Galaxy and Sydney May Meet Again
A-League team Sydney FC, whom the Galaxy played late in 2007 during their Australasian tour, have been confirmed as the fourth team to participate in upcoming the Pan-Pacific Cup tournament in Hawaii. (Source ) The Galaxy's appearance in Sydney drew tremendous crowds and fan support--and Becks, never one to disappoint, thrilled the crowd with one of his famous free kicks.

Galaxy will play Gamba Osaka on the 20^th. The winner of that match will go on to play the winner of the other pairing (Houston vs. Sydney) on the 23^rd, with the losers of the first round competing for second place on that same day. While it is not guaranteed the Galaxy will play Sydney, no doubt many Aussies will be glued to their TVs for a chance to see their national representatives take on Beckham once more.


Generosity Prevails for Pan-Pacific Cup
Given the amount of good David does in the world, it's fitting that the organizers of the Pan-Pacific Cup tournament—widely criticized as little more than another marketing ploy to capitalize on Beckham's popularity—are giving a little back to the community at large. The Honolulu Advertiser reports that discount tickets will be available to military personnel and youth soccer participants. The latter will be permitted to sell tickets as part of their youth program fundraising initiatives. While this isn't Beckham-related news directly, it's no doubt a development of which he'd approve.


Beckham Backs "Help for Heroes"
Speaking of the military and Beckham's approval, The UK's "Help for Heroes" charity has listed David among its supporters. "Help for Heroes" encourages businesses to give price breaks—or eliminate costs altogether—of goods or services to injured veterans. "Help for Heroes" is offering wristbands, not unlike Lance Armstrong's "Livestrong" bands, to those who donate or who print an online coupon and pay a small fee. More info about "Help for Heroes" in this article and the "Help for Heroes" homepage.


An Even Dozen
David has decided to celebrate Valentine's Day early—and surreptitiously—by getting his 12^th tattoo, a black rose honouring Victoria. The two have been apart while David trains with the Galaxy and Victoria launches her line of jeans and attends NY Fashion Week. Following the naked tribute tattoo he unveiled in Brazil, this is the latest in a lengthening line of permanent tokens of his affection for his wife. According to this article the act tattoo was obtained without Victoria's knowledge...but the cat is probably out of the bag if it's being reported as far away as India...hope it doesn't ruin his Valentine's Day plans!

A "source" said:
"The rose is another tribute to Victoria. She'll be shocked but pleased when she finds out."

In a separate article, Posh lamented it's the first Valentine's Day they'll ever spend apart and that the holiday will be sad. She will still be in NY launching dVb jeans in upscale department stores when the holiday rolls 'round. Perhaps this was David's way of helping her remember absence makes the heart grow fonder...and the skin grow roses!

I was unable to locate photos of the new tat, but I'm sure they'll be appearing in the gallery soon. :)


The Role of Physio Will Be Played by David Beckham
As a fan anonymously pointed out in comments, People magazine has picked up a bit of goss involving David's recent appearance at Jermaine Dupri's pre-Grammy soiree. What makes this better than your run-of-the-mill barely-worth-noticing "observer" report is David's reaction. When approached by an enthusiastic fan at said party, David gave her a quick peck on the cheek. The fan promptly fainted, which didn't faze him at all. He must be rather accustomed to women collapsing at his feet. According to People he calmly said:

"Get her some water. She'll be ok."

I've pretty well recapped the entire piece in the preceding paragraph, but to read it from the horse's mouth click here.


Galaxy and Whitecaps May Share Home with Eskimos
While no details are confirmed, the Whitecaps and Galaxy are in negotiations for another exhibition match. The two teams met last in early November. They are apparently eying April or May to reunite, this time in Edmonton (borrowing the home of the Edmonton Eskimos). The venue is an outdoors stadium with capacity of nearly 60,000. Anything would be an improvement on the last one in Vancouver, which you may recall had turf so badly installed it looked like a beginner's patchwork quilt. And, it seemed, was about as effective a playing surface. More on the once-and-future friendly here.


Posted by Dina Ely, soccer editorial/commentary writer. Blog: Eleven Men