FootCoop 2012 seminar took place on Friday at Radisson Blu, Oulu, Finland. The event brought together many people around the world from both fields of sports and businesses. JS Hercules web-editorial team changed a few words with some ot the guests too.

The first panel discussion gave interesting insights to how different businesses can co-operate even across the borders, like in case of Haparanda-Tornio Bandy team. The next panel discussion gave delightful infomation how we can use sports to improve business and business to improve sports, as in cases of Oulun Kärpät and Valkee Ltd. The third topic of the day was "from a leader on the pitch into a leader in working life" presented by ex-football players Brian Deane and Aki Riihilahti with ex-NHL player Jarmo Kekäläinen, all with a vast experience on the topic. The last panel discussion of the day was about culture and adaptation in teams and work places was presented by professional football managers Martti Kuusela and Tom Saintfiet. They both have seen and managed teams around the world. They were joined by Norwegian football team Vålerenga IF's performance coach, Cecilie Ystenes.

On the side of the panel discussion, a several interesting work shops, like Kuru Digital's innovative coaching tools for sports teams, Prozone Sports' post-match analysis benefits and MobileSpot's mobile marketing tools in sports were held while people were networking and discussing the topics of the day.

What comes to the guests, the scorer of the first ever English Premier League goal, Brian Deane, was very happy to be in FootCoop seminar. He shared good stories and experiences of his career as a professional football player. JS Hercules editorial staff will stay tuned for his autobiography; he needs to write one soon! 🙂

At the seminar, comments from AC Oulu head coach, Juha Malinen, and Alta IF's head of development, Klaus Pettersen, suggested that evening's Friedship City Football Tournament opening game was going to be well-matched. Although both were a bit uncertain about differences between Finnish 1st division and Norwegian 1st division, they expected their own team to take a tight win.

As expected, over hundred spectator witnessed an even game, which eventually ended 0-1 to the visitors Alta IF. The only goal of the game was scored just before the referee blew the final whistle. Alta IF's Trond Fredrik Ludvigsen was selected as the man of the match by the jury members Martti Kuusela, Tom Saintfiet and Marko Saranlinna.

The second day of Friendship City Football Tournament will begin with derby OTP against OPS A at 12 o'clock. Next match kick-offs at 14:00 with the day's big match, AC Oulu – RoPS. Last game of Saturday is the first ever international match for the hosts JS Hercules, when they are facing Bodens BK, which plays in 2.division Norrland, Sweden.

Welcome everybody!