🌅🌅 Happy Wednesday team. No club soccer? SSB still delivers with some noteworthy content 💪💪. We have sport legends partnering up in the second division of English soccer, VR training in the locker room, and our documentary specialist whipped up a list of films you should catch. Sounds like a great way to start your Wednesday if you ask us.

Final stretch of the giveaway that’s ending this Friday and you can earn additional entries to the raffle by tagging us on Instagram. One tag brings you one step closer to getting that sweet vintage jersey.

Transfer News

Wayne Rooney 🤝 Tom Brady

🐥⌨️ If Fabrizio Romano tweets it, we listen. Soccer’s very own Adam Schefter has announced that the final details of the agreement between Wayne Rooney and Birmingham City are being finalized. Rooney announced his departure from D.C United this past Saturday, making his move back to England possible.

⚽2️⃣ It’s second division soccer, but there’s big money behind this move. The paths of two legends cross in Birmingham, England. BCFC has recently gained new ownership interest with Tom Brady and private equity firm Knighthead Capital Management. The team currently sits in 6th place but is clearly wanting to head in a new direction by bringing in Rooney.

🏆🥷 Betting on a winning mentality. Tommy knows it takes a winning mentality to lift a team to the next level. Rooney only has 3 years of coaching under his belt, starting with Derby County in 2020 where he managed to save them from relegation.. until they were docked 12 points and were forced to relegate. Rooney’s most recent venture was at DC United, where he managed to improve the team’s record from the previous year, which was dead last. Not exactly a great track record for the Man United legend but it sets up for an inspiring story for all involved.

Strength & Conditioning

Future of Futbol?

“The Game done changed. The games the same, just got more fierce.”  

🤫👨‍💻 It’s no secret that technology has become an integral part of soccer training and strategy. To keep up with the never-ending twists and turns of the sport, teams have adapted and implemented new training regimes to prepare for what's ahead. Take Real Madrid as an example, dealing with recent injury struggles, particularly in their center-back position, has forced them to get creative. French-Midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni was thrust into the role of a makeshift center-back against Osasuna. To prepare for his new position, Tchouameni turned to VR technology. He used VR to study video clips of opposition forwards, gaining a deep understanding of their playing style and tendencies. This innovative approach allowed him to step into his new role with confidence to not only bag an impressive victory but also maintain a clean sheet.

😎⚡ The 2014 World Cup-winning German national team was a pioneer in adopting wearable technology during training camps. This decision paid off, especially in the final against Argentina. Data from wearables played a pivotal role in coach Joachim Löw's decision to substitute Mario Götze, who went on to score the winning goal in extra time. The data indicated that Götze's presence on the pitch would energize the team's tempo, leading to one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.

🔋🪫 Not to state the obvious, but player recovery is just as important as performance. Data plays a crucial role in rehabilitation. Coaches and medical staff monitor a player's progress by comparing data from recent training sessions with historical data. This approach helps determine the optimal time for a player's return to full fitness, minimizing the risk of re-injury. Striking the right balance is essential, as bringing a player back too early can lead to further problems, while delaying their return impacts the team's performance. Maybe this explains how Japanese Forward Kazuyoshi Miura has managed to continue playing top-level futbol at the incredible age of 56-years.

Documentaries We Love

This Assignment Is Mandatory

While clubs catch their breath on this international break, there's no time for you to slack off in the soccer excitement department. Dive into the realm of soccer documentaries, where legends are born, stories unfold, and emotions run wild. So, get your popcorn ready, put on your favorite kit, and prepare for a cinematic journey that'll make you feel like you're right on the pitch.

1️⃣ "All or Nothing: Manchester City" Explore life inside one of the world's elite football clubs with unprecedented access to the Sky Blues. From behind-the-scenes drama to candid interviews, it's a front-row seat to the trials and triumphs of Pep Guardiola's reign.

2️⃣ "Diego Maradona" Discover the highs and lows of soccer legend Diego Maradona in this intimate portrait. From breathtaking goals to personal struggles, it's a rollercoaster journey through his enigmatic life.

3️⃣ "Sir Alex Ferguson: Never Give In" Sir Alex Ferguson is a name synonymous with success, leadership, and sheer determination. This documentary delves deep into the legendary manager's life, offering unparalleled insights into his career, philosophy, and indomitable spirit.

4️⃣ "Sunderland 'Til I Die" Prepare to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride with "Sunderland 'Til I Die." This gripping series captures the heartache and hope of Sunderland AFC, a club that's seen its fair share of ups and downs. It's a love letter to the fans who never give up, no matter the odds.

5️⃣ "The Class of '92" Step into the time machine and travel back to the glory days of English football with "The Class of '92." This nostalgic journey follows the rise of the "Class of '92" – David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary and Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt – as they become the heart of Manchester United.

There you have it, your homework for the international break—five soccer documentaries that'll keep your passion blazing. These aren't just films; they're an immersion into the soul of the beautiful game. So, get ready for a cinematic journey that'll keep you on the edge of your seat because when the clubs rest, these documentaries deliver pure soccer magic!

Around The Web 🕸️

▶ It was announced today that the 2028 UEFA European Football Championship will be hosted by the U.K. and Ireland! This is exciting news ahead of the 2024 Euros, which will be hosted by Germany.

▶ Chelsea legend Eden Hazard has retired from professional football at the age of 32. This news probably deserves a column of its own as a tribute to Hazard, stay tuned.

▶ Adopting a dog at a soccer game? Brazilian club Fortaleza walked on to the field with dogs during pre-game ceremony.

▶ In an interesting turn of events, rapper 50 Cent has sponsored Welsh U14 Women’s side ADC Rumney. One of the player’s father worked with him on tour and encouraged him to sponsor the team.

Tell a Friend, Get Rewarded!

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We will announce the winner and give them a week to reply and claim their prize!

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