This article was originally published on August 9th, 2019.
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Soccer news that excites me -
The Football Association announced that it is launching a streaming platform dedicated to women’s soccer from the start of the 2019-20 season, which starts in September. The free to use platform will provide live access to more than 150 domestic games throughout the campaign, including all Women’s Super League (WSL) matches and a fixture from each round of the Championship.
The FA’s director of the women’s professional game, Kelly Simmons, said: “This announcement is a pivotal and significant step in the FA’s journey to grow the women’s game and attract new audiences.
“We know people want to watch football in different ways, with content that’s quickly and easily accessible.
“This new live streaming service will give them unique access to over 150 live fixtures in all competitions, all available at the click of a button.
“This will help build on the fantastic coverage BBC and BT Sport give the women’s game on their channels so that fans can enjoy the best of women’s football when and how they wish.”
Baseball story that I have been following -
The Oakland Athletics signed a fan to a professional contract. Nathan Patterson went viral after throwing 96 miles-per-hour at a speed pitch challenge, at a Rockies' game. Although it turns out that there has been interest from the A’s for the last six months. Patterson began showing off his speed pitching prowess at a Triple-A Nashville Sounds game last August, which caught the attention of the A’s (the Sounds are a minor league affiliate for Oakland). In February the team reached out to discuss the possibility of signing Patterson, and jumped on the chance when the newest video of him throwing 96 went viral.
UEFA news that caught my eye -
Stephanie Frappart will become the first woman to referee a major men's European match when she takes charge of the Uefa Super Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea on the 14th of August. Frappart will lead a team that also includes two female assistant referees. French compatriot Manuela Nicolosi and Michelle O'Neill of the Republic of Ireland.
Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said he was "delighted" by her appointment.
"I have said on many occasions that the potential for women's football has no limits," he added.
"As an organization, we place the utmost importance on the development of women's football in all areas.
"I hope the skill and devotion that Stephanie has shown throughout her career to reach this level will provide inspiration to millions of girls and women around Europe, and show them there should be no barriers in order to reach one's dream."
Surfing event I attended -
I attended the US Open of Surfing, in Huntington Beach to see Sage Erickson and Yago Dora win their respective QS 10,000 Final.
Soccer game I attended -
Along with the 37,040 strong crowd at the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena, California I watched the USWNT kick off their World Cup Victory Tour. Where they secured a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. All of the action took place in the first half as Tobin Heath (@TobinHeath), Lindsey Horan (@LindseyHoran) and Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) all got on the score sheet.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan