Thursday, April 26, 2012

Olympic football \'for amateurs\'

Olympic football have to be played by amateur footballers, not professionals, consistent with former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.

Seaman, who retired in 2004 with 75 England caps, told BBC Sport: "Whenever you get the choice its a huge decision.

"Obviously representing Great Britain will be an immense honour, but i used to be a qualified for 22 years and that i dont think i might have done it."

In advance of 1984, mens Olympic football was only played by amateur players.

The GB mens team will face Senegal, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay within the group phase, with the womens side facing equally tricky fixtures against New Zealand, Cameroon and Brazil.

Olympic footballs golden moments

The present regulations stipulating that male competitors need to be under 23, with three over-age players allowed per squad, came in on the 1992 Barcelona Games.

David Beckham was heavily linked with a kind of over-age Team GB places and was included in a revised short-list of 80 players released last week.

Seaman, however, is partial to the old traditions.

"I dont think its for pro footballers - Ive always felt it'll be left to the amateurs and Ill stand by that."

He's, however, a huge fan of different Olympic sports.

Seamans girlfriend Frankie Poultney, knowledgeable ice-dancer whom he met at the TV programme Dancing on Ice, have been working with the GB synchronised swimming team as they prepare for his or her appearance on the London Games.

"Im massively impressed," said Seaman

"In case you realise what they struggle through - the strength they've, and the finesse besides - its fantastic and Ill tell anyone to head and watch it.

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Seaman impressed by GB synchro team

"The ladies train really hard and put all in their effort into it and it looks great."

Seaman, who played at two World Cups for England, says he does enjoy watching many Olympic sports and is calling forward to London 2012. 

"The ambience goes to be kind of like a global Cup for me, which was the last word," said Seaman.

"The Olympic Games is without equal for the athletes and its a good thing to be considering.

"I dont know if Ill have the ability to get a ticket - Ill see what i will do - but its a good time for the rustic."



From WhatNewsToday.net

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