This article was originally published on January 25th, 2018.
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Sport I want to try -
Last weekend the Russian city of Zelenograd hosted “the biggest snow rugby tournament in Europe, and possibly the world,” according to organizer Vladimir Dorofeev. The snow rugby tournament included 28 male and 12 female teams, made up of five players each. Playing on a small snow-covered field, for 5-minute games, with rules similar to beach rugby.
Sports startup I am keeping an eye on -
Ida Sports is an Australian startup that wants to develop the most comfortable soccer cleats for women. After noticing the problem that women soccer players have had to use men’s and children’s boots, which are not designed to support their women's feet. The lack of suitable footwear can causes problems, including injury, reduced participation, and most crucially of all enjoyment in the sport drops.
New sports league I am learning about -
The Pacific Pro Football League announced that it is set to launch in July 2020. The league headed by NFL agent Don Yee and three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey will provide an alternative path to the NFL. Allowing players to play professionally directly out of high school, with the average salary and benefits totaling $50,000 for a two-month season.
Gaelic sports story that interests me -
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the organization in charge of Gaelic football and hurling, announced that they would be raising match-day ticket prices for the upcoming league and championship. This includes the All-Ireland final tickets being increased by €10 to €90.
GAA President John Horan stating "We’re offering you a top-end final, and everybody knows the impact of the All-Ireland finals in Irish society and their value. Look, you know how much people want to be there." Horan also stated "The decision to raise the ticket prices came about because we made a commitment to increase the revenue to club development grants from €2m to €4m over a four-year period. It’s something I said in my Congress speech that I intended to put the club front and center."
The ticket price increase received mixed feedback, from fans and professionals.
Documentary series I'm watching -
Sunderland 'Til I Die. I started watching this series after seeing Newcastle United fans chant “We've Seen You Cry On Netflix,” during their under-21 clash. The behind-the-scenes series chronicles Sunderland's worst-ever season and relegation to the third tier of English football, during the 2017/18 season. The series highlights how relegation can affect a team. While simultaneously highlighting almost everything that is right and wrong with British soccer and the stoicism of the many fans and nervous employees to whom we are introduced sits in contrast with the borderline apathy and bungling incompetence of this local institution’s custodians.
Have a wonderful weekend all!
Jonathan
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