Sports Franchises
Before You Read
Are you interested in soccer?
What is your opinion about sports marketing?
What is your opinion about Manchester United?
If you’re into soccer, or football as the Europeans call it, then last week’s match between two giants in soccer, Manchester United and Barcelona, was a match well worth watching. I’m not really a soccer fan, but I took a passing interest. Two of the richest clubs in the world went head to head for the prize, the UEFA cup. But I’m interested in the business and marketing side, so for me this was also a big marketing game. The stakes are high; there is a lot of money on the table. One of these two big sides, Manchester United, is one of the world’s biggest sporting brands. Man U as they are referred to, have a huge following in North America, Africa, Asia, as well as of course with many in Europe. For example in 2010 when Man United toured the U.S., it was listed by Forbes as the most valuable sports franchise in the world at U.S. $1.87 billion. As an example of how valuable this team is, consider that Turkish Airlines puts on a new 777 kitted out in business class seats to fly the team to wherever they go. Apparently the airline thinks it’s worthwhile; they (the airline) revel in the publicity.
Guessing Meaning From Context
Now, match the letters of the phrasal verbs/words with the closest numbered meaning in the right column. The answers are at the bottom.
|
you’re into |
A |
1 |
Confrontation, direct attack or competition |
|
a passing interest |
B |
2 |
Available. This term comes from gambling. Available for winning or viewing. |
|
head to head |
C |
3 |
Famous, popular |
|
The stakes are high |
D |
4 |
Made available, supply something |
|
on the table |
E |
5 |
Something that is interesting to you. Perhaps a hobby, or an interest that you follow or a type of food that you like a lot |
|
a huge following |
F |
6 |
To give and provide everything that is needed to do something. |
|
puts on |
G |
7 |
There is a lot to win or lose |
|
kitted out |
H |
8 |
Very much enjoy being part of |
|
revel |
I |
9 |
Something that you notice or see, but you don’t think too much about |
A=5, B=9, C=1, D=7, E=2, F=3, G=4, H=6, I=8
Some Questions to help you use the new words/phrases
1. What is something that you are into?
2. What news item/s do you take a passing interest in?
3. Which two sporting teams would you like to see go head to head?
4. Can you remember doing a high stakes test like the suneung (the Korean university entrance test)?
5. Tell me about a time you had to put everything on the table (be open and honest about something)? For example with a boy or girlfriend.
6. Which entertainer in Korea currently has a huge following? Why?
7. Which restaurant franchise, for example VIPS, puts on the best buffet meal?
8. Which model of car do you think is best kitted out?
9. If you could be a famous entertainer, do you think you would revel in being famous?
Some example sentences using the new words/phrases
1. I was surprised to meet a Korean student that said he wasn’t into kimchi.
2. Everybody seemed very interested in the election, but I only took a passing interest.
3. I wonder if it is strange for Korean people that people hoping to be the next president of the USA go head to head in a live television debate.
4. I like to invest in big companies because I think the stakes are too high in the new small start up ones.
5. The Chinese put their deal on the table and told us the highest price that they were prepared to pay.
6. A lot of people I know followed the tsunami news event in Japan.
7. My favorite restaurant is Ashley, they really put on the most delicious food.
8. In the army it is important to be kitted out with the correct equipment and in business it is also important to be kitted out with knowledge.
9. It is common for soccer players to run around reveling in fans attention after scoring a goal.
ECK Education
