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swiftlymoniquesblog · 4 years

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You and Me and You- Winchesters x OC Miliana

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A/N: Hi friends! I’m sorry I haven’t been updating anything in so long! Life has been crazy! Work was chaotic, I went out of town for my birthday last month, yes the one I was supposed to spend with the SPN cast :(, and I moved towns. I’m currently in a temporary living environment as my family searches for a new place! So yeah, I’m so sorry I haven’t been around. On top of that, the mobile app has been so freaking glitchy and it’s super annoying. I’m not on my laptop as much but it might be worth it to read more fics! I hope everyone is well and please, send feedback!

Xxx Monique

Word Count: 2,420

Chapter 3- 1997- Miliana’s POV

It was just another day in high school for me. I didn’t think I was all that special, yet everyone wanted to be my friend. I tried to keep to myself since I wasn’t like any normal sixteen-year-old. No, I was raised by the infamous supernatural hunter, Bobby Singer. Yeah, that was a fun childhood. He was always in and out of the picture but he made sure to show me and tell me how much he loved me. It did help too when the Winchester Brothers would come to stay with me. They were good friends of mine but their Dad kind of went a bit crazy. He found one monumental case up in like Canada or somewhere, packed up all his things, including his sons, and off they went. It’s been six years since I’ve seen them. My Dad tried to stay local for all his hunts since he believed girls can’t and shouldn’t be hunters, and I guess that makes sense, considering a demon killed his wife, but still, I grew up in this life; I understand it. Jody and her friend Donna, who also is a Sheriff, would come by and bring some of the girls they would take in. Just to help them out, kinda like what Bobby did with me. They’d come around when my Dad had a case that wasn’t close to home and it’s not like I’m not old enough to stay at home alone; Dad just gets freaked out.

“So Miliana, you’re almost done with your sophomore year now. How’s that feel?” Jody asked me one day when she and Donna came to stay with me. They brought some girl, Jessica, to stay with us too but I didn’t like her.

“Oh, I’m excited but I’m also ready just to start junior year,” I admit.

“Why’s that, kiddo?” Donna asked.

“Well, there tend to be more ways to get involved in junior and senior year…” I trail off my thoughts, avoiding the real reason I couldn’t wait to be an upper-class woman.

“You mean there’s a prom once you become a junior?” Jody gave a knowing look.

Damn, she was good. Yeah freshmen and sophomores had dances but they were separated from the juniors and seniors and we didn’t get the same respect as they did.

“Well yeah,” I admit, sheepishly.

“That makes sense. Plus, you’ll feel older and feel like nothing is impossible.” Jody said, clapping a hand on my shoulder.

She was exactly right. I loved Jody like she was my Mother. She kind of was, given the fact that when it came to girl stuff, she would be the one I called. My Dad would just get all embarrassed and wouldn’t know what to do. You can probably figure out how my first period went; awkward.

“Hey, I have to get going. I’m on the planning committee for this year’s end-of-school-year dance, as they call it for us lower classmen. I have to meet before and after school so I won’t be home until late!” I yell as I’m grabbing my backpack and rushing out the door.

“Don’t forget to call before you leave school so I can alert your father! Jody called, as I scurried out the door.

“Yeah!” I yell in response as I run out the door and down the driveway to meet up with my friend, Sandy. She was already further in life than I was. Sandy came from a wealthy background; Daddy paid for everything. She had a boyfriend, was gifted a car on her sixteenth birthday, and was already planning to attend college. She would be turning seventeen the first week of June so she was already “older” than the other sophomores.

“Hi, Sandy!” I say as I throw my bag in the back and off, we went.

“So, you won’t believe what I heard!” She starts with the daily gossip that was floating around campus before we even get there! This was a routine for us. Sandy would come to pick me up and would tell me all the latest drama before we even get to school. She’s very into other people and for the most part, this school doesn’t do a lot in private.

“What’s up today, Sand?” I ask. I was the only one allowed to call her that. She hated being called Sand but for some reason, we’re friends and I can call her Sand. Normally, you wouldn’t think two girls like us would be friends, but I stood up for her when some other “popular girls” were getting in her face, so I threatened to give all of them high-calorie snack bars, and they all backed off. Oh, that’s another thing. Almost all the girls at this school are on a low carb, no fat diet. They mostly ate salads all the time and ate like rabbits, which is why Sandy and I became friends. We both have high metabolisms so we can eat like pigs and never gain any weight; all the other girls are jealous.

“Jared Kingston and Carly Wright are having an extremely public break up on the quad; again.”

“Jesus, again? Isn’t this like the twelfth time they’ve broken up?” I ask. Jared and Carly were your typical power couple; Jared, football captain, Carly, head cheerleader.

“Thirteenth.” Sandy corrected me.

“Don’t they get tired of all the drama? And for the love of God, can they not be so public about it?”

“Well, you know how Carly is. She thinks MTV is going to walk in one day and do a reality show off her non-existent singing career.” Sandy and I laughed. You sing a solo in the seventh-grade talent show and suddenly, you’re a professional singer.

“Hell, if anyone is a singer, it’s you, Mills. Get it?” I just scoff at Sandy’s lame joke, playing off my last name being Singer, and before I knew it, we were at school.

We parked the car and began grabbing all our stuff when a real sleek classic black car drove up to the front of the school. Parked rather crooked, two young boys got out of the car and everything around me suddenly came to a halt. I knew that car. I didn’t get a chance to see them because there was a thrall of students surrounding the car. Jared and Carly’s break up long forgotten, as guys were impressed with the car and the girls were impressed with the boys who came from that car.

“Whoa, who do you think they are?” Sandy asked me, snapping me from my thoughts.

“No one worth our time. Come on.” I say, strutting off, but not before I got the feeling one person was staring at me. We got to homeroom Spanish and chatted away with all our friends before Mrs. Ramirez came into the room.

“Clase, cálmate (“class, settle down)!” Mrs. Ramirez had the philosophy to speak in Spanish and have us try and figure out what she saying until she ended up having to tell us anyway. Not sure this was a very useful way of teaching but this what she did.

“Buenos días clase, tenemos un nuevo alumno. Este es Sam Winchester.” (“Good morning class, we have a new student. This is Sam Winchester.”) My head snapped up; it couldn’t be.

“Saluda a Sam.” (Say hello to Sam.)

“Hi, Sam.” A very few students had bothered to say hello to the new student, who was ushered to sit down in the only open seat in the class; next to me.

“Hey, I’m Sam.” He says, sitting down, but not making eye contact with me. I didn’t know what to say so I just kept quiet, hoping he would remember me.

“Do you not…holy shit. Miliana?”

“Hi, Sam,” I say, tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear.

“Wha-what are you doing here?” He asks me in surprise.

“I should be asking you the same.”

“You never left Lawrence?” He whispers/asks.

I shake my head. “You know how my Dad felt about a girl being a hunter. He didn’t want me to have to see that life once I reached high school. Said I needed every normal high school experience I could get.”

“Well Miliana Singer, you are far from normal.” He said, causing heat to suddenly appear in my cheeks.

“Sra. Singer, Sr. Winchester, ¿tiene algo que quiera compartir con el resto de la clase? (Ms. Singer, Mr. Winchester, do you have something you want to share with the rest of the class?).”

“No Sra. Ramirez (No Mrs. Ramirez)” We both said in unison, our attention now on the lesson.

“¡Bien, entonces ciérralo! (Good, then zip it!)” As the rest of the class went on, I couldn’t help but steal glances from Sam. He was exactly how I remember him but he grew! He must’ve hit a growth spurt somewhere in those six years since I saw him last because he’s a freaking giant now. His hair is longer now too. He occasionally would flip it out of his eyes and it would send a whiff of his cologne and his natural “Sammy scent” as Dean used to call it, my way. His eyes were a mix of green and brown, like the color of the trees right before they begin to change color for the fall. And his smile was a big and bright and contagious as ever.

“Señorita Singer, ¿le gustaría resumir la Constitución española? (Miss Singer, would you like to summarize the Spanish Constitution?).

“Um…” I trail off but a voice spoke up.

“España es una monarquía y trabajan para mostrar la importancia de la libertad, la justicia, la igualdad y el pluralismo politico. (Spain is a monarchy and they work to show the importance of freedom, justice, equality, and political pluralism.)” Sam responded in perfect Spanish, to which everyone in the room took notice of.

“Muy Bueno señor Winchester. (Very good, Mr. Winchester). To which Sam just winked at me. Holy crap, what was happening here? How has he gotten more attractive all these later? And what is he doing in tenth? Wasn’t he supposed to be a freshman? He’s fifteen after all! I don’t know what his game is but I’m going to figure it out and figure out why he’s back in Lawrence. He got out! Why would anyone want to come back here?

The bell rang, indicating the end of the class and the prime time to catch up with Sam. However, with him being so tall, once he grabbed his backpack, he was out the door in a flash.

“This boy!” I said in my head. Keeping up with him was going to be a struggle considering I’m only 5’6. Rushing out the class, I zig-zag through the crowded halls, looking for that floppy head of hair. Finally, on almost the opposite side of campus, there he was. He was lucky to have a top locker but I guess because he’s so big, it makes sense.

“Sam!” I yell, just a few feet away, but quickly catching up.

“Millie, hey.” He said smiling that perfect smile but using my nickname; the only my closest friends and family can call me. It was weird hearing him say it since he feels like a stranger now.

“Miliana,” I tell him.

“What?” He looked a bit stunned that I corrected him.

“It’s Miliana. Only my closest friends and family get to call me Millie and since you left…” I instantly regretted it when the words fell off my lips but there it was.

“Ah yeah, I guess I kind of deserve that, especially since we didn’t even get to say goodbye,” Sam said, slowly nodded his head as he understood why I was hostile.

“Yeah, no offense but your Dad is kind of…” I say but he interrupts me.

“A douche? Yeah, I know.” Sam said, knowing all too well how I felt about how his Dad just ripped him away from me. “How’ve you been?”

“Good, surprised to see you here. Actually, why are you back in Lawrence?”

“Well Dad figured to move closer to home for a while but Dean still loves the hunter life so he and my Dad go out on a lot of cases.”

“Are you left alone a lot?”

“Oh yeah, but I’m going to living close to your Dad. There’s a small little house that is just up the road from where you guys are so I figured I’d stay there.”

“So, you’ll be around more often?” I tried to hide my hopefulness but I knew Sam; he could tell.

“I hope to, at least until graduation.” He grinned at me and my heart fluttered. Stop it, Miliana.

“By the way, how are you a sophomore? You’re fifteen!”

“Oh that. Well, I’m pretty advanced for my age so they set me up as a sophomore.”

“I’d say you are pretty advanced; you speak Spanish fluently!” I comment, still being stunned that he spoke so effortlessly. “Why are you taking a Spanish class if you’re that fluent?”

“Eh, I needed it for credit so I thought it would be the easiest A I could come by. Plus, I have separate assignments than the rest of the class.”

“What?”

“I’m an in-class tutor. When Mrs. Ramirez can’t tutor students in need of some extra attention, she looks to me. Turns out, a lot of the class is struggling so we made a deal; I tutor and learn all her lessons, I get the credit.”

Okay, Sam was so much cooler than I remember him being. He is so sweet and caring and smart and, oh no, I can’t be falling for him. No way, no! We had one little incident when we were kids but that was it; we were kids! We didn’t know what love or crushes were then. I cannot be falling for my childhood friend.

“You good there, Miliana?” Sam said, bringing out me of my thoughts again.

“Yeah, I’m good, thanks.”

“You sure? You looked like you were thinking about me shirtless or something.”

That son of a bitch! “What? Pssst. You wish Winchester!”

Sam just chuckled and shook his head but grabbed some more books out of his locker and set them in his bag, patted me on the shoulder, and bid me farewell. Shit, I’m so screwed.

(Reference for the Spanish Constitution because I don’t plagiarize: Smith, Carr, Spain. Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc. 2020 16 August. 2020 18 August. https://www.britannica.com/place/Spain)

Forever tags: @fandom-princess-forevermore @simpleb00x @juju-la-tortue @forever-trapped-in-my-dreams

Taglist: @tlovescoffee @tykezparkerstark

Taglist requests open! Inbox open! Ask open! Requests open!

#Sam Winchester #sam #sam girls #sam fanfiction #sam fic #Sam fluff

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sadmmann · 5 years

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Exactly 8 years ago, on July 22, 2011, two cooperative terrorist acts took place in Norway. The first attack was carried out by a bomb in the center of Oslo, 8 people were killed as a result of an explosion, and at least 209 people were injured, 12 seriously. A few hours later, a terrorist landed on the island of Utoya, there was a summer youth camp on it, and on that day hundreds of children were on the island. An armed mentally ill man opened fire on children, adolescents and adults. As a result, 69 people died and 110 were injured. 77 people died in this terrible, crazy tragic event. 77 smiles, dreams and aspirations are gone. Hundreds of people received the hardest injuries that they are fighting to this day, with physical and moral. Someone has learned to live again and someone will never be able to return to their former life. Because of the psychopath who thought that killing for a "good" purpose is right. Not. I want you to look at these faces and read their names, study their stories and remember. They deserve it.

Oslo bombing

Hanna Endresen, 61, Oslo

Receptionist in the security department of the Government Administration Services. She was described as a "good colleague".

Tove Ashill Knutsen, 56, Oslo

Secretary with the electricians and information technology workers' union. On her way to subway station when bomb exploded.

Kai Hauge, 32, Oslo

Owned a bar and restaurant in Oslo. A colleague described his death as "a great loss".

Jon Vegard Lervag, 32, Oslo

A lawyer who worked in the justice department. He was described as "socially engaged".

Ida Marie Hill, 34, Oslo

Originally from Grue, Hedmark county, Ida worked as an adviser to the ministry of justice. She was described as "a dear and highly-valued employee".

Hanne Ekroll Loevlie, 30, Oslo

A senior government worker originally from Tyristrand, Buskerud county. Colleagues said she "represented the best in us".

Anne Lise Holter, 51, Valer i Oestfold, Oestfold county

Senior consultant to Norway's PM Jens Stoltenberg's office. Officials sent their "warmest thoughts and sympathy" to her family and friends.

Kjersti Berg Sand, 26, Nord-Ordal

Worked on international issues in Justice Department. Colleagues said they had lost a "dear and highly valued employee".

Utoeya island shooting

Mona Abdinur, 18, Oslo

The committed young politician was described as "a well-loved friend, who was socially engaged and interested in multicultural issues".

Maria Maageroe Johannesen, 17, Noetteroey, Vestfold county

Student at Greve Forest High School who was interested in music, dance and drama. Described as a wonderful, conscientious girl who was a "ray of sunshine".

Ismail Haji Ahmed 19 Hamar, Hedmark county

Better known as Isma Brown after appearing on a talent show. The dance instructor was described as a "very bubbly, happy, caring and happy boy. He was very positive with a very big heart.

Ronja Soettar Johansen, 17, Vefsn, Nordland county

An active blogger, Ronja had a keen interest in music. Friends said she was "a person with courage, commitment and kindness".

Thomas Margido Antonsen, 16, Oslo

A student council representative. Described by friends as "a boy who spread joy".

Sondre Kjoeren, 17, Orkdal, Soer-Troendelag county

Described as a gentle but committed person. He was said to have been heavily involved in efforts to get a new sports hall in his village.

Porntip Ardam, 21, Oslo

Known as Pamela. She was described as talented, super-intelligent, politically active and down to earth.

Margrethe Boeyum Kloeven, 16, Baerum, Akershus county

The student council leader was described as an "active and versatile girl".

Modupe Ellen Awoyemi, 15, Drammen, Buskerud county

Daughter of the city council politician Lola Awoyemi. Described as a kind and open girl, who was active in AUF discussions.

Syvert Knudsen, 17, Lyngdal, Vest-Agder county

The student politician is believed to have been one of the first shot on the island. His family described him as a "bubbly" boy with a keen interest in music.

Lene Maria Bergum, 19, Namsos, Nord-Troendelag

Her head teacher described her as an excellent, beautiful youth, who was sociable, interested in international issues. She had planned to start a summer job as a journalist.

Anders Kristiansen, 18, Bardu, Troms county

An active young politician and leader of the AUF in his area. He was said to be "full of initiative" with "a great desire to work in politics".

Kevin Daae Berland, 15, Akoey, Hordaland county

Active in Askoey AUF and was involved in local politics as well as being a member of the youth council.

Elisabeth Troennes Lie, 16, Halden, Oestfold county

A board member of the Halden AUF. Described as "the sweetest person in the world".

Trond Berntsen, 51, Oevre Eiker, Buskerud county

Crown Princess of Norway's step-brother. The royal court said the off-duty police officer was killed while working as a security guard on the island.

Gunnar Linaker, 23, Bardu, Troms county

Regional secretary of Labour party's youth wing. Father described him as a "calm, big teddy bear with lots of humour and lots of love".

Sverre Flate Bjoerkavag, 28, Sula, Soer-Troendelag county

Union official concerned about justice, equality and community thinking. Described as a well-liked young man who fought for pupils and students' rights. Was training to be a nurse.

Tamta Lipartelliani, 23, Georgia

Secretary of the international committee of the Young Socialists of Georgia.

Torjus Jakobsen Blattmann, 17, Kristiansand,Vest-Agder county

Son of former political adviser. His father said he was a boy "full of humour" who loved playing the guitar.

Eva Kathinka Lutken, 17, Sarpsborg, Oestfold county

She was described as an active politician who was well liked.

Monica Boesei, 45, Hole, Buskerud county

PM Jens Stoltenberg said: "To many of us, she was the embodiment of Utoeya. And now she is dead. Shot and killed whilst taking care of and giving joy to young people."

Even Flugstad Malmedal, 18, Gjoevik, Oppland county

The student with an interest in politics was described as "a gentle boy who stood up for his friends".

Carina Borgund, 18, Oslo

Friends and family said she was "kind, caring, gentle and positive. She loved life and spread joy to everyone around her".

Tarald Kuven Mjelde, 18, Osteroey

Said to be a big fan of Chelsea football team and described as "very warm, friendly and socially engaged".

Johannes Buoe, 14, Mandal, Vest-Agder county

"An independent boy with a good sense of humour," his parents told NRK. He was interested in dogs, hunting, snowmobiling and took an active part in the youth community.

Ruth Benedicte Vatndal Nilsen, 15, Toensberg, Vestfold county

Described by friends as "always happy, positive, and without prejudice".

Asta Sofie Helland Dahl, 16, Sortland, Nordland county

Teachers described her as a wonderful girl who was "open and cheerful".

Hakon Oedegaard, 17, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Music student at Heimdal high school and member of Byasen school marching band. Described as a role model for others in the band.

Sondre Furseth Dale, 17, Haugesund, Rogaland county

Had large network of friends through music scene and politics. Described as a dedicated person who put 100% into everything he was interested in.

Emil Okkenhaug, 15, Levanger, Nord-Troendelag county

A sports lover described as modest and liked by all who knew him.

Monica Iselin Didriksen, 18, Sund, Hordaland county

Active in Sund AUF, she was described by friends as a unique and bubbly girl.

Diderik Aamodt Olsen, 19, Nesodden, Akershus county

Vice president of Nesodden AUF. He was the youngest member of editorial staff working on the organisation's magazine.

Gizem Dogan, 17, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Described as a clever student who contributed to the cohesion of her class. Elected as central member of local AUF a month before the tragedy.

Henrik Pedersen, 27, Porsanger, Finnmark county

Leader of Porsanger AUF. Described as a "breath of fresh air" in the local community. A Labour colleague said he was very engaged and engaging.

Andreas Edvardsen, 18, Sarpsborg, Oestfold county

Director of Sarpsborg AUF and active in in the Labour youth league regional committee in Oestfold. Described as "a very caring and confident person".

Rolf Christopher Perreau, 25, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Known as Christopher. Long-term member of the AUF and was elected to the board in October. Described as a skilled orator and a charismatic young politician.

Tore Eikeland ,21, Osteroy, Hordaland county

PM Jens Stoltenberg described him as "one of our most talented young politicians".

Karar Mustafa Qasim, 19, Vestby, Akershus county

Originally from Iraq, Karar was with friends at summer camp when he was killed. The local mayor described his death as "an enormous tragedy".

Bendik Rosnaes Ellingsen, 18, Rygge, Oestfold county

Had a summer job at the justice ministry before attending camp. He was secretary of Moss Regional Labour Youth, who said they had lost a caring, open and inclusive boy.

Bano Abobakar Rashid, 18, Nesodden, Akershus county

Leader of Nesodden AUF. She was said to have dedicated her life to fighting for democracy and against racism.

Aleksander Aas Eriksen, 16, Meråker, Nord-Troendelag county

Described as socially-engaged as well as "impulsive and passionate".

Henrik Rasmussen, 18, Hadsel, Nordland county

Treasurer of Hadsel AUF. Said to be a very committed person, both in politics and culture.

Andrine Bakkene Espeland, 16, Fredrikstad, Oestfold county

Described as a politically-engaged girl who was keen to take care of the weakest.

Synne Roeyneland, 18, Oslo

A student described by friends as a "funny girl, who always had something to offer: opinions about politics and love and fun and witty comments".

Hanne Balch Fjalestad, 43, Lunner, Oppland county

Danish government confirmed the Danish national was killed while working on the island as a first aid assistant. She was with her 20-year-old daughter, who survived the shooting.

Ida Beathe Rogne, 17, Oestre Toten, Oppland county

A keen student described as happy and funny as well as determined.

Silje Merete Fjellbu, 17, Tinn, Telemark county

Student politician described as a "wonderful girl who had much to contribute".

Simon Saebo, 18, Salangen, Troms county

The student politician was said to be a natural leader. Those who knew him described him as trusting and kind, and a person who showed great concern for others.

Hanne Kristine Fridtun, 19 Stryn, Sogn og Fjordane county

The nursing student was the local AUF county chairman. Described as energetic with great commitment.

Marianne Sandvik, 16, Hundvag, Stavanger

The student was described as a quiet girl who always stood up for those who needed her. Her father said she was concerned with injustice in the world.

Andreas Dalby Groennesby, 17, Stange, Hedmark county

His father had exchanged text messages with him before the shooting. His father told NRK that public support had helped at a painful, terrible time.

Fredrik Lund Schjetne, 18, Eidsvoll, Akershus county

Described by friends as "a great person" whom it was "an honour" to have known.

Snorre Haller, 30, Trondheim, Soer-Troendelag county

Painter and union man. He was a board member of the Joint Association's Central Youth Committee. Described as a "kind, quiet and generous man".

Lejla Selaci, 17, Fredrikstad, Oestfold county

Leader of the AUF in Fredrikstad. Described as a "very happy and social girl who committed herself to what she believed in".

Rune Havdal, 43, Oevre Eiker, Buskerud county

Worked as a security guard on the island of Utoeya.

Birgitte Smetbak, 15, Noetteroey, Vestfold county

Politicians from her local area said hearing news of her death was "a difficult day".

Guro Vartdal Havoll, 18, Oersta, Moere og Romsdal

An active and determined politician, the young student's family said she was inspired by Ghandi and wanted to make the world a "better place".

Isabel Victoria Green Sogn, 17, Oslo

An enthusiastic member of the AUF who saw her future involved in politics.

Ingrid Berg Heggelund, 18, As, Akershus county

A student who said she loved going to school.

Silje Stamneshagen, 18, Askoey, Hordaland county

Active in Askoey AUF and played in school band. Classmates described her as a happy girl who lit up the school day and every day.

Karin Elena Holst, 15, Rana, Nordland county

A member of the Rana AUF, she spoke to her mother during the shooting. She had urged her daughter to hang up and hide.

Victoria Stenberg, 17, Nes, Akershus county

The oldest of three siblings, she was said to be looking forward to the youth camp.

Eivind Hovden, 15, Tokke, Telemark county

Eivind was involved in his local youth centre and was attending his first summer camp. Described as an "amazing guy, always happy, caring and helpful".

Tina Sukuvara, 18, Vadsoe, Finnmark county

Described as "very talented and engaged" and a person who participated actively in political debates.

Jamil Rafal Mohamad Jamil, 20, Eigersund, Rogaland county

Originally from Iraq, Jamil was described as happy, attentive and curious with a strong desire to contribute.

Sharidyn Svebakk-Boehn, 14, Drammen, Buskerud county

Known as Sissi to friends and family, the schoolgirl was described as a "beautiful, caring and vibrant girl".

Steinar Jessen, 16 Alta, Finnmark county

A keen member of the AUF. The mayor of Alta described him as "a flower that would have grown big and strong".

Havard Vederhus, 21, Oslo

Elected leader of Oslo Labour Youth in February. Friends said he was "ambitious and fearless".

Espen Joergensen, 17, Bodoe, Nordland county

Had recently become head of Bodoe AUF. His best friend said he was someone who could "light up the darkest days".

#Oslo #victims #memory #utoya island #Utoeya Island #Utoya #norway #terrorist #attack #mass shootings #anders breivik #massacre #tc community #shooting

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thecollegefootballguy · 5 years

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The Top 25 Teams of the Decade: #6 Florida State

Hello everybody, we’re celebrating the arrival of the 2020′s by looking at the 25 best programs of the previous decade.

We’re on to the top ten to celebrate the #6 team from the 2010′s:

Florida State University Seminoles

Record: 96-37 (.722) Division Titles: 4 Conference Titles: 3 Bowl Seasons: 9 Major Bowls: 5 Playoff/BCS Berths: 2 Final Top 25 Finishes: 7 Final Top 10 Finishes: 4 Final Top 5 Finishes: 2 National Championships: 1 Best Season: 2013

Florida State just misses the top five. Given the way the Seminoles ended the decade, this comes as no surprise. The rest of the top 5 combined only produced a single losing season. That FSU made it so high is also a testament to how good the team was for portions of the 2010′s. The Noles spent most of the 2000′s asleep at the wheel as Bobby Bowden remained in charge but was unable to duplicate his past success that made Florida State one of the premier teams of the 1980′s and 1990′s. Bowden finally retired at the conclusion of the 2009 season, allowing Jimbo Fisher free reign to recreate the program in the 2010′s.

The Seminoles began the decade with tempered expectations. FSU entered 2010 ranked 20th in the AP poll, which was pretty reasonable for an underperforming blue blood. The Noles were blown out 17-47 by #10 Oklahoma in week 2 which dropped them out of the polls. Florida State was a pretty good team, just not good enough yet to hang with the big boys. The Seminoles rebounded with a nice five game win streak, including a huge 45-17 upset over #13 Miami. Beating an overrated Hurricanes squad would become a calling card for the Jimbo Fisher era. After climbing back to 16th in the polls, 6-1 FSU suffered back to back losses to NC State and North Carolina to tumble right back out. It was a setback to be sure, but the Atlantic wasn’t quite the division it would become in a few years when both the Noles and Clemson really put things together. Florida State won out with wins over the Tigers and Maryland, then jumped all over Florida, finally beating Urban Meyer 31-7 as he was on his way out the door in Gainesville. By virtue of their 6-2 conference record, the 9-3 Seminoles represented the Atlantic Division in the ACC Championship Game. #20 FSU faced off against #12 Virginia Tech, who lost their first two games then rallied to win out for the rest of the season. The Hokies won the scoring race 44-33, denying the Noles their shot at an Orange Bowl. The Noles were relegated to the Chick-fil-A Bowl, where they beat #19 South Carolina 26-17. Florida State ended their first year under Fisher with a 10-4 record, a division title, and a final #17 ranking. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a step towards greater things.

With 2010′s team showing a lot of promise, expectations dramatically rose in Tallahassee for the 2011 season. The Seminoles began the year ranked 6th in the AP poll, and won their first two games against cupcake opponents. However, FSU hit a wall in mid-September. Losing to #1 Oklahoma by 10 points at home could be forgiven, but then following that loss up with defeats to #21 Clemson and unranked Wake Forest were not quite so forgivable. The Noles tumbled from the top five out of the rankings in three weeks, a feat that we’re lucky to see every few seasons only when an overrated team gets exposed very quickly early on in the year. Thankfully, the Atlantic really didn’t boast too many threats and Florida State was able to salvage the situation with another timely five game win streak which included the obligatory win over Miami. The Seminoles finally found themselves ranked for the first time since the loss to Wake, and they promptly lost to Virginia. 2011 was one of those years. FSU was able to beat Florida by two touchdowns for the second straight year, which is a great way to end the regular season even if the Noles didn’t win their division. 8-4 Florida State beat Notre Dame 18-14 in the Citrus Bowl to once again end the year ranked, albeit 23rd in the country.

2012 was when Fisher’s turnaround really began to take hold. Expectations were again high thanks to the strong recruiting of the previous few years. The Seminoles began the season ranked 7th in the AP poll, a pretty nice vote of confidence that this time bore fruit. FSU bloodied up a couple of nobodies before the now #4 Noles hosted defending conference champions #10 Clemson. It was the first of five epic showdowns between the two that would decide the ACC Champion every year. Florida State outpaced the Tigers 49-37 to vault themselves into serious national title consideration. However, as the calendar changed to October, the Seminoles suffered a serious setback. #3 FSU was upset by unranked NC State 16-17. It more or less crippled their national title aspirations in an especially competitive season among the BCS conferences. The Noles made quick work through the rest of their conference schedule, and were granted the Atlantic’s berth to the ACC Championship Game by virtue of their tiebreaking win over Clemson. #10 Florida State hosted a resurgent #6 Florida, but ended up losing to their rivals 26-37, ending the regular season on a sour note. The ACC Championship Game was probably a bit more interesting than it should have been. The Seminoles only ended up beating unranked Georgia Tech 21-15, but hey, that’s a ticket to the Orange Bowl all the same. #13 FSU was matched up against #16 Northern Illinois and the Noles easily dispatched the overmatched Huskies 31-10. Florida State’s 11-2 record and #10 final ranking was their best finish since 2000. The Seminoles were still trending up.

FSU put all the pieces together in 2013. Redshirt freshman QB Jameis Winston led one of the most talented teams of the BCS era onto the field in the last season of the Bowl Championship Series. The Noles blew through all of their competition, outscoring opponents 205-60 in September, with more than half of those points surrendered coming against a Boston College team that Florida State still beat by two touchdowns in Chestnut Hill. The Seminoles beat #25 Maryland 63-0 in the last game they’d ever play against the Terrapins, who were about to move to the Big Ten. Two weeks later, #5 FSU squared off against #3 Clemson in another titanic battle for the Atlantic, at least, it was supposed to be a battle. The Noles dismantled the Tigers 51-14 at Clemson, making no mistake in showing the nation who was in charge of the ACC. Florida State then dismantled NC State and #7 Miami en route to another Atlantic Division title. The now #2 Seminoles ended their undefeated regular season by crushing Florida 37-7 in Gainesville. FSU was now the only undefeated team in the BCS left standing, and cemented their place in the championship game with a 45-7 cakewalk in the ACC Championship Game against #20 Duke. The last ever BCS Championship Game was one of the more entertaining in the 15 year history of the contest. The #1 Noles pulled ahead of #2 Auburn to secure a 34-31 win. It was Florida State’s first national championship since 1999 and third in program history.

2014 was an interesting year. The Seminoles lost an insane amount of talent to the draft, but remained the best team in the ACC regardless (if you ignore the computers). As the defending champions, with Heisman winning QB Jameis Winston still guiding the offense, FSU was well positioned to be the first repeat national champions since, well, Alabama two years earlier. The #1 Noles began the year with a 37-31 win over Oklahoma State in the Cowboys Classic in Arlington. It wasn’t the most impressive win, but it got the job done. That was pretty much the motto for Florida State in 2014. The team that blew away all comers in 2013 transformed into a squad that still got the job done but just barely in 2014. The defending champs were taken to overtime by #22 Clemson but pulled out the 23-17 win. In mid-October, the Seminoles beat #5 Notre Dame 31-27. By this time, FSU had already been relegated to #2 in the AP poll despite not losing a game. That’s pretty extreme for a defending champion but Mississippi State of all teams looked that much better. The Noles managed to scrape their way to 12-0 for a second consecutive year despite almost losing to Miami, Boston College, and Florida to end the regular season. Florida State was pitted against #12 Georgia Tech in the ACC Championship Game. The Seminoles again came away with the victory in the 37-35 contest. Despite their overall competence and sterling 13-0 record, FSU was ranked a 3rd seed by the first College Football Playoff committee. The doubters were proven right. Any lack of competence can be masked over in the ACC in the regular season, but not in the Playoff against top flight competition. The #3 Noles were completely humiliated in the Rose Bowl by #2 Oregon. The Ducks dominated every aspect of the game in a 59-20 blowout. That Oregon didn’t even end up winning the national championship was another blow to the idea that Florida State was actually one of the best teams in the 2014 season. They got by thanks to a whole lot of luck. It’s a weird way to go 13-1.

After the craziness of the 2013 and 2014 seasons, it’s easy to forget the 2015 and 2016 Seminoles teams. They were both still very good, albeit not the world beaters we saw in Jameis’s first season. The vaunted QB was now in the NFL, and FSU was left to plod along without him. They did a pretty good job. The Noles started the 2015 season 6-0. Outside of the scrub games at the beginning of the year, they didn’t look particularly commanding, and never rose past 9th in the rankings despite starting the year 10th in the nation. Florida State suffered their first loss at the hands of a horrible Georgia Tech squad that would finish the year 3-9. It pretty much ended the national title hunt without needing a second loss to fully shut the door. Of course, Clemson shut that door anyway with a 23-13 win at home. The Tigers were now on their way to commanding the ACC Atlantic the way the Seminoles had done for the previous several seasons. #14 FSU ended the regular season with a showdown against #10 Florida. It should have been one of the most exciting games of rivalry week, but the Noles walked all over their rivals with a 27-2 smothering of the Gators. 10-2 Florida State was selected to the Peach Bowl as an at-large entrant. The #9 Seminoles faced off against #14 Houston, the G5 representative in the NY6 Bowls for that year. FSU was upset by the upstart Cougars, and finished the year outside of the top ten for the first time since 2012.

The Noles were again one of the best teams in the nation in 2016, but they were growing inconsistent. Expectations were high, Florida State began the year ranked 4th in the country. The Seminoles began the year with a 45-34 win over #11 Ole Miss in Orlando, a solid beginning to the season. However, just two weeks later, #2 FSU was absolutely blown out by #10 Louisville 20-63. The Noles had never surrendered 60 points in program history. Two weeks later, Florida State lost at home to North Carolina on a last second field goal. I’m kind of surprised that the Seminoles didn’t fall totally out of the rankings at this point, but Louisville was having one of its best seasons ever and UNC was 4-1 at the time. But, just when they needed it the most, Miami showed up, and FSU still hadn’t lost to the Hurricanes since Jimbo Fisher took over. The #23 Noles scraped past #10 Miami 20-19 to halt the skid. At the end of October, #12 Florida State played host to undefeated #3 Clemson. In a back and forth battle, the Tigers pulled out 37-34 win despite the best efforts of Dalvin Cook, who was now firmly established as one of the best running backs in the country. If you can call a loss a momentum-builder, then the Seminoles turned the momentum of nearly beating the eventual national champions into a nice little win streak to end the year. FSU defeated their last three ACC opponents and then once again made short work of the SEC East champs with a 31-13 victory over #13 Florida. The 9-3 Noles were selected to their fifth consecutive New Year’s Bowl. #10 Florida State would represent the ACC in the absence of undefeated Clemson, who were in Playoff. The Seminoles battled with #6 Michigan to a 33-32 victory. The Wolverines had very nearly made the Playoff themselves.

Things were looking up at the beginning of 2017. FSU began the year ranked 3rd in the country on the back of their strong finish to the previous season. In one of the most anticipated Kickoff Games in years, the Noles went up against #1 Alabama. Florida State held their own against the fearsome Tide, the biggest difference maker being the 3 turnovers given to Bama. QB Deondre Francois ruptured his patellar tendon, ending his season with 6 minutes left in the 4th Quarter of a 7-24 loss to the eventual champions. And that’s just about when the season ended as far as many fans are concerned. With the QB position compromised, other problems began manifesting across the board. Florida State lost to 0-1 NC State in their next game, falling from #3 to unranked in two games which is basically unheard of in college football. The Seminoles rebounded with a win over Wake Forest to stop the bleeding somewhat. #13 Miami came to town for a win FSU needed desperately. The Noles hadn’t lost to the Hurricanes all decade and a win would hopefully salvage a bad start. Well, it didn’t happen. Miami left Tallahassee with a 24-20 victory and suddenly things really started to fall apart. A touchdown win over Duke was offset by a three point home loss to Louisville. Florida State hit rock bottom the next week, getting absolutely run off the field by Boston College of all teams. The Eagles beat the Seminoles 35-3 and suddenly Jimbo Fisher was coaching for his job. #4 Clemson naturally won, this time the game meant nothing in the ACC Atlantic race. Fisher, who was finding his situation increasingly untenable, left to coach Texas A&M before the end of the season. FSU still beat a Randy Shannon-led Florida because the Gators also managed to collapse the same year (lol) and the Noles were able to skate into bowl season with a 6-6 record. Florida State beat up on Southern Miss in the Independence Bowl, but that was cold comfort for a program that had completely imploded in the span of three months.

Not many teams are put in this situation. Jimbo Fisher elegantly reinvigorated a flagging--but by no means bad--program when he took over the reigns in 2010. When Willie Taggart was brought in to replace Fisher, the situation was dire. Obscured behind all the winning from 2014 to 2016, the program was somehow falling apart on the inside. Perhaps Fisher was aware of the damage and was eager to leave, either way Taggart was dealt a horrible hand. The offensive line was under-recruited to the point that a stiff breeze could knock them over. The Seminoles were so deficient on the offensive side of the ball that they didn’t have the ability to compete with teams they couldn’t roll right over. I mean, how does that even happen at a blue blood school? FSU began the year ranked 19th in the country because how bad can they really be? Well, after losing to 24-3 to #20 Virginia Tech, that was the last the AP poll has had anything to do with the Noles. Florida State was crushed by Syracuse, Clemson, NC State, Notre Dame, and Florida. One of the few close games the Noles played in all year was a gutting 27-28 loss to Miami, which made things all the worse when their end of season record was 5-7. Florida State managed to beat #22 Boston College, but that team really didn’t deserve to be ranked and finished the year 7-5. It was just a mess of a season from start to finish. It still boggles my mind thinking about how a program can fall off this quickly.

2019 saw a slight improvement to the team as the offensive line started to slowly stop being completely terrible. The Seminoles beat every bad team they faced, of which there were plenty in the ACC in 2019, but they also lost to every good team they came up against. That evened out to a 6-6 record after everything was said, but getting back to the postseason wasn’t good enough. Willie Taggart was fired after FSU turned in a miserable performance against Miami for the third season straight, this time a 10-27 loss, the worst of the decade against the Canes. Taggart was slowly turning things around, but ultimately he over promised how fast the team would rebound and under-delivered considering just how bad the ACC was outside of Clemson. I seriously think he’d still be there if the Noles didn’t lose to Virginia early in the year. Nobody knew the Cavaliers would be any good. Oh well, either way, Odell Haggins was tabbed with cleaning up the mess for the second time in three years. Florida State lost to Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I have no idea what’s in store for the Seminoles in the 2020′s. It all depends on what new head coach Mike Norvell can get done. FSU is still a blue blood, and in the ACC Atlantic they can probably get better faster than many other teams in other conferences.

It may be a bit strange seeing a team that so publicly flamed out in the past few years so high on the list. That really speaks to everything the Noles were able to accomplish from 2010 to 2016. They stuffed a decade’s worth of accolades into six or seven years.

One thing Florida State can hang their hat on is that they were the most dominant team in the state in the 2010′s. The Seminoles hold 7-3 records against both rival Florida and Miami in the span. For what it’s worth, FSU went 4-6 against Clemson as well, and most people would probably say that the Tigers were the second best team this past decade. Not a bad showing all things considered.

#college football #Florida State Seminoles

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news-chhondomela · 4 years

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Scouting committees to be formed for FIFA World Cup qualification: Kiren Rijiju

By: PTI | New Delhi | Updated: August 3, 2020 5:02:12 pm

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. (Source: File)

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the government is riding on “mainstay” football to make India a sporting powerhouse and announced the formation of five zonal committees to hunt talent across the country.

Rijiju said the talent…

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sachwlang · 4 years

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Scouting committees to be formed for FIFA World Cup qualification: Kiren Rijiju

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By: PTI | New Delhi | Published: August 3, 2020 4:55:25 pm

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. (Source: File)

Rijiju said the…

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newsoutbursts · 4 years

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Ministry to form five zonal talent hunt committees: Rijiju

Rijiju said the talent hunt initiative, to be funded by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) under the Khelo India Programme in partnership with the All India Football Federation…

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#Kiren Rijiju #Praful Patel #SAI #Sports Minister #sports news #Sunil Chhetri #top news

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junker-town · 5 years

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NFL running backs are headed for a Hall of Fame drought

It takes lofty numbers for running backs to make the Hall of Fame and it’s only getting harder to get those stats.

Frank Gore is just 252 rushing yards away from being the fourth running back in NFL history to top 15,000 yards. Only Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders are ahead of him.

He may also be the last to join that elite tier.

That may sound dramatic until you consider this: Adrian Peterson and LeSean McCoy are the only two NFL players currently on a roster who have even half that total.

Getting to 15,000 yards may look doable for Peterson, but it’s much likelier that he doesn’t make it there. He’s already 34 and has 13,318 yards. That’s a lot of ground to make up now that his days as a full-time starter are probably through. If so, it’d take possibly three more seasons for him to pick up the remaining 1,682 yards.

It’ll be even harder for McCoy, who is still at 10,606 yards at age 31 and had a career-worst season in 2018.

After that trio, no one is even in the same stratosphere. The next closest is Mark Ingram, who isn’t even halfway to Peterson’s total. He sits at 6,007 yards and turns 30 in December.

At the very least, Gore, Peterson, and McCoy are the only three who have a feasible shot at eclipsing 15,000 in the eight seasons or so. It’ll be a long time before anyone in the next generation of backs — Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley, and Saquon Barkley, perhaps — even approaches that number.

And they may never make it.

Putting up Hall of Fame-caliber numbers is going to get supremely difficult in a sport that is evolving away from its “three yards and a cloud of dust” origins. Rushing stats are regressing in the NFL, while passing numbers are soaring to the moon.

Five of the top eight players in career passing yards are active players. Another four are in the top 25. For running backs, Gore is the only active player in the top five, while Peterson and McCoy are the only others in the top 25.

That doesn’t just mean more quarterbacks earning spots in Canton, either. A league dominated by the pass means more receivers, pass blockers, defensive backs, and pass rushers in the spotlight too.

The 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame class alone has four defensive backs, a tight end, and a center set to be inducted. Five of those six players primarily made their impact in the pass game. You can probably expect future inductions to look similar.

What are the minimum numbers a RB needs for the Hall of Fame?

Since 1995, 11 running backs have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Only two of those 11 — Floyd Little and Terrell Davis — had fewer than 12,000 career rushing yards.

Little (1967-75) was one of the NFL’s first all-purpose backs, finishing his career with 3,416 return yards and 2,418 receiving yards. Davis (1995-01) appeared in only 78 regular season games in the NFL, but he got into Canton thanks to his postseason performances. In eight playoff games, he rushed for 1,140 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was also the NFL MVP in 1998 and the MVP of Super Bowl 32.

Being a trailblazer who redefined the position got Little in the Hall of Fame, and being a postseason legend did the trick for Davis. For everyone else, it seems 12,000 yards is a benchmark.

Former Colts running back Edgerrin James finished his career with 12,246 rushing yards and has been a semifinalist for the Hall of Fame five consecutive years now. While he hasn’t yet made it all the way through to enshrinement, it’s undoubtedly coming soon. His contemporaries haven’t come nearly as close, though.

Fred Taylor ended up with 11,695 yards on the ground — mostly racked up during his career with the Jaguars — and hasn’t been a semifinalist once in his four years of eligibility. Neither has former Bengals and Patriots running back Corey Dillon, who had 11,241 yards and has been eligible for eight years.

The backlog of running backs with 10,000 to 12,000 yards also includes Warrick Dunn, Jamal Lewis, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, and Marshawn Lynch, among others.

That’s just their rushing totals. Plenty of those players in that logjam contributed often as pass catchers too. Barber averaged 33.7 receiving yards per game and Ricky Watters averaged 29.5 — not much different than Elliott’s 30 yards per game and Gurley’s 32.5 in a more pass-happy era.

Like Davis, postseason success might land Lynch in Canton. For any other running back, it’s probably going to take at least 12,000 yards to get in. That number is only going to become more difficult to reach.

Good luck reaching 12,000 rushing yards in the NFL of today/tomorrow

Gaining 1,500 rushing yards in a season has always been a hell of an accomplishment, but now it’s becoming an increasingly rare one.

In the last six seasons, only three players have topped 1,500 rushing yards, while Elliott is the only one to do it in the last four. Twenty-five players reached that mark in the first six seasons of the 21st century.

Simply put, NFL teams just don’t lean on a workhorse running back much anymore.

Elliott is the closest thing to an exception. He’s led the NFL in carries twice in his three seasons in the NFL and finished the 2018 season with 304 attempts. Historically speaking, that’s really not much. Running backs used to approach or eclipse 400 carries in a season. You have to go all the way back to 1990 to find another season when no player had at least 310 attempts.

Meanwhile, offenses are setting records left and right. The 2018 season saw all-time highs for touchdowns (1,371), quarterback completion percentage (64.9%), touchdown passes (847), and passer rating (92.9).

As long as offenses continue to turn the dial up on the passing game, the opportunities for running backs to crank out big numbers will continue to decline.

And even though running backs aren’t getting as many carries, their careers are still getting shorter. In 2011, a new collective bargaining agreement implemented a rookie wage scale and increased training camp rosters from 75 to 90. That incentivized teams to hunt for young talent more and jettison older players earlier — especially at running back, where few players produce after turning 30.

In the last decade, Gore and Peterson are the only running backs to top 1,000 yards after 30. There were 12 different players who did that in the decade prior.

Elliott’s 4,048 rushing yards through three seasons is impressive, but he’ll have to continue that average for six more years to top 12,000 in his career. That’d mean either continuing his current pace until he’s 30, or following Gore’s lead and producing after 30. Either way, it’ll be real tough.

What if 12,000 yards isn’t even enough?

Yes yes, 12,000 was propped up by me as the magic number for running backs, but maybe it won’t be in the near future.

Even if Elliott pulls it off — even if he fights off both Father Time and the NFL’s increased reliance on the pass game — to get to 12,000 yards, will that matter?

The same goes for Le’Veon Bell, Saquon Barkley, Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara, and the other star running backs of today. They contribute as pass catchers (especially Bell, Barkley, and Kamara), though none of them average more than 50 receiving yards per game. How much will those additional numbers matter when other positions have set the statistical bars higher?

It’d be a more significant accomplishment to get to 12,000 rushing yards in an era that has prioritized the pass. Still, will Hall of Fame committee members care to vote in a back that finished somewhere around 15th all-time at their position? Especially when it’s juxtaposed against players finishing top 10 in passing and receiving stats — both offensively and defensively?

By the time the next wave of great running backs are eligible for Canton, there will be a long line of quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, and pass rushers who have set records. They’re pushing NFL stats to new heights and racking up accolades to add to their Hall of Fame résumés.

Gore is a surefire Hall of Fame running back, as is Peterson. But at this rate, it’s going to be really damn hard for the next generation of running backs to get a bronze bust of their own.

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gocurrentcom · 4 years

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Scouting committees to be formed for FIFA World Cup qualification: Kiren Rijiju

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. (Source: File)

Rijiju said the talent hunt initiative, to be funded by the Sports Authority of India under the Khelo…

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sadmmann · 5 years

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Utoya island shooting victims

June 22, 2011 in Norway, there were two consecutive terrorist attacks in the city of Oslo. The first attack was a car bomb explosion in Oslo within Regjeringskvartalet, the executive government quarter of Norway, at 15:25. The explosion killed eight people and injured at least 209 people, twelve severely. The second attack occurred less than two hours later at a summer camp on the island of Utøya in Tyrifjorden, Buskerud. The camp was organized by the AUF, the youth division of the ruling Norwegian Labour Party. The shooter opened fire at the participants, killing 69 and injuring at least 110 people.

Remember them and not the killer

Torjus Jakobsen Blattmann, 17, from Kristiansand

Son of former political adviser. His father said he was a boy "full of humour" who loved playing the guitar. He tried to call his father as the shooting started, but could not get through and was shot dead.

Eva Kathinka Lutken, 17, Sarpsborg, Oestfold county

She was described as an active politician who was well liked, was a cheerleader.

Bendik Rosnaes Ellingsen, 18, Rygge

While he was in ninth grade Bendik sent a letter to the Justice Department because he wanted a job, and last year he had his first engagement as a summer temporary staff in the department. His family described him as a caring, open and inclusive boy.

Asta Sofie Helland Dahl, 16, Sortland

Teachers described her as a wonderful girl who was "open and cheerful".

Birgitte Smetbak, 15, Noetteroey

- Birgitte was so insanely good at singing and playing guitar. She taught me "Butterfly" on guitar. The first time she sang to me, I got some goodies because it was so beautiful. She was always very positive, honest and tough.

Sondre Furseth Dale, 17, from Haugesund

Sondre was a director of his local Labour Youth group. Had large network of friends through music scene and politics. Described as a dedicated person who put 100% into everything he was interested in.

Modupe Ellen Awoyemi, 15, Drammen

Dupe was a singer in a choir. Daughter of the city council politician Lola Awoyemi. Described as a kind and open girl, who was active in AUF discussions

Sverre Flate Bjoerkavag, 28, from Sula

Union official concerned about justice, equality and community thinking. Described as a well-liked young man who fought for pupils and students' rights. Was training to be a nurse.

Henrik Pedersen, 27, Porsanger

Leader of Porsanger AUF. Described as a "breath of fresh air" in the local community. A Labour colleague said he was very engaged and engaging

Mona Abdinur, 18, Oslo

The committed young politician was described as "a well-loved friend, who was socially engaged and interested in multicultural issues".

Maria Maageroe Johannesen, 17, Noetteroey

Student at Greve Forest High School who was interested in music, dance and drama. Described as a wonderful, conscientious girl who was a "ray of sunshine".

Ismail Haji Ahmed 19 Hamar

Better known as Isma Brown after appearing on a talent show. The dance instructor was described as a "very bubbly, happy, caring and happy boy. He was very positive with a very big heart."

Ronja Soettar Johansen, 17, Vefsn

An active blogger, Ronja had a keen interest in music. Friends said she was "a person with courage, commitment and kindness".

Thomas Margido Antonsen, 16, Oslo

A student council representative. Described by friends as "a boy who spread joy".

Sondre Kjoeren, 17, Orkdal

Described as a gentle but committed person. He was said to have been heavily involved in efforts to get a new sports hall in his village.

Porntip Ardam, 21, Oslo

Known as Pamela. She was described as talented, super-intelligent, politically active and down to earth.

Margrethe Boeyum Kloeven, 16

The student council leader was described as an "active and versatile girl".

Syvert Knudsen, 17, Lyngdal, Vest-Agder county

The student politician is believed to have been one of the first shot on the island. His family described him as a "bubbly" boy with a keen interest in music.

Lene Maria Bergum, 19, Namsos

Her head teacher described her as an excellent, beautiful youth, who was sociable, interested in international issues. She had planned to start a summer job as a journalist.

Anders Kristiansen, 18, Bardu

An active young politician and leader of the AUF in his area. He was said to be "full of initiative" with "a great desire to work in politics".

Kevin Daae Berland, 15, Akoey

Active in Askoey AUF and was involved in local politics as well as being a member of the youth council.

Elisabeth Troennes Lie, 16, Halden

A board member of the Halden AUF. Described as "the sweetest person in the world".

Trond Berntsen, 51, Oevre Eiker

Crown Princess of Norway's step-brother. The royal court said the off-duty police officer was killed while working as a security guard on the island.

Gunnar Linaker, 23, Bardu

Regional secretary of Labour party's youth wing. Father described him as a "calm, big teddy bear with lots of humour and lots of love".

Tamta Lipartelliani, 23, Georgia

Secretary of the international committee of the Young Socialists of Georgia.

Monica Boesei, 45, Hole

PM Jens Stoltenberg said: "To many of us, she was the embodiment of Utoeya. And now she is dead. Shot and killed whilst taking care of and giving joy to young people."

Even Flugstad Malmedal, 18, Gjoevik

The student with an interest in politics was described as "a gentle boy who stood up for his friends".

Carina Borgund, 18, Oslo

Friends and family said she was "kind, caring, gentle and positive. She loved life and spread joy to everyone around her".

Tarald Kuven Mjelde, 18, Osteroey

Said to be a big fan of Chelsea football team and described as "very warm, friendly and socially engaged".

Johannes Buoe, 14, Mandal

"An independent boy with a good sense of humour," his parents told NRK. He was interested in dogs, hunting, snowmobiling and took an active part in the youth community.

Ruth Benedicte Vatndal Nilsen, 15, Toensberg

Described by friends as "always happy, positive, and without prejudice".

Hakon Oedegaard, 17, Trondheim

Music student at Heimdal high school and member of Byasen school marching band. Described as a role model for others in the band.

Emil Okkenhaug, 15, Levanger

A sports lover described as modest and liked by all who knew him.

Monica Iselin Didriksen, 18, Sund

Active in Sund AUF, she was described by friends as a unique and bubbly girl.

Diderik Aamodt Olsen, 19, Nesodden

Vice president of Nesodden AUF. He was the youngest member of editorial staff working on the organisation's magazine.

Gizem Dogan, 17, Trondheim

Described as a clever student who contributed to the cohesion of her class. Elected as central member of local AUF a month before the tragedy.

Andreas Edvardsen, 18, Sarpsborg

Director of Sarpsborg AUF and active in in the Labour youth league regional committee in Oestfold. Described as "a very caring and confident person".

Rolf Christopher Johansen Perreau, 25, Trondheim

Known as Christopher. Long-term member of the AUF and was elected to the board in October. Described as a skilled orator and a charismatic young politician.

Tore Eikeland, 21, Osteroy

PM Jens Stoltenberg described him as "one of our most talented young politicians".

Karar Mustafa Qasim, 19, Vestby

Originally from Iraq, Karar was with friends at summer camp when he was killed. The local mayor described his death as "an enormous tragedy".

Bano Abobakar Rashid, 18, Nesodden

Leader of Nesodden AUF. She was said to have dedicated her life to fighting for democracy and against racism.

Aleksander Aas Eriksen, 16, Meråker

Described as socially-engaged as well as "impulsive and passionate".

Henrik Rasmussen, 18

Treasurer of Hadsel AUF. Said to be a very committed person, both in politics and culture.

Andrine Bakkene Espeland, 16, Fredrikstad

Described as a politically-engaged girl who was keen to take care of the weakest.

Synne Roeyneland, 18, Oslo

A student described by friends as a "funny girl, who always had something to offer: opinions about politics and love and fun and witty comments".

Hanne Balch Fjalestad, 43, Lunner

Danish government confirmed the Danish national was killed while working on the island as a first aid assistant. She was with her 20-year-old daughter, who survived the shooting.

Ida Beathe Rogne, 17, Oestre Toten

A keen student described as happy and funny as well as determined.

Silje Merete Fjellbu, 17, Tinn

Student politician described as a "wonderful girl who had much to contribute".

Simon Saebo, 18, Salangen

The student politician was said to be a natural leader. Those who knew him described him as trusting and kind, and a person who showed great concern for others.

Hanne Kristine Fridtun, 19 Stryn

The nursing student was the local AUF county chairman. Described as energetic with great commitment.

Marianne Sandvik, 16, Hundvag

The student was described as a quiet girl who always stood up for those who needed her. Her father said she was concerned with injustice in the world.

Andreas Dalby Groennesby, 17, Stange

His father had exchanged text messages with him before the shooting. Andrew was a student at the Hamar Cathedral School where he was on the design and craft-line. He visited the Labour Youth League summer camp at Utøya for the first time this year.

Fredrik Lund Schjetne, 18, Eidsvoll

Described by friends as "a great person" whom it was "an honour" to have known.

Snorre Haller, 30, Trondheim

Painter and union man. He was a board member of the Joint Association's Central Youth Committee. Described as a "kind, quiet and generous man".

Lejla Selaci, 17, Fredriksta

Leader of the AUF in Fredrikstad. Described as a "very happy and social girl who committed herself to what she believed in".

Rune Havdal, 43, Oevre Eiker

Worked as a security guard on the island of Utoeya.

Guro Vartdal Havoll, 18, Oersta, Moere og Romsdal

An active and determined politician, the young student's family said she was inspired by Ghandi and wanted to make the world a "better place".

Isabel Victoria Green Sogn, 17, Oslo

An enthusiastic member of the AUF who saw her future involved in politics.

Ingrid Berg Heggelund, 18, As

A student who said she loved going to school.

Silje Stamneshagen, 18, Askoey

Active in Askoey AUF and played in school band. Classmates described her as a happy girl who lit up the school day and every day.

Karin Elena Holst, 15, Rana

A member of the Rana AUF, she spoke to her mother during the shooting. She had urged her daughter to hang up and hide.

Victoria Stenberg, 17, Nes

The oldest of three siblings, she was said to be looking forward to the youth camp.

Eivind Hovden, 15, Tokke

Eivind was involved in his local youth centre and was attending his first summer camp. Described as an "amazing guy, always happy, caring and helpful".

Tina Sukuvara, 18, Vadsoe

Described as "very talented and engaged" and a person who participated actively in political debates.

Jamil Rafal Mohamad Jamil, 20, Eigersund

Originally from Iraq, Jamil was described as happy, attentive and curious with a strong desire to contribute.

Sharidyn Svebakk-Boehn, 14, Drammen

Known as Sissi to friends and family, the schoolgirl was described as a "beautiful, caring and vibrant girl". Her parents said she was the type of girl who got involved in causes, writing letters and voicing her opinion.

Steinar Jessen, 16 Alta

A keen member of the AUF. The mayor of Alta described him as "a flower that would have grown big and strong".

Havard Vederhus, 21, Oslo

Elected leader of Oslo Labour Youth in February. Friends said he was "ambitious and fearless".

Espen Joergensen, 17, Bodoe

Had recently become head of Bodoe AUF. His best friend said he was someone who could "light up the darkest days".

Those we love don't go away, They walk beside us every day, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. May They Rest In Peace

#Utoeya island #victims #shooter #shooting #massacre #tc community #Norway #oslo #memory #Utoya island #Anders Breivik #terrorism #MASS SHOOTINGS

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thecollegefootballguy · 5 years

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2019 Top Games of the Week: Week 11

We’ve got a pretty solid week of football ahead. A few standouts amid a sea of interesting games. Let’s take a peek.

Oh yeah since the Playoff Committee Rankings don’t come out until Tuesday I’m just gonna have to keep using the AP Poll. Oh well, at least it’s consistent.

The Top Ten Games of the Week

10. #4 Clemson 9-0 (6-0) at NC State 4-4 (1-3)

Ok they aren’t all winners. Clemson is probably gonna grind NC State into powder. The Wolfpack is really falling off.

9. USC 5-4 (4-2) at Arizona State 5-3 (2-3)

USC can claim the South Division if Utah slips up in these final weeks, so the Trojans have to navigate their own way through the end of the season to do so.

8. Missouri 5-3 (2-2) at #6 Georgia 7-1 (4-1)

This one was looking a bit more interesting a few weeks ago. Missouri was on fire until inexplicably falling off a cliff in the past two games. Georgia has now reclaimed momentum in the SEC East following their win in Jacksonville.

7. #20 Kansas State 6-2 (3-2) at Texas 5-3 (3-2)

The Big 12 race is definitely getting more interesting now that Oklahoma has been taken down a peg. Kansas State and Texas are trying to come from behind and force their way into the conference championship game. The loser here will probably fall too far behind the pace, but the winner will stay alive for one more week.

6. #22 Wake Forest 7-1 (3-1) at Virginia Tech 5-3 (2-2)

Wake Forest is having their best season since 2006 and the Demon Deacons are again in the hunt to make the Orange Bowl (under slightly different circumstances). Wake isn’t quite a world beater, the Deacs have scraped by a number of times and will need to do so one or two more times to really ensure themselves that trip to Miami.

5. Iowa State 5-3 (3-2) at #9 Oklahoma 7-1 (4-1)

I shouldn’t have to remind anybody what happened the last time that Iowa State visited Norman. The Cyclones are trying to repeat their upset against Oklahoma and fully push the Big 12 race into chaos.

4. #11 Baylor 8-0 (5-0) at TCU 4-4 (2-3)

It’s the 115th playing of the Revivalry and the stakes are high. TCU is likely too far behind in the Big 12 race to make the conference championship game, but the Horned Frogs can play spoiler to their detested rival. Baylor is undefeated, but that has come with considerable luck. The Bears have won several games by slim margins and TCU is gunning to knock them off what some see as an undeserved prominence.

3. #18 Iowa 6-2 (3-2) at #16 Wisconsin 6-2 (3-2)

It’s the 93rd playing of the Iowa-Wisconsin rivalry. For most of the year these two were the favorites to win the Big Ten West, now Minnesota has thrown their hat in the mix. The winner here still stands a good chance to beat the Gophers and win the division, but the loser will basically be eliminated.

2. #5 Penn State 8-0 (5-0) at #13 Minnesota 8-0 (5-0)

It’s a battle of undefeateds in the Big Ten. As far as anybody can tell, Penn State is a true Playoff contender, whereas Minnesota is lucky to not have a couple of losses. If the Gophers want to prove that they belong, here is the golden opportunity.

1. #1 LSU 8-0 (4-0) at #2 Alabama 8-0 (5-0)

Well duh. LSU and Alabama enter the game as the #1 and #2 ranked teams in the country, echoing the famed 2011 matchup which previewed their rematch in the BCS Championship Game. I’m not sure that the Committee will put them at #1 and #2, but we’ll see what happens. The loser has a pretty good chance to go 11-1 and make the Playoff, so we could see another rematch in the Playoff.

5 G5 Games of the Week

This is a pretty MW heavy G5 list, but that’s what happens when the AAC has bad games.

5. UAB 6-2 (3-1) at Southern Miss 5-3 (3-1)

UAB, Southern Miss, and Louisiana Tech are making the C-USA West race pretty interesting even if the conference as a whole is pretty boring.

4. Nevada 5-4 (2-3) at #24 San Diego State 7-1 (4-1)

San Diego State has a clear lead in the MWC West race, but the Aztecs still have to face all three teams competing to take the crown away from them, starting with Nevada.

3. Miami OH 4-4 (3-1) at Ohio 4-4 (3-1)

The 96th Battle of the Bricks will probably decide the MAC East, if you care.

2. Utah State 4-3 (3-1) at Fresno State 4-4 (2-2)

Utah State and Fresno State were two of the standout G5 teams last season. They’ve both lost talent and have taken a step back, but they’re also both still in their respective division races. The loser here will probably be eliminated from competition, while the winner keeps their hopes alive.

1. Wyoming 6-2 (3-1) at #21 Boise State 7-1 (4-0)

The Mountain Division still has four teams in a dogfight, including the front-runner Boise State. Wyoming has played their hard-nosed brand of football and can supplant the Broncos with a road win.

FCS Games of the Week

4. #23 New Hampshire 5-3 (4-1) at #2 James Madison 8-1 (5-0)

The winner here should get the CAA’s auto-bid to the Playoff as the conference champion. The loser will still make the Playoff in all likelihood.

3. #22 North Dakota 5-3 at #3 Weber State 7-2 (5-0)

North Dakota is trying to crash the FCS Playoff as a football independent, but they’ll have to beat Weber State to have a good chance at making the field. The Wildcats are a standout team of the FCS this year, having still not lost to an FCS foe.

2. #11 Illinois State 6-3 (3-2) at #4 South Dakota State 7-2 (4-1)

The MVFC always provides at least one good game a week.

1. #10 Princeton 7-0 (4-0) vs #13 Dartmouth 7-0 (4-0) in New York, NY

I don’t know how they planned this out but the Ivy League’s champion is likely going to be decided at Yankee Stadium when undefeated Princeton and Dartmouth face off.

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khabrisala · 4 years

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Scouting committees to be formed for FIFA World Cup qualification: Kiren Rijiju

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By: PTI | New Delhi |

Updated: August 3, 2020 5:02:12 pm

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. (Source: File) Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the government is riding on “mainstay” football to make India a sporting powerhouse and announced the formation of five zonal committees to hunt talent across the country. Riji…

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#Committees #Cup #FIFA #formed #Kiren #qualification #Rijiju #Scouting #world

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hsrsports · 4 years

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Ministry to form 5 zonal talent hunt committees for football

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday said the govt is riding on "mainstay" football to make India a sporting powerhouse and announced the formation of five zonal committees to hunt talent across the country. The initiative under the Khelo India Programme in partnership with the All India Football Federation, will be the "most aggressive exercise" ever done, said Rijiju. https://ift.tt/3i7YmZP https://ift.tt/34vXvMA

#HSR Sports

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footballghana · 4 years

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Ghana v South Africa: The glaring financial differences between two leagues

The statement of Sulley Muntari’s agent, Sipho Shaven, struck a chord. Despite intensified expectations of a move to Hearts of Oak, Shaven revealed that his client had given him the green light to speak to South African clubs.

“He has given me the mandate to talk to clubs in South Africa. He is very keen to play in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season,” Shaven told KickOff.com.

“Remember, our league is well respected on the continent and a high-profile player will not turn down an opportunity to play in the PSL,” he added.

PSL is regarded as arguably, the most popular league on the continent. It is also seen as one with bigger financial backing.

The surprising fact here is that South Africa’s top-flight league was officially in business 40 years after the Ghana Premier League (GPL) started.

But, the gulf in development, the disparity in economic growth is incomprehensible.

One would have thought, Ghana, having dominated continental inter-club football in the late 90s and early 2000s, would have continued to be a powerhouse in all spheres of the game.

Two Ghanaian teams reached the CAF Champions League final between 1997 and 2002 with Hearts of Oak winning the 2002 edition. South Africa produced one finalist during that period (Mamelodi Sundowns in 2001).

Since then, two South African teams have made it to the final of the competition with Mamelodi Sundowns clinching the title in 2016. Ghanaian sides have in comparison struggled to make it past the group stages.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Ghana produced two finalists in the maiden edition (2004). From then on, the country’s representatives have struggled and South Africa has produced two finalists.

However, the West African country has declined. When PSL gave the okay to clubs to start training in May with some social distancing rules in place, the GFA were grappling over what best the decision for their game was.

Heads of the country cannot be solely held liable for the indecision on the future of the league, but if the game which began 60 years ago had grown as expected with the right structures, a young product such as the PSL would not have found a solution whilst Ghana hunted for one.

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza announced in mid-June that, they were waiting for government’s approval to restart their suspended season. In Ghana, however, the league was cancelled at the end of June.

The decision was mainly attributed to COVID-19 and lack of finances.

South Africa has 238,339 coronavirus cases confirmed with nearly 113,061 recoveries and 3,720 reported dead cases as at July 9, 2020. The population of South Africa is estimated to be over 59 million, meaning that four out of a thousand people have tested positive for the disease.

The figures in South Africa cannot be compared to that of Ghana as they have a little over 22,822 recorded cases with 17,564 recoveries and 129 losing their lives on the same date. The West African country’s population is estimated to be over 31 million meaning just one out of a thousand have tested positive.

With this variance in cases of the two countries, it can then be concluded that, financial muscle became the deciding factor for Ghana.

Before the cancellation of the season, President of the Ghana FA, said their inability to resume the game is due to ‘lack of money’.

Ghana football is well behind now. South Africa is a more attractive and financially sound league, capable of dealing with anomalies. What triggered the gap?

The World Cup factor

The PSL was formed in 1996 and began with 18 teams which was later reduced to 16. During its incubation period, their headline sponsor was Castle Lager (1996-2007).

In June 2004, a match fixing scandal was unearthed in South Africa, leading to the arrest of match commissioners, referees and club bosses. The revelation was damaging to the league’s reputation across the continent.

During that period, Ghana football was regarded as one of the best with Hearts of Oak and Asante Kotoko making the headlines in Africa. Ghana’s two biggest clubs clashed in the maiden 2004 Confederation Cup final which Hearts won after two legs.

South Africa, however, had a wildcard; the hosting rights of the prestigious 2010 World Cup. The government got straight into action with some improvements to a number of infrastructures. World class stadiums were built to suit the magnitude of the event.

According to the 2010 FIFA World Cup country report, the nation spent over $3 billion on preparations. $1.1 billion of it was used on building and upgrading stadiums (8) alone. $1.3 billion was dedicated to improving road, rail and airlines. A further $392 million was invested on the country’s main ports of entry. FIFA also made a cash injection of $1.298 billion into the project.

The country was criticized for such an outlay but the benefits were endless. Sponsorship for the league and its clubs rose exponentially and the country became a more enticing place for footballers across the globe.

Khama Billiat, Zimbabwe’s dribbing wizard and one of Africa’s best talents, has spent most of his career in South Africa. He currently features for Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most decorated teams in the country.

Richard Ofori, Ghana’s first choice goalkeeper, is spending his peak years with Maritzburg, another club based in South Africa.

“The World Cup in South Africa was a huge, huge financial success for Africa, for South Africa and for FIFA,” FIFA president Sepp Blatter said in 2011 after the release of the report.

Ghana, after co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria in 2000, were named sole hosts of the 2008 edition. The news brought the country into the spotlight and government reacted with a $157.2 million expenditure on the rehabilitation of four stadiums.

The tournament was also a success, albeit not on the scale of the 2010 World Cup.

Ten years after the World Cup, South Africa places 6th in the CAF five-year ranking whilst Ghana places 19th.

The CAF 5-Year Ranking is used by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to determine the number of clubs that each CAF member association may enter in Africa’s club football competitions, the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.

At present, those associations ranked in the top twelve may enter two sides into each of the two continental tournaments, while the remaining associations are limited to a single side in each competition.

South Africa has four slots in the continental competitions. Ghana, however, has two.

In next season’s projection, South Africa will maintain their position in the ranking and Ghana will drop to 20th.

Investments have reaped huge rewards for the PSL.

Headline sponsorship

In 2007, the South African top flight landed ABSA bank as a headline sponsor in a five-year R500 million deal ($70.9 million). The agreement was extended in 2012 using the same terms and was maintained in 2017. ABSA announced an increase in yearly payments to a reported R140 million ($9.7 million) for the 2019/20 season. This was due to a reported R40 million ($2.8 million) increase in prize money.

In 2020, ABSA’s marriage with PSL came to an end with the bank stating that the dire economic conditions in the country influenced the decision.

“We actually took account of the state of the economy. This is not a decision we took because of Covid-19. Before Covid-19 we (the country) were facing a downgrade, facing a recession, probably negative growth for a couple of quarters to come – so the outlook wasn’t very good,” ABSA head of communications, Songezo Zibi told Daily Maverick.

Irvin Khoza, the PSL chairman was unfazed by the development. He announced that multiple bids have already come in.

“We’ve got four companies at the moment (who want to sponsor the league),” Khoza said via IOL.

In November 2019, the PSL posted an astonishing R1.002 billion ($58.9 million) in revenue from the 2018/19 financial year, an increase in the R938 million ($55.2 million) in 2017/18 financial year‚ and R884 million ($52 million) in 2016/17. On the headline sponsor aspect, South Africa has done a fantastic job.

The story of Ghana’s biggest league is a different one. There have been four headline sponsors since 2007. OneTouch was the first with a GH¢1.7 million deal ($1.6 million 13 years ago) for the 2007/08 season. Globacom then took over with a five year deal worth $15 million in December 2008. The deal came to an end in 2013 with some controversies during the period.

First Capital Plus bank swooped in with a five-year $10 million deal in January 2014. The agreement lasted for just one year after the company agreed to undergo restructuring.

After going three years without a headline sponsor, Zylofon Cash looked to have provided a solution with reportedly the same terms as the First Capital deal but that was also cut short after the GFA premises was shut down, thanks to the revelations in the famous Anas expose.

During an investigation by the Normalization Committee, it was reported that the documents certifying GFA’s deal with Zylofon Cash could not be found.

These problems, coupled with the deplorable state of pitches and poor branding makes finding and maintaining headline sponsors a daunting task for the GFA.

In the above graph, some adjustments were made which should be of note. The yearly amounts in the PSL was adjusted using the end of year rate relating to the first halves of the season.

Also, we are assuming that money agreed to in the GPL were paid by sponsors. The figures are not adjusted for inflation to meet the current year.

The gap is indeed an incredible one. In 13 years, South Africa has made a total of $137,433,040 from headline sponsorship whilst Ghana has made $22,631,800, a difference of $114,801,240.

TV Rights

PSL have enjoyed a long lasting relationship with SuperSport after signing their first deal in 2007. It was a five-year contract worth R1.6 billion ($200 million). After the first agreement ended in 2012, they signed another five-year R2 billion deal ($277.7 million) with the Pan-African group.

SuperSport managed to outbid competitors for another TV rights deal in 2017. The financial details of the deal were not specified.

GPL’s first known TV rights deal came in September 2013 with SuperSport. The agreement was worth $700,000 per year for three years. After its expiration, StarTimes signed a 10-year deal worth $17.95 million with the GFA. It lasted for only three years after a mutual termination was decided.

In January 2020, the Chinese media company returned with a five-year deal worth $1.05 million per year.

Due to these deals and others, PSL gained enough funds to give out monthly grants of R2.5 million ($147,000) to each club (16 in total) in the 2019/20 season.

The Ghanaian top-flight in comparison gave out $8605.85 (GH¢50,000) each to 18 teams only at the start of the campaign. The additional $30,000 each meant for clubs from the StarTimes package is yet to be fully given out.

Two key sponsors were kept by the South African top flight for over a decade whilst getting good deals. The Ghanaian top-flight have not enjoyed the same experience.

As with the previous graph, there are some things to note. The yearly amounts in the PSL was adjusted using the end of year rate relating to the first halves of the season.

The SuperSport deal for the final three seasons (2017/18-2019/20) were not stated so the previous deal (2 billion rand for five years signed in 2012) was maintained.

Also, we are assuming that money agreed to in the GPL were paid by sponsors despite multiple breaks in the league.

It can be seen that the difference is staggering considering the leeway given to the GPL. In a 13-year span, South Africa has made a whopping $485,787,600 from TV rights whilst Ghana made $8,535,000, a difference of $477,252,600.

What the future holds for GPL

The GFA has been exploring the possibility of going autonomous in the last few months. An autonomous committee has been formed for that purpose despite some calls against the idea.

The word ‘autonomous’ means having the freedom to govern oneself or control one’s own affairs. In the case of football, an autonomous league is described as one that is independent in terms of managing finances and controlling the direction of the league.

Ghana League Clubs Association president, Cudjoe Fianoo, noted that the idea had been floating around but the GFA were afraid that the league would be more powerful than the association.

”The idea of the Ghana Premier League to be autonomous started some years ago but has been fruitless. The autonomous issue has been there for a while now,” Fianoo told Fox FM.

”The delay of the league going autonomous is because the previous administration feared the body to manage it will be more powerful than the GFA.”

”The league may be more attractive than matches of the National Teams which they do not want it that way. How many local players are in the Black Stars?” he quizzed.

The PSL uses the autonomous model and have had huge success with it.

South African Premier League senior manager, Luxolo September, revealed how they made it work.

“Here in South Africa, all radio stations are about local football, local products, and local talents and we hope to share this lesson with Ghana and learn from Ghana as well,” he told Takoradi based Skyy Power 93.5 FM.

He however advised that Ghana should develop a different model, one that will suit the country’s specific needs.

“Ghana should decide what model is good for them, from the Commercial, Sponsorship, Product points of view.”

The job seems difficult considering the absence of a World Cup to fall on and the struggle to tie down key sponsors on long-term deals.

It has become quite clear in the last 13 years that the model of the two leagues are quite different and that has trickled down to the longevity and difference in sponsors they have. South Africa has needed just two main sponsors on headline and TV basis whilst Ghana has taken six.

The financial gap between the GPL and the PSL is over half a billion dollars, a figure which seems insurmountable but with proper execution and patience, Ghana football may reach the pinnacle of Africa once again.

Source: Bill Eshun (Joy Sports)

source: https://footballghana.com/

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