New York Cosmos: Restoring Cosmos Country

(Photograph courtesy of Cesar Diaz)

“I am very honored to join the legendary club New York Cosmos. It’s a big project, a wonderful project. The Cosmos are very strong, beautifully made, with a great past. It’s kind of a mix between football and art. In addition to my artistic engagements, I will do everything that I can to help us first find our way to regain the #1 position in the United States, and then for us to become one of the best clubs in the world over the coming years.” - Eric Cantona, New York Cosmos Director of Soccer

Words are so powerful that it can add value to something or simply cheapen it. Of course in today's TMZ world many are more likely to be skeptical than faithful. As a result words are only as powerful as the actions behind it. If you live in New York City, seeing action doesn't come cheap.

To Read More: Restoring Cosmos Country

Homeless World Cup: Addressing Homelessness Through Soccer

(Photograph courtesy of Homeless World Cup)

If soccer is considered the global sport, then homelessness must be the global epidemic. The same way we recognize Lionel Messi in his uniform is the same way we would recognize a homeless person seated in a street corner with a sign asking for change.

How does one become homeless? For many of us, we believe homelessness is caused by the poor choices some individuals made in their lives. Those individuals are easier to hold accountable because we can call them out on their substance abuse, criminal past, and employment status.

To Read More: Homeless World Cup

New York Cosmos: A Conversation With The Artist Behind The Logo

"I love people, and I love passing on what I know."
"My philosophy is: if you have talent - use it." - Wayland Moore

After 15 minutes of staring at the New York Cosmos logo the same way Bobby Fischer would stare at a chessboard, I simply wondered who was the artist responsible for creating the New York Cosmos logo 40 years ago. A question so obvious and simple but yet I had neglected it.

To Read More: New York Cosmos Crest

Balls Without Borders: Helping The Youth In War-Torn Regions

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.” - Cesar Chavez

Sometimes a brief exchange of dialogue with an individual maybe an educational one. A few weeks ago, I had finished covering Major League Soccer's SuperDraft in Baltimore, Maryland. As soon as the Draft was officially over, I made my way down to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention because I had agreed to be interviewed for a radio show based in Philadelphia.

To Read More: Balls Without Borders

America SCORES NY: Empowering Urban Students Through Soccer & Poetry

(Photograph courtesy of Rob Uvanovic)

"We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends." - Mary McLeod Bethune

With the rise of obesity and asthma mixed low reading scores the children in this city continue to produce, they are endanger of never reaching their full potential. Along with the breakdown of family dynamics and the eliminations of after-school programs and non-profits, a service like America SCORES New York is doing their part in being addressing the needs of the children of Harlem.

To Read More: America Scores Article

Covering & Preserving The New York Cosmos Soccer Tradition

(Photograph courtesy of Mario Ramos)

"It was a traveling circus. Everybody speaking a different language, everybody with a different sort of personal assistant or trainer tagging along to help as a translator and to help with their various needs... it was an enormous entourage wherever you went and it was entertaining." - Lawrie Mifflin

New York, NY - With the new year in session, a plethora of articles have surfaced regarding the New York Cosmos. From Cobi Jones joining the Cosmos to Grant Wahl's Sports Illustrated interview, the Cosmos has been in the news.

To Read More: Covering & Preserving The New York Cosmos

Nuyorican Poets Cafe: Covering Soccer the Nuyorican Way

(Photograph courtesy of Miguel Algarin)

“I write to a listener whose chemistry is changed on hearing these words.” – Miguel Algarin

Prior to becoming a sports writer, I was like an archer without a target. My purpose of writing back then was simply to write whatever was on my mind.

To Read More: Covering Soccer the Nuyorican Way