We are proud to report that the Inaugural World Vintage Football Carnival to be staged in wonderful Buenos Aires, Argentina in October 2011 is progressing well and it is appropriate that this newsletter coincides with the completion of the fantastic World Cup in South Africa.
It has been particularly enjoyable for Vintage Football Carnival Director, Earle Thomas a past captain of the New Zealand All Whites who has taken great pleasure in the success and continued development of the latest All Whites team. And it has brought back great memories for Vintage Football Ambassador, Sam Malcolmson who was a member of the All Whites in their previous (and first) excursion into World Cup Football in Spain in 1982.
Interesting to see Maradona coaching the Argentina team in their endeavours and we took particular interest in their progress as they are representing the host country for the World Vintage Football Carnival. A Vintage Football Carnival provides the opportunity for Footballers of all abilities and agilities to play their game in one of the great football countries, Argentina.
All that is needed is for players to be over the age of 35 and to love the game of Football sufficiently to want to test their skills against like-minded teams and players from other parts of the football world.
Some wisdom from our Carnival Director.... “At a time when football is continuing to develop in unprecedented ways at the top commercial levels your presence at the Carnival will remind us that the soul of football still resides in the hundreds of thousands of players from many different backgrounds in many different places who play the game socially for the love of it, promoting respect and understanding amongst people in the process”....that in itself is enough to have teams coming to Buenos Aires and to take the opportunity to create a bit of footballing history by taking part in the 1st World Vintage Football Carnival.
In this newsletter read about:
- What is Vintage Football...a question asked by many interested teams.
- Our 1st entries are in and a good number of indications of interest have been received.
- What rules will apply to playing the games.
- How are teams graded and what age groups are planned.
- Buenos Aires...what a city and plenty to do.
- And how much will it all cost.
- How do I enter my team.
- Can I come as an individual.
Have a good browse of the newsletter and the website-maybe circulate the newsletter amongst the appropriate members of your club. And please let us know of any queries you may have.
Yours in football
Peter McDermott
Manager-Vintage Football Carnival
Level 1, 250 Mahurangi East Rd
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand
Telephone: +64 9 425 5294
Facsimile: +64 9 425 6956
Email: mail@vintage-football.com
Website: www.vintage-football.com
WHAT IS VINTAGE FOOTBALL?
Vintage Football is mature football for mature footballers designed by footballers. It is designed for players between the ages of 35 and whatever......and is serious football played to the best of the players abilities within the limitations brought about by age, agility levels and fitness. It varies from competitive and semi-competitive through to social standards with teams able to select the level of competition they wish to enjoy.
It is designed to ensure that everyone taking part enjoys the experience to the full. It is traditional football with all the established rules and is played with official referees on established pitches. It is not Masters Football and is played - always as competitively as teams and players can manage - but mostly for the fun of the game and the opportunity to test your skills against those of players from other countries and clubs.
Vintage Football is designed to create fun, friendship and camaraderie on and off the field amongst footballers from all parts of the world. It is planned to stage Vintage Football Carnivals every two years in footballing destinations that will provide particular enjoyment for all keen footballers whatever their age, stage, experience and ability.
And their first opportunity is at Buenos Aires, Argentina in October 2011.
EARLY ENTRIES AND INTEREST
Already we have teams who have completed the entry forms and are on their way to being Foundation Teams of Vintage Football. The first welcomes go to the Grasshoppers from Omaha in New Zealand, Queensland Buffers from Logan in Queensland and Perth Strollers in Western Australia. Expressions of interest (and intent to enter) have come from DC Geezers in Maryland, USA and from our friends at Massachusetts State Adult Soccer Association.
Other interest has been shown by teams from England, Scotland, Canada, Brazil and of course, host country, Argentina. There is no doubt this is going to be a true International Celebration of the Great Game of Football.
WHAT RULES APPLY TO THE GAMES?
The rules of the games are straight forward and used in many of the Veterans Leagues we have discussed the Carnival with and from whom we have taken advice.
Each team will play 4 games during the week with 3 preliminary games and a finals day that will sort teams into finishing order and allow for some extensive bragging rights.
Games will be played under FIFA rules except as outlined below.
- Each half will be 30 minutes.
- No offside
- No shin guards, no play
- Unlimited rolling subs
- No slide tackles (always-stay-on-your-feet)
- Yellow card means sit out the half
- Red card gone for good
- Shake hands after the match
- Enjoy the drinks
If teams wish to vary some of the rules with reference to substitutions and minor infractions that is fine if both captains agree but the variations to FIFA rules outlined above will apply and have only been decided following extensive consultation.
They are considered to represent the spirit that is the Vintage Football style and attitude-fun and friendship on and off the field.
Be assured we do keep the scores and use them to assess finishing positions and finals day match ups.
Any other suggestions from participating teams will be welcomed.
HOW ARE TEAMS GRADED AND WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?
Vintage Football is for players over the age of 35 with no upper limit. Teams will be graded into approximate age groupings as follows:
- 35 up (generally aimed at younger competitors but with no upper age limit)
- 45 up (slightly older and again no upper age limit)
- 55 up (mature players and again no upper limit)
We are slightly flexible in allowing players not far under the age limit to join teams in order to ensure full teams may be fielded. There may be no more than 2 players under age and the flexibility is at the discretion of the organisers. Whatever their age, all players are expected to take part recognising the Vintage Football objectives of fun and friendship on the field and relaxed socialising between all participants off it.
All players are expected to be as competitive as their age, agility and fitness allow them. Vintage Football welcomes players of all level of skill and experience. The Carnival is all inclusive and is as much about taking part as it is winning games. Teams will be asked to self assess their standard and select a category within which they wish to play:
- Competitive
- Semi-competitive
- Once Were Competitive
- Almost Social
There are no trophies or prizes for winning all games, though the organisers recognise that that is the objective of any team. Awards and trophies are provided for:
- Fun team
- Hard case team
- Best dressed
- Best sports
. . . and so on.
BUENOS AIRES..NOT JUST ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT FOOTBALL CENTRES
”This is a city and nation that eats, sleeps and breathes football that welcomes those who continue to play their sport way beyond their competitive years with passion & conviction for the camaraderie it brings” says Alan Falck, the Carnival Ground Operator in Buenos Aires.
But Buenos Aires is not just about Football and provides a fantastic experience of a cosmopolitan, exciting, vibrant city with a great range of bars, restaurants, entertainment and attractions.
No visit to South America’s most glamorous and vibrant capital city is complete without visiting the famous landmarks of this stunning city. We are going to take you on a quick ´look-see´ as a ‘tour teaser’ at what this fabulous city has to offer.
The list includes:
- Teatro Colón
- Puerto Madero District
- Tango
- Calle Florida
- La Boca District
- Tango
- La Recoleta Cemetery
- San Telmo District and
- More Tango – all waiting for you to experience personally in October 2011.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
The package price for the week per person on a share twin or share triple basis is currently from:
- Promenade or Dazzler Libertard Hotels (Good 3 star accommodation)
- Twin - USD 1,175.00
- Triple - USD 955.00
- Aspen Towers Hotel (Very good 4 star)
- Twin - USD 1,395.00
- Triple - USD 1,195.00
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS
- 6 nights accommodation at a Carnival hotel
- Buffet breakfast on each morning of your accommodation
- Meet & greet at Ezeiza International Airport with English speaking co-ordinator
- Air conditioned luxury coach transfer from airport/hotel/airport
- 4 games of football at a major football complex
- Air conditioned luxury coach transfer hotel/football/hotel
- Opening Welcome Party at a special Argentine themed venue in Buenos Aires featuring traditional Argentine music and entertainment, a substantial finger food buffet and three hours of unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks. Transfers will be provided to and from this function.
- Farewell Dinner-a fantastic night to remember, featuring awards, non-stop entertainment, great music, a table-served 3-course meal and continuous beer, wine and soft drinks. Transfers will be provided to and from the function.
- Welcome gift to mark the 1st World Vintage Football Carnival.
- An extensive Survival Kit with advice on local customs, attractions and services plus discount vouchers and required supplies.
Team Entry Fee is US$150 per team and Entry Fee for individuals is US$30.
HOW DO WE ENTER?
Just follow this link through to the Online Entry Form or if you prefer you can enter by downloading a Manual Entry Form here.
Or you can contact us at the postal or email addresses below and we will send you a supply of brochures and entry forms that you can complete and fax or mail back to us.
If you are interested we would suggest that you consider entering early as we have a limit on the number of teams we can handle and besides there are some attractive early bird entries prizes and gifts displayed on the website.
More Information:
Vintage Football Carnival
Level 1, 250 Mahurangi East Rd
PO Box 78, Snells Beach 0942, New Zealand
Telephone: +64 9 425 5294
Facsimile: +64 9 425 6956
Email: mail@vintage-football.com