Writing Competition Closed

The first-ever Soccerlens Writing Competition is now closed. A big thanks to everyone who participated (including those who took the time out to read and comment on the entries).

We received 40 entries in total (you can read them below) – many of the entries were top-notch and it’s going to be difficult for the judges to pick an outright winner.

Here’s a recap of the process:

Each judge (list of judges below) will pick 5 best entries out of the list of 40 – articles will be judged on quality of writing, analysis (and depth of knowledge), humour and entertainment value. After each judge picks their 5 top entries, we’ll put the votes together to find the top 3.

The winners will be notified on Thursday night and the results themselves will be announced on Friday morning.

On first impressions, I’d like at least half of the submitters to guest blog again on Soccerlens, and to be honest I’d love to give everyone who contributed a shot at starting their own blog. 40 new blogs may be too big of a strain on my resources though, but regardless of who wins, I want every contributor to know that if you’re interested in starting your own football blog or already have a blog that you wish to promote further, shoot me an email with your details.

Here’s a recap of the prizes, the judges and the competition entries (have a read and make sure to comment on them):

Prizes:

For the winner:

• $100 cash.
• Free footy shirt courtesy of our sponsors Subside Sports.
• Contract offer to write on Soccerlens.

For #1 – #3 (or more):

The option of getting financial assistance in starting / promoting their own blogs as part of the network of blogs we’re running.

Judges:

• Ed Harrison – Newcastle United blog
• Marco Pantanella – mCalcio blog
• Nic – FC Barcelona blog
• Red Ranter – Manchester United blog
• V – Kickette
• Ahmed Bilal – Soccerlens

Submitted Entries:

1. Why Do Americans Call It Soccer?
2. The Reason Behind England’s ‘Failures’ Since 1966
3. Are AC Milan finally too old?
4. Where are my Cheerleaders?
5. So…Will They Book Dida for Cheating?
6. How a Moustache Might Save Football
7. A Naan and a Leg
8. Is the Champions League REALLY the best football competition in the world?
9. Are Liverpool missing Pako?
10. Oh No! The Big Bad Foreigner is Coming to Ruin English Football!
11. Why Football is the Greatest Sport on the Planet
12. The Romanian Revival: Back from the Wilderness
13. Selección Española — can Spain’s elite compete with their international peers?
14. Sexism in Football
15. The MLS will one day get the Respect that it desires
16. “Saving” American Soccer vs. Selling Brand Beckham: Yes, There Is A Conflict
17. Are Chelsea preparing for the arrival of Frank Rijkaard?
18. Can Money Buy You Happiness in the Premier League?
19. Guiseppe Rossi Should Choose the U.S.
20. England absence from Euro 2008 will be disastrous
21. It’s A Fickle Old Game
22. Abandon it like Beckham
23. Finger Flickin’ Fun: The Brief History of Subbuteo
24. A Goal or Not a Goal: Official Assisted Technology Systems
25. Droyslden FC | The Romance of Non-League Football
26. Shock Development: Keano’s Angry
27. Football Fans : Flight Of The Headless Chicken
28. There Should Be No ‘I’ In European Group Qualification
29. Manchester United: Assured Ferdinand Finally Comes Of Age
30. Are Premier League Footballers Good Value for Money?
31. Where Is This Relationship Going?
32. Kaka to Madrid, Ronaldinho to Milan, Iniesta on the left for Barcelona – A Perfect Future?
33. The Heart of Football
34. The Hidden Diaries of Ashley Cole
35. Studies Show That Football Managers Are, Well, Insane
36. Racism in the name of Science? A-Okay!
37. Fifa Bungles Player of the Year Nominations Again
38. National Team Monogamy
39. Exploring the Rotation Myth and Liverpool’s Real Problem
40. Premier League’s Biggest Transfer Flops

See you on Friday (19th Oct 07).