive teams, playing great soccer, where, if you’re not a well prepared squad, you will get beat.  Any team can win.  Every team can compete.  And this is far from boring a campionato.

The great story lines will continue…. As they always do in Serie A.

Hopefully you enjoyed this second guest post and will enjoy reading my future posts more than as much as you do Sonja’s [Editor’s Note: dude, I’m standing right here!] By the way, have I told you that you look great in that shirt?

Arrivederci,

90MofW

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Well, that’s about it from us right now (even though I didn’t really contribute), I’ll be at BMO tomorrow for the DC United game, come say hi and buy me a we-beat-Liverpool-in-Europa-so-buy-me-a-congratulatory-drink drink.

Alè.

Hopp,

scm.

Post script: why do people keel writing about how I becomes emotional unstable during soccer games? Geez…