New York, New York –  Effective today, Soccer Stars has launched Soccer Stars for All, making available up to 5,000 open spots in its online classes free to frontline medical workers, families negatively impacted by school closures and families who can benefit from financial assistance.
 
“We recognize that families around the world are facing financial and workplace hardships due to the coronavirus pandemic and we want to help” said Adam Geisler, Chief Executive Officer of Super Soccer Stars. “So we are thrilled to announce that we have launched our Soccer Stars for All initiative, which will make online classes more accessible to families whose caregivers are front line workers or are otherwise struggling to keep their children happy, healthy, active and engaged.”
 
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting “social distancing” efforts that have closed schools and recreation programs across the United States, Soccer Stars has stepped up their offerings of athletic coaching and activities for children by developing a digital curriculum, which keeps children’s bodies and minds active while at the same time incorporating socialization with coaches, classmates and teammates to encourage safe, social interaction.
 
“During the past two months when students remained home without being provided the physical education portion of their school’s mandate, Soccer Stars has actively invested in online video, live streaming coaching sessions and other digital activities in order to continue serving families, as we have done for the last 20 years,” said Geisler. “Like most small businesses, we have had to make many difficult decisions, but moving soccer classes online has allowed us to keep our coaches engaged and employed, and more than anything, they continue to make kids smile every day.”
 
The Soccer Stars for All initiative is providing up to 5,000 spots in virtual classes
for children ages 1-12 and is taking place between May 20th, 2020 and June 28, 2020.  Enrollment in current virtual classes with available capacity will be on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to one class per week per child throughout the duration of the program.
 
Families of frontline medical workers and those who are experiencing hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic who would like to apply for these classes can fill out the application online at https://bit.ly/3bhDBGW
 
About Super Soccer Stars:
 
New York-based Super Soccer Stars was founded in 2000 and is the largest corporately run youth soccer program in the country. Super Soccer Stars’ goal is to use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children improve their soccer skills while at the same time building self-confidence, enhancing gross motor skills, honing socialization skills, and developing physical literacy. Dynamic local and international coaches work with small groups of boys and girls to develop these skills and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment. Super Soccer Stars operates in 25+ major markets reaching over 110,000 children each year. Additional information is available athttp://www.soccerstars.com.
 
Media Contacts:
Soccer Stars: Matt Stefan, (215) 500-3029
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations: Jim DeLorenzo, (215) 266-5943
 

Soccer Stars FOR ALL Web LANDER

 

As 20 commissioned popular artists across the world continue to re-imagine 20 iconic cards from the past 70 years in the Topps Company’s “Project 2020,” the first numbers are in, and with three Mike Trout cards and three of Derek Jeter among the top seven sellers, more than 232,000 cards have been purchased by fans. Showing the diversity of talent and styles among the eclectic artists, cartoonists and pop culture influencers creating the masterworks, the top nine selling cards are from nine different artists.

Leading the way are three Trout entries, with Ben Baller’s (@benballer) eclectic interpretation of the superstar’s 2011 rookie card selling 34,950 copies, more than double any other card in the set of 66 issued to date. Fucci’s (@FucciArt) Trout posted 16,430 sales, while Andrew Thiele’s (@ArtekNYC) effort netted 13,199 purchases. The Derek Jeter 1992 work by King Saladeen (@Kingsaladeenart) is the fourth-highest at 9,873, with Jacob Rochester’s (@jacob_rochester) 1989 Ken Griffey Jr. checking in at 9,356 units.

Baller’s eye-catching Trout design, which features a charcoal background with a hint of angel wings in the background, a metallic Angels classic interlocking C-A logo and bejeweled “trout” name in lowercase across the bottom, is one of four cards of the three-time MVP issued to date. The four have accounted for a total of 67,510 sales to date.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the reaction by collectors, artists, players and baseball fans in general to the first cards that these world-class creators have produced,” said Jeff Heckman, Global Director of Ecommerce. “What is most exciting is that, of our top 16 sellers, 14 are from different artists. And every single card has had at least 1,000 cards sold, a tribute to their great work across the board.”

In the spirit of its popular “TOPPS NOW” program, two Topps “Project 2020” cards are issued daily on weekdays via the Topps.com website. The cards are only available for a 48-hour period from the time each is introduced. Interest in the program and the cards continues on the upswing, as most of the top 20 sellers have been issued in the past three weeks.

The cards in the Project 2020 offering include: 1952 Willie Mays; 1952 Jackie Robinson; 1955 Sandy Koufax; 1959 Bob Gibson; 1980 Rickey Henderson; 1989 Ken Griffey Jr; 1969 Nolan Ryan; 1984 Don Mattingly; 2001 Ichiro; 1992 Derek Jeter; 1992 Bowman Mariano Rivera; 1982 Topps Traded Cal Ripken; 1983 Tony Gwynn; 1975 George Brett; 2011 Updates Mike Trout; 1987 Mark McGwire; 1990 Frank Thomas; 1985 Dwight Gooden; 1955 Roberto Clemente and 1954 Ted Williams.

The artists participating in the set include:

Ben Baller- jewelry designer with a huge celebrity following that includes Kanye West, Drake, Snoop Dogg and others

Tyson Beck- Australia based, recently redesigned the NBA logo to look like Kobe Bryant, with a petition to change the logo with over 3 million signatures.

Sophia Chang- Queens native whose lifestyle illustrations and basketball cards have landed her collaborations with Nike, Adidas and Puma.

Efdot- NYC based, paints murals with the ubiquitous “Blob” character as the star of his pieces

Ermsy- Cartoon style UK artist living in Paris, whose popular works include reimagined classics like Garfield and Betty Boop.

Fucci- Toronto-based artist who paints vibrant post-pop art and ligne-claire style illustrations with a minimalist approach.

Groteskito- Creative director for Nike basketball

Blake Jamieson- N.Y. based painter who has done portraits for over 350 professional athletes including numerous prominent NFL players.

JK5- based in Brooklyn, native of North White Plains, N.Y., who weaves layers of poetry, spirituality, symbolism, color and line across various media.

Just Don- Chicago based, worked with Kanye West on a number of collaborations, including projects for Nike and Mitchell and Ness, as well as other NBA apparel.

King Saladeen- Philadelphia based NBA artist who has done murals at the Philadelphia Airport and various NYC locations.

Mister Cartoon- L.A. based :West Coast style” tattoo artist who has done illustrative work for Kobe Bryant and Snoop Dogg, and tattoo work on CC Sabathia’s back. Currently working on a mural at L.A. landmark Casa Vega.

Naturel- Creative Director for many apparel projects from Crooks , painted one of the most famous Kobe Bryant murals in Los Angeles.

Old Man Alan- Sacramento-based, tastemaker who advised a number of brands

Jacob Rochester- L.A. based native of Connecticut whose Allen Iverson hair progression art has garnered some attention

Keith Shore- Philadelphia based; the lead creative for Mikkelar Beer

Gregory Siff - lives in L.A., worked with MLB on a number of projects including Stance

Matt Taylor- Brighton, U.K., artist who specializes in movie poster designs and has collaborated on projects with Marvel, Amazon Studios, LucasFilm and more, as well as ESPN for the US Open tennis tournament.

Andrew Thiele- based in NYC, drew “Whole Squad Ready” art for 2018 World Series; has worked for ESPN on MLB and NBA graphics.

Joshua Vides- Black and White style, based in LA, famous collaborator with Converse in 2019, also produced “locker room art” for MLB at the 2018 All-Star Game.

The images on the cards can be seen at https://www.topps.com/project2020

About The Topps Company:

Founded in 1938, The Topps Company, Inc. is the preeminent creator and brand marketer of physical and digital sports cards, entertainment cards and collectibles, and distinctive confectionery products. Topps' leading sports and entertainment products include Major League Baseball, National Football League, Major League Soccer, UEFA Champions League, English Premier League, Bundesliga, IndianPremier League, Star Wars, WWE, UFC, Wacky Packages®, Garbage Pail Kids®, MarsAttacks® and other trading cards, sticker album collections and collectibles. Topps’ app portfolio, including Topps BUNT®, Topps HUDDLE®, TOPPS KICK® and Topps® Star WarsSM: CardTrader, has been a hit with millions of fans around the world. Topps’ confectionery brands include RingPop®, Push Pop®, Baby Bottle Pop®, Juicy Drop ® Pop and Bazooka® bubble gum. Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company and Madison Dearborn Partners in October 2007. For additional information, visit Topps.com and Candymania.com.

The Norwegian modular tyre company reTyre keeps growing by signing yet another e-bike brand, E-life, for the upcoming 27,5 x 2.25'' wheel size that is being launched in December 2020.

Other brands have already verified that reTyre modular tyre system both adds value to the electric bikes, as they are able to promote their e-bikes as “all year bikes” with reTyre system, and that reTyre increases the basket size substantially, either through the sale of winter- or summer skins.

E-life has been making electric bikes since 2015. Their values are quality, comfort and expertise. That's why they strive to create products that bring customers the best user experience with a high-quality service.

“We have been in dialogue for quite some time, and we were both happy when I could announce that we would be able to finish the development of the 27,5 x 2.25 size this year. This partnership was a perfect fit from day one and I really look forward to collaborating with E-life to increase the number of year-round cyclists and to bring the modular system to even more commuters and e-bike riders.” says Alexander Gjendem Gjørven, COO of reTyre. “Our tyres and skins are also perfect for customers that are not usually buying tyres and accessories since it is so easy to change the tread into e.g. studded or gravel. The reTyre core group consist of commuters that desire convenience and user-friendliness. Therefore, we look forward to see E-life’s electric bikes with reTyre out in the streets!”

reTyre produces the world’s first modular tyre system – the combination of zipper tyres and zip-on tyre treads (Skins™) which make it possible for cyclists to change tyres according to road conditions, in seconds. reTyre currently offers four detachable skins. The two off-road options, Gravel Chaser and Trail Rider are the perfect match to Norway’s magnificent biking trails during the summer, and their studded winter options, Ice Racer and Winter Traveler can significantly increase the number of days cyclists enjoy their electric bikes during late autumn, winter and early spring when temperatures are unstable.

For detailed information on all reTyre modular tyre products, visit the company website reTyre.co

For detailed information on E-life, visit elife.no

happy couple goes on a mountain asphalt road in the woods on bikes with helmets giving each other a high five.

Strat-O-Matic (www.strat-o-matic.com), the market leader in sports simulations, continued a record sixty days of growth and recognition last week, with traffic, sales and content growing at a rapid pace across all platforms. The growth excelled when the company started running its well-received NBA Playoff simulation as well as its daily baseball simulation, which is now being used by a growing number of print and digital media platforms, as well as by a wide number of sports radio stations, on a daily basis. Strat-O-Matic was also selected by People.com as “Best Board Game for Sports Lovers” in April.


“Our staff continues to create new ways for consumers both new and old to enjoy and engage with our products, and the recognition is very gratifying,” said Hal Richman, Strat-O-Matic founder. “This time of reinvention for us will not stop, as we are listening to what fans of simulation games are saying and it has set us up for even more opportunities, especially in the digital gaming space, for when things return to normal.”


The increased interest is reflected in sales, traffic and social numbers, which continue on the upswing. Board and Windows games, digital platform Strat-O-Matic Baseball 365, Website traffic, new users and social media have all seen significant boosts over comparable time periods as fans continue to satiate their thirst for baseball, Strat-O-Matic style, connecting with the game and each other across all of these areas.


Some Strat-O-Matic by the numbers highlights for April include:
• Baseball Board and Windows platform sales from April 1-28 are more than 55% higher compared to the same time period in 2019.
• Baseball Board game product sales from April 1-28 are more than 75% higher compared to the same time period in 2019.
• Baseball Windows platform sales from April 1-28 are more than 45% higher compared to the same time period in 2019.
• Strat-O-Matic Baseball 365 sales are averaging more than 70% higher per day in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
• New Members on Strat-O-Matic Baseball 365 are more than double in April 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019.
• Free Trials in April 2020 on Strat-O-Matic Baseball 365 were 55% higher than in March 2020. Free Trials in March 2020 were already 20% higher than in any previous month.


Strat-O-Matic daily MLB 2020 season simulations can be found at http://www.strat-o-matic.com/2020-season-simulation/ as well as full simulations of the NBA Playoffs. Basketball results and box scores can be found at http://www.strat-o-matic.com/2020-basketball-playoffs/
The list of “Best board games also included other classics such as Monopoly, Candor, Scrabble and Candy Land. It can be seen here https://people.com/entertainment/best-board-games/


Fans with questions about any facet of the Baseball Daily and Basketball simulations can contact Strat-O-Matic at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About Strat-O-Matic
Strat-O-Matic was invented by 11-year-old Hal Richman in his bedroom in Great Neck, N.Y. in 1948 as a result of his frustration with the statistical randomness of other baseball board games. He discovered that the statistical predictability of dice would give his game the realism he craved. Over the next decade, he perfected the game at summer camp and then as a student at Bucknell University. After producing All-Star sets in 1961 and ‘62, he parlayed a $5,000 loan from his father (and made a deal that if it didn’t work out he would work for his father’s insurance company) into the original 1962 Strat-O-Matic Baseball season game. Needless to say, Hal never had to take a job with his father.


Strat-O-Matic, based in Glen Head, NY and on the Internet at www.strat-o-matic.com, manufactures the top selling sports board games and realism/stats sports digital games. The Company publishes baseball, football, basketball and hockey games to play both on and off your computer and mobile screens. “Strat-O” games are known throughout the sports community for their statistical realism and accuracy. The Company has the world’s greatest sports game stat libraries with top-of-the-line seasons dating back to the early 1900’s. At the start of the 2016 MLB season, Strat-O-Matic introduced Baseball Daily, its first product featuring digital player cards that update every day to reflect real life current player performance as the season progresses.


The Company has a loyal celebrity following including a bevy of sports broadcasters such as Bob Costas, Jon Miller and Dan Shulman, former MLB’ers Keith Hernandez, Doug Glanville and Cal Ripken Jr., and sports super fans including Drew Carey, Ben Bernanke, Bryant Gumbel, Spike Lee and Tim Robbins. More information is available at: www.strat-o-matic.com.

 New York, NY - Super Soccer Stars, the nation’s premiere youth soccer organization, announced it is going from on field instruction to digital learning with a release of virtual classrooms and live streaming services. The creation of Soccer Stars @HOME, Live Streaming and Skills & Drills powered by Famer will allow Super Soccer Stars to re-engage their communities. The digital curriculum is developed to keep children’s bodies and minds active while at the same time incorporating socialization with coaches, classmates and teammates to encourage safe, social interaction.
 
● Soccer Stars @HOME - A fully interactive virtual class in a weekly, small group setting. Coaches work directly with players via screen sharing to offer one-on-one attention. Participants ask questions and get individual instruction on how to improve their game. Coaches also assign activity sheets and challenges to keep the fun going after class is over. Available for $50/month with free access to Soccer Stars Live Stream.
 
● Live Streaming – Live content stream sessions are available throughout the day, 7 days a week. Each live stream is age-specific and includes daily themes and early childhood learning concepts. Grants access to all Soccer Stars’ archived videos to re-watch at subscribers’ convenience.
 
● Skills & Drills powered by Famer - Soccer Stars’ digital subscription service direct to mobile device or tablet. With over 450 training videos, users have access to a full 14 week curriculum designed as age-specific drills with progression goals to keep kids engaged through Famer app. 
 
“Our parents, afterschool and enrichment partners, daycare facilities and other partners have been asking us to continue to deliver our Super Soccer Stars classes and coaches to the kids in order to keep them moving and re-establish some normalcy.  The social interaction with their classmates, friends, teammates and coaches is so important as our kids are adjusting to learning from home,”  said Adam Geisler, CEO, Super Soccer Stars.  “In these turbulent times, we are in a fortunate position to bring some happiness and a needed physical outlet to our children through Super Soccer Stars Virtual Classes and Live Streaming platforms.” 
 
Super Soccer Stars virtual classrooms and live streaming curriculum will be available starting March 30, 2020.  Visit www.soccerstars.com to learn more and enroll.
 
About Super Soccer Stars:
New York-based Super Soccer Stars was founded in 2000 and is the largest corporately run youth soccer program in the country. Super Soccer Stars’ goal is to use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children improve their soccer skills while at the same time building self-confidence, enhancing gross motor skills, honing socialization skills and developing physical literacy. Dynamic local and international coaches work with small groups of boys and girls to develop these skills and teamwork in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment. Super Soccer Stars operates in 25+ major markets reaching over 110,000 children each year.  For more information about Super Soccer Stars, please visit www.soccerstars.com.
 

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