My Travels Through the Beautiful Game

Ever since I can remember, soccer has had a profound impact on my life. Some of my happiest memories involve the sport. From scoring my first goal to winning the Atlanta Cup, I refuse to think of a world in which soccer was not a part of my life.

Over the past few years, the sport has also changed my outlook on the world. It has taught me valuable lessons that I feel many of us currently lack in today’s ‘Trumptopian’ society.

In the summer of 2018, my family and I traveled back to our second home, Sandefjord, Norway. The tranquil south coast town has offered us an annual escape from the hectic life in America we have sadly become accustomed to. As is the case with most European towns, soccer is one of the king sports in Sandefjord, especially during the summer months.

As we so often do on our first day back, my friends, family and I made our way down to the local soccer pitch to take part in some pick-up matches. But this time, our experience was completely different. In many ways, it was life changing.

We noticed a new family hanging around the field, playing among themselves and asked them for a match. I could tell straight away the family was Middle Eastern, and most likely had immigrated to Norway. As it turned out, they were from Afghanistan and were new to the city. They were able to speak a little bit of broken Norwegian as they agreed to our offer for a family vs. family matchup of epic proportions. USA vs. Afghanistan, but this time there would be no bloodshed.

As we became comfortable with each other, the sport helped us bond. Soon, we began mixing players up and exchanging talk of our favorite clubs and idol players. Naturally, the Afghans were die-hard supporters of Real Madrid, the Spanish super club that had recently broken the hearts of my club, Liverpool FC, by defeating them in the 2018 Champions League Final. They never let me hear the end of it, but I enjoyed the banter nonetheless.

You see, when we were together on the pitch, it eliminated any language or cultural barriers we may have faced in public. For those few hours, we were one collective group of soccer nerds. Nobody batted an eye at the fact Americans were playing together with Afghans, there was no reason to even consider the fact our countries were involved in a brutal war on terrorism.

Soon after my trip to Norway, Atlanta United lifted the MLS Cup and -no pun intended- united our city. Ironically, it was our team’s Latin American flair and backbone that proved pivotal to our success. Now think about that for a second or two. A soccer club, coached by and heavily influenced by Latin Americans, united a Southeastern United States city. Now tell me again, why has our nation has spent the last few years arguing that Latin American immigrants have been our “downfall”? Just look to the sport of soccer. If our two cultures can thrive together on the pitch, why can’t we thrive together off it?

Maybe you believe I am wrong to use a global sport as evidence to how our world’s many cultures can come together at any time and accomplish great things, but if that is so, I urge you to put aside any prejudices or fears you may have and take a step outside your comfort zone. Let the sport show you, as it has shown me, how our world’s plethora of cultures can always unite for a good time.

Reuben’s Deli: a taste of NYC

Tucked away on Atlanta’s Broad Street lies Reuben’s Deli. If you are looking for a satisfying and seductive punch for your taste buds, then this is the place for you.

With one simple taste, you will feel as though you have been transported to the Big Apple and back faster than you can simply utter, “Wow”.

Consistently ranked among the United States’ top delis, Reuben‘s is always worth the price of admission.

Atlanta’s sons of pitches

Atlanta is a hotbed for all things soccer. From passionate fans to talented players, the sport means so much to so many here.

I met with Sons of Pitches FC, an organization that is rapidly growing in popularity.

Specializing in pickup leagues, the group seeks to unite the many cultures within Atlanta through the beautiful game.

It is obvious that the Sons of Pitches are one of the city’s upcoming hotbeds for Atlanta’s soccer community.

For more info on the group, check out their website here.

How soccer has grown in America

In the United States, three sports have historically dominated the interests of fans, football, baseball, and basketball. But in this new age, soccer has emerged as one of the nation’s most passionate to support.

Here are a few ways in which the sport took over the American eye.

1. Ea Sport’s FIFA

If there was ever a video game to change a sport, look no further than Ea Sport’s global hit FIFA. Over time, the video game developed a cult-like following of die-hard fans.

In the United States, it was estimated back in 2014 that at least 34% of new soccer fans became passionate about the sport through playing the video game.

2. Youth Involvement

The United States hosted the World Cup in 1994 and soon after established their own league, the MLS.

This became the stepping stone for youth involvement in the sport, which has driven the popularity even further.

Players like Christian Pulisic, the 19-year-old sensation playing in Germany, were once a part of the ever-growing youth system in the United States.

It is now estimated that around 3 million youth are involved in youth soccer leagues around the country.

3. TV Exposure

Companies like ESPN, Fox, and NBCSN have begun to show regular soccer content. Not too long ago, fans could only see one English Premier League match per week on ESPN, but today, NBCSN shows every match.

This has helped soccer challenge MLB to become America’s third most popular sport for spectators.

4. Comparisons to American Teams/Underdogs

When choosing a favorite club to support abroad, broadcasters like NBCSN have given fans numerous comparisons to their already favorite teams.

5. Supporter Groups- LFC Atlanta

Upon their founding in 2008, LFC Atlanta quickly became one of the United States’ largest supporter groups.

They meet every week and watch every match the club plays, many members have even had the luck to attend matches in England.

Soccer is on the rise in the United States, and through the increased participation and support, the sport will continue to build its legacy and fans will continue to enjoy the drama that is ever present.    

 

Atlanta’s love for LFC red

For Zach Cox, waking up on a Wednesday morning typically means nothing more than another school and work day. But April 4th means only one thing to Cox and the loyal Liverpool fans around the world, the return of the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s most elite soccer club tournament. “Today is a Meehan’s day,” says Cox.

By “Meehan’s”, Cox is referring to LFC Atlanta. As the oldest supporter group of its kind in the Southeastern United States, LFC Atlanta meets for EVERY Liverpool Football Club match. Rain or shine, warm or cold, the fans always show up to watch the matches together inside Meehan’s Public House. “We’re always here in our usual corner of the pub,” says one of the regulars. “Today is a big day, so it will be busy.”

In the United States, the sport of soccer is in the process of a revolution. More and more have turned to soccer fandom for a variety of reasons. Apart from those who have immigrated to the United States from the United Kingdom (there are a few within LFC Atlanta), expanded TV coverage, increased youth participation, and even the video game FIFA (yes, you read that right) ensure that more and more fans are drawn to the sport every day.

The return of the Champions League, let alone the fact Liverpool is facing Manchester City, a fellow English rival in the quarter-finals, makes the occasion that much more important for the fans. Liverpool Football Club has a history with European romance and success so the atmosphere surrounding the match can be felt in all corners of the globe.

For Cox, one of the almost 200 fans to arrive at Meehan’s, there was only one club to support. “Growing up, I was never much of a soccer fan. But when I was introduced to the sport by some friends, I fell in love. It just so happened Liverpool was the first English team I watched on TV and listening to the atmosphere their fans produced at the stadium was enough to turn me into a fan.”

Wearing his Atlanta United kit and Liverpool supporters scarf, Cox’s excitement for the match is obvious. “I do try and support Atlanta United since it is local, but Liverpool will always have the edge in my heart. Some of the matches I have watched here at the pub have produced atmospheres I cannot really describe in words. Plus, the English league is far more exciting than our MLS.”

Cox sums up the mindset of so many fans in the United States. While many do have a local MLS team to support, the overall quality of the league pushes many to support clubs across the Atlantic, such as Liverpool. Additionally, Liverpool Football Club is owned by Americans. When John Henry and Fenway Sports Group, who also own the Boston Red Sox, took over in 2010, one of their first goals was to expand the club’s support worldwide, especially focusing on the United States.

As kickoff approaches, the bar, which has already been put to its limits by the pint-craving fans, breaks out into song. Everyone inside the pub knows the words to Liverpool’s seemingly endless number of supporter songs and they are not afraid to belt them out. “We are not afraid to sing our hearts out. Many of us have been to Anfield, so we try our best to produce an atmosphere all can enjoy.”

The Regular’s Corner

Within 15 minutes, Liverpool takes the lead. Meehan’s erupts. Everyone finds somebody to hug as an unfortunate few at the bar lose some of their pints during the frenzy. They don’t seem to mind, though, the match is going perfectly.

“This is what it is all about,” Cox jokes, “I don’t even know that guy I just hugged, but we both love Liverpool to death so why not?” For somebody who has traveled to Liverpool and taken in matches at the club’s historic stadium Anfield, it is easy to say that this pub can produce an atmosphere unique to Liverpool Football Club, an atmosphere that demands no words to describe just how much the city loves the club.

Liverpool’s 3-0 victory was historic and it was obvious that everyone inside Meehan’s was both overjoyed, yet upset the match had to come to a close. The passion inside that pub even converted the waiters and bartenders into Liverpool fans for those 90 minutes.

For LFC Atlanta, the season is still far from over and they will be back within days to watch their beloved club take on their next opponent.

Power of hope: a volunteer and her cat

With a roof over his head and a loving, warm family to call his own, Odin is a fortunate cat. The tabby is not afraid to show off his newfound beauty, but the scars behind his ears provide a constant reminder of the life he left behind.

“He (Odin) is a lot bigger and healthier today,” says Odin’s owner, Kari Fjeldheim, “When we took him in he was not in a good condition.” Fjeldheim has been working as a volunteer at the Cherokee County Humane Society since 2007, where she would eventually meet Odin. “I do it for the animals. The love I have for each and every one of them keeps me going.” 

During his life, Odin was plagued with a stray cat’s life. He is one of many animals who deal or have dealt with this issue. While it is challenging to determine the true number of animals the deal with homelessness and neglect, organizations such as DoSomething estimate that the numbers are close to 70 million for cats alone.

The life for the animals is rough. In addition to the lack of proper food and water, many animals, like Odin, struggle through many brutal street fights. The majority never find a home, with millions killed annually to fight the so-called overpopulation issue. But humane societies around Metro Atlanta are determined to end this, and their efforts save the lives of so many.

In 2017, the Cherokee County Humane Society, where Odin was united with his forever family, helped save the lives of over 1,800 animals. As part of the ever-growing partnership with the Atlanta Humane Society, the number of animals saved in the Metro area is closer to 10,000. “Our location treats thousands of animals each year,” says Fjeldheim, “It is an incredibly rewarding experience to help misplaced and struggling animals of all kind.”

Animals like Odin get a second chance at life. While he can only meow, Fjeldheim knows Odin would be lost for words if asked to describe his current feelings. “He would be so grateful and loving, it is clear how much a home and family means to him, he shows it every day.”

Fjeldheim and Odin’s paths crossed in 2014 when the cat was rescued from the streets and placed in the care of the Cherokee County Humane Society. “I had a special connection with him the second he came through our doors,” Fjeldheim describes, “After two months, he had not been adopted and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do it myself.” Ever since that day, the two have become inseparable.

“All he wants to do is be close to you, whether that is a nap or whatever,” Fjeldheim jokes as Odin begins to show his impatience. It is nap time. Within minutes, Odin gets his wish and curls up in Fjeldheim’s arms, something she says is more or less a daily occurrence. “Whether or not I’m on the couch, in bed, or in a chair, he will find a way to rest with me.”

“He lives like a king, and he is not afraid to show it,” Fjeldheim says. For Odin, another one of his favorite in-home activities is hanging out in what Fjeldheim calls his “penthouse”. Two cages sit on top of each other and Odin loves to jump into the top one to watch over his kingdom.

It is obvious that Odin enjoys his life now and looks for fun and loving whenever and wherever he can.

“Without our efforts, cats like Odin would not be with us today,” Fjeldheim emphasizes, “He brings so much joy into our lives and it pains me to think about the destiny he was so close to fulfilling lost and alone on the streets.”

Fjeldheim goes further and describes her belief that many may not see the importance in humane societies. “I think many take humane societies for granted. Try to picture what it would be like if our pets we love so dearly were never involved in our lives.”                       

 

The challenges facing Atlanta youth

In Atlanta, the youth of next generations face numerous issues, from educational inequality to widespread poverty.

Here are five facts to help understand the situation they find themselves in, including organizations seeking to help.

1. Education:  Georgia is ranked 37th in the United States for overall educational quality. In Atlanta funding for schools has become unbalanced. As the AJC writes, “high-poverty districts get on average $1200 less per student.”

      2. Poverty: Another issue facing Atlanta’s youth, especially those of color, is poverty. “Eighty percent of Atlanta’s African American population lives in communities with high concentrations of poverty, compared with 6 percent of their white peers and 29 percent of Asians.”

       3. Homelessness: More than 3,000 kids are considered homeless in the Atlanta area. They live on the streets or in shelters without proper access to food, water, and clothing.

        4. Crime: Another issue threatening Atlanta’s youth is crime. Atlanta is ranked among the country’s worst for violent crimes, averaging well over 1000 acts per 100,000 people.

         5. Soccer in the Streets: For years now, Soccer in the Streets, an Atlanta based organization, has used soccer as a tool to nurture and develop kids. Many of these kids struggle with challenges, including drug addictions.

Through their programs, the organization has changed the lives of countless individuals through sport and motivational speaking.

Organizations like Soccer in the Streets share the same dream of an Atlanta without struggle, an Atlanta that rejects no one and motivates all to succeed.