i spend most of my winter Saturday mornings at the Highbury Pub on the south side of Milwaukee watching English Premier League games with a spirited group of soccer fans. My club in England is Fulham. i selected the Cottagers when Carlos Bocanegra joined them five years ago. Adding Americans Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, Kasey Keller and Eddie Johnson has strengthened my support for the relegation endangered club.
When they're not playing Fulham, i also support Arsenal, as the Gunners are the "home club" of the Highbury Pub and the Arsenal supporters at both the Highbury and The Globe in Chicago are really good guys.
Well, yesterday had ugly moments in both the Fulham and Arsenal matches. Don't look here if you are squeamish. In the early game, the Gunners' Eduardo Da Silva has his ankle broken badly by a red card offense from Birmgham City's Martin Taylor. Insult was added to that injury as a 10 man City squad sandwiched two James McFadden goals around Theo Walcott's first two Premier League goals for an unfortunate draw.
Fulham, which has made a habit of gifting points by providing opponents with late goals this season, did it again. This time, they were a few minutes away from a just scoreless draw with West Ham when Fulham keeper Antti Niemi was unable to hold onto the ball when a studs up tackle by the Hammer's Nobby Solano went through the ball and into Niemi's face. The ball trickled into the goal, Leon Andreasen was red carded for rightly protesting the non-call and the Cottagers made another step toward the 2008-09 League Championship. The low light can viewed at the end of this five minute video.
On the FulhAmerican front, McBride made his first start since returning from his latest injury and Eddie Johnson squandered a golden chance after he came in as a 76th minute substitute for Dempsey.
It was an ugly beginning and an ugly end to what was otherwise a great morning of soccer.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
Advisory Board Notes
Following are notes from our first Advisory Board Meeting earlier this week:
Women’s Professional Soccer-Chicago
Advisory Board Meeting
2/19/2008
In attendance: Anton Maksimov, Peter Glon, Bobby McAuliff, Charlie Dyson, Flo Dyson, Mark Boyle, Ben Burton, Tom Stutesman, Bob Armendariz, Wells Frice, Rob Lepley, Josh Niemi, Lisa Buczkowski, Dan Garnett, Jim Willett, Gary Weaver, Jack Cummins, Peter Wilt, Marcia McDermott.
League Update -- Peter Wilt
• Importance of strong relationship with Toyota Park and Chicago Fire
• Status of all 7 teams
• Possible expansion markets
• Strength of business model
• Expenses based on realistic attendance numbers
• Synergies with youth soccer and grassroots
• Soccer specific stadiums
• MLS relationship
• Soccer United Marketing for sponsorships
• League approach at grassroots, direct approach, social networking, etc
Player Update -- Gary Weaver
• U.S. players updated on status
• Expanded base of domestic players available
• International players
Sponsorship update -- Bobby McAuliff—ticket sales foundation to sponsorship sales; looking for foundational partner as anchor for multiple sponsorship sales
Team Update -- Marcia McDermott
• Actively seeking front office staff to begin between April and July of this year—jobs are posted on website
• Seeking locations and dates for town halls and other promotional events
• Will be launching a Name the Team competition in March
Topic #1: What is our brand?
Ideas discussed:
Should represent the area of Chicago and appeal to the whole family (male and female)—this was echoed by many in attendance, that it should appeal to the whole family, not just the girls
Appeal to youth coaches
Wholesome, highest level, integrity
Fun
Role models, aspirational element for youth soccer—there is somewhere to go
Section 8 also has a more expansive membership and interest—there will be crossover between the Fire and WPS games, but must appeal to them—first and foremost—soccer fans, the atmosphere that goes with soccer—drums and flags. There is crossover appeal for Section 8—appeal to the 20 something women. Love of soccer brings Section 8 together
The key to success is playing soccer with passion. Product on the field needs to be passionate and then can reach out to a wider fan base.
Name and colors will be important for brand-Should represent community and be unique to this team versus any other in the league. The team should be immediately identifiable by colors and uniform. No animated/cartoon like logo. The colors of the Chicago flag were mentioned, and red as a color identified with Chicago sports.
Not many specific names were identified or discussed.
Promotion was discussed:
Importance of promotion of team via internet to reach the 20+ age group and older youth. It’s an inexpensive way to reach a lot of people.
Need to start to build databases now—need “good names” as we build the base. Events are great place to collect them.
Meet up as a site online that women/young adults use to gather for soccer events i.e. windy city wanderers
Topic #2: Community Relations
Ideas for town hall locations:
Mention of major tournaments and facilities for indoor/outdoor tournament, but some thought that it would be best for town halls to be stand-alone events not tagged on to other events. Use it to sell your own product—bring in people specifically interested in what we are doing.
Volunteers—Consensus that we need to directly state on our website that we are looking for volunteers. We need to make volunteers feel a part of the team.
Post it everywhere, just like we are with our interns.
Topic#3: Stadium Experience:
A comparison was made to minor league baseball, but entertainment is different. The focus for soccer fans is on the game.
Important to have all the events like face painting, circus feel, prior to game—bring people to the stadium early
A dissenting opinion was expressed about in-game entertainment. A comparison was made to the Bulls game. The music, applause etc appeals to the one person in each group who feels he or she was made to come to the event. Need something for them to make the game fun.
Caution about credibility for the women’s pro league—don’t be hokey, let the quality of the game stand on its own. Keep the game pure.
Get community involved on the field—playing at half-time, ball girls, boys, walk out with players, etc.
Supporters Section—where is the logical place. The key, place them in the spot where they can impact what happens on field—players see them, inspire players, and make other fans get involved.
Discussed briefly groups on stage end.
Game days & times—agreed sat night ideal, but realistically with number of stadium tenants have to look at other options. Will be very few double headers with Fire.
After 3rd week in June youth games break—Sunday afternoon becomes a better time slot then with no competition with games.
Will youth work schedule around us—not practical idea even if we tell them schedule far enough in advance. Groups do not plan that far out.
Discussed Friday nights at 8 pm versus Sunday at 7 pm and relative merits of each.
Topic #4: Revenue streams
Ticket prices: 25% less expensive than Fire games.
10 games --12 with exhibitions—in a season. The least expensive season ticket $99-most expensive in club with all amenities around $400.
Parking at $15 is OK.
Mid-range seats with group $20, single $25.
Prices seemed to be in the correct range to the group.
Women’s Professional Soccer-Chicago
Advisory Board Meeting
2/19/2008
In attendance: Anton Maksimov, Peter Glon, Bobby McAuliff, Charlie Dyson, Flo Dyson, Mark Boyle, Ben Burton, Tom Stutesman, Bob Armendariz, Wells Frice, Rob Lepley, Josh Niemi, Lisa Buczkowski, Dan Garnett, Jim Willett, Gary Weaver, Jack Cummins, Peter Wilt, Marcia McDermott.
League Update -- Peter Wilt
• Importance of strong relationship with Toyota Park and Chicago Fire
• Status of all 7 teams
• Possible expansion markets
• Strength of business model
• Expenses based on realistic attendance numbers
• Synergies with youth soccer and grassroots
• Soccer specific stadiums
• MLS relationship
• Soccer United Marketing for sponsorships
• League approach at grassroots, direct approach, social networking, etc
Player Update -- Gary Weaver
• U.S. players updated on status
• Expanded base of domestic players available
• International players
Sponsorship update -- Bobby McAuliff—ticket sales foundation to sponsorship sales; looking for foundational partner as anchor for multiple sponsorship sales
Team Update -- Marcia McDermott
• Actively seeking front office staff to begin between April and July of this year—jobs are posted on website
• Seeking locations and dates for town halls and other promotional events
• Will be launching a Name the Team competition in March
Topic #1: What is our brand?
Ideas discussed:
Should represent the area of Chicago and appeal to the whole family (male and female)—this was echoed by many in attendance, that it should appeal to the whole family, not just the girls
Appeal to youth coaches
Wholesome, highest level, integrity
Fun
Role models, aspirational element for youth soccer—there is somewhere to go
Section 8 also has a more expansive membership and interest—there will be crossover between the Fire and WPS games, but must appeal to them—first and foremost—soccer fans, the atmosphere that goes with soccer—drums and flags. There is crossover appeal for Section 8—appeal to the 20 something women. Love of soccer brings Section 8 together
The key to success is playing soccer with passion. Product on the field needs to be passionate and then can reach out to a wider fan base.
Name and colors will be important for brand-Should represent community and be unique to this team versus any other in the league. The team should be immediately identifiable by colors and uniform. No animated/cartoon like logo. The colors of the Chicago flag were mentioned, and red as a color identified with Chicago sports.
Not many specific names were identified or discussed.
Promotion was discussed:
Importance of promotion of team via internet to reach the 20+ age group and older youth. It’s an inexpensive way to reach a lot of people.
Need to start to build databases now—need “good names” as we build the base. Events are great place to collect them.
Meet up as a site online that women/young adults use to gather for soccer events i.e. windy city wanderers
Topic #2: Community Relations
Ideas for town hall locations:
Mention of major tournaments and facilities for indoor/outdoor tournament, but some thought that it would be best for town halls to be stand-alone events not tagged on to other events. Use it to sell your own product—bring in people specifically interested in what we are doing.
Volunteers—Consensus that we need to directly state on our website that we are looking for volunteers. We need to make volunteers feel a part of the team.
Post it everywhere, just like we are with our interns.
Topic#3: Stadium Experience:
A comparison was made to minor league baseball, but entertainment is different. The focus for soccer fans is on the game.
Important to have all the events like face painting, circus feel, prior to game—bring people to the stadium early
A dissenting opinion was expressed about in-game entertainment. A comparison was made to the Bulls game. The music, applause etc appeals to the one person in each group who feels he or she was made to come to the event. Need something for them to make the game fun.
Caution about credibility for the women’s pro league—don’t be hokey, let the quality of the game stand on its own. Keep the game pure.
Get community involved on the field—playing at half-time, ball girls, boys, walk out with players, etc.
Supporters Section—where is the logical place. The key, place them in the spot where they can impact what happens on field—players see them, inspire players, and make other fans get involved.
Discussed briefly groups on stage end.
Game days & times—agreed sat night ideal, but realistically with number of stadium tenants have to look at other options. Will be very few double headers with Fire.
After 3rd week in June youth games break—Sunday afternoon becomes a better time slot then with no competition with games.
Will youth work schedule around us—not practical idea even if we tell them schedule far enough in advance. Groups do not plan that far out.
Discussed Friday nights at 8 pm versus Sunday at 7 pm and relative merits of each.
Topic #4: Revenue streams
Ticket prices: 25% less expensive than Fire games.
10 games --12 with exhibitions—in a season. The least expensive season ticket $99-most expensive in club with all amenities around $400.
Parking at $15 is OK.
Mid-range seats with group $20, single $25.
Prices seemed to be in the correct range to the group.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Would i, would i?
"Hairlip! Hairlip!" ok, that's the punch line to an old, bad joke....the real question is, if i were in Frank Klopas' shoes right now and were offered a three for one trade proposed by fellow blogger Ives Galarcep for Wilman Conde, would i take it?
Ives asked yesterday if Chicago should accept an offer of Dane Richards, Dema Kovalenko, Jeff Parke, a first round draft pick and cash for Conde.
I probably wouldn't make this trade, because there's a hidden cost in any three for one trade. Unless you're receiving Generation Adidas players in return, you're forced to waive (or trade for 4th round draft picks) two players.
So in this case, we'd be talking about essentially trading Conde and two reserve players (maybe Osei Telesford and John Thorrington) for Richards, Kovalenko, Parke, a first round draft pick and some money that partially offset the $300k the Fire already spent on Conde's transfer.
It's still unknown what Telesford - and to a large extent Thorrington - can deliver for the Fire.
There's going to come a point in this season - probably sooner than later - when the Red Bulls are on a losing streak, are giving up goals aplenty and Dema is complaining to JCO.
That's when the leverage will be shifted to Chicago's side and that's when i would make a deal - if at all.
Ives asked yesterday if Chicago should accept an offer of Dane Richards, Dema Kovalenko, Jeff Parke, a first round draft pick and cash for Conde.
I probably wouldn't make this trade, because there's a hidden cost in any three for one trade. Unless you're receiving Generation Adidas players in return, you're forced to waive (or trade for 4th round draft picks) two players.
So in this case, we'd be talking about essentially trading Conde and two reserve players (maybe Osei Telesford and John Thorrington) for Richards, Kovalenko, Parke, a first round draft pick and some money that partially offset the $300k the Fire already spent on Conde's transfer.
It's still unknown what Telesford - and to a large extent Thorrington - can deliver for the Fire.
There's going to come a point in this season - probably sooner than later - when the Red Bulls are on a losing streak, are giving up goals aplenty and Dema is complaining to JCO.
That's when the leverage will be shifted to Chicago's side and that's when i would make a deal - if at all.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Advisory Board Report
Last night was our first Chicago WPS Advisory Board meeting. Toyota Park's Stadium Club was the site of this historic gathering of local soccer and business leaders. The mission of this group is two-fold: to educate and be educated.
Marcia and i spent the first half hour bringing the group up to date on the team and League's progress then spent the next 90 minutes asking questions and soliciting opinions and ideas of representatives of the team's many constituencies.
The Advisory Board includes:
Bob Armendariz - FireWorks For Kids Foundation
Mary Jane Bender - Illinois Youth Soccer Association
Mark Boyle - Chicago Gaels, W-League
Lisa Buczkowski – Youth Soccer Leader
Ben Burton - Chairman Section 8 Chicago
Jack Cummins – CPWS Shareholder
Flo Dyson - Illinois Women’s Soccer League
Wells Frice - AYSO Section 6
Dan Garnett - Toyota Park
Peter Glon – Sirens Soccer Club
John Guppy - Chicago Fire
Ed Hawkins – ZenFooty SoccerAcademy
Mark Kaufman - AthletiCo
Kathryn Knapp - ChicagolandSoccerNews.com
Paul Lackner - MYSC Lady Blues, WPSL
Rob Lepley – Trinity International Women’s Soccer Volunteer Coach
Anton Maksimov - FC Indiana, W-League
Bob McAuliff - The Venture Group
Judith McLean - Illinois State Soccer Association
Bob Morrison – CPWS Shareholder
Susan Morrison – CPWS Shareholder
Debra Augle - Village of Bridgeview
Tom Stutesman - Julie Foudy Leadership Camps
Dale Weaver – CPWS Shareholder
Gary Weaver – CPWS Shareholder
Arnim Whisler – CPWS Shareholder
Jim Willett – CPWS Shareholder
Kathi Willett – CPWS Shareholder
Peter Wilt – CPWS Shareholder
It's a good diverse group and represents many of the communities and groups that we will need to work with in order to be successful. We expect the group to grow over time. We will meet as a group four times per year, but individually we expect to communicate regularly via telephone, email and in person. This group will serve as our ear into the community,will provide us feedback ideas, contacts and resources.
Here's the agenda,which will give you an idea about the topics that were covered. i'll post some of the ideas that came up in the meeting later this week:
I. Introductions
II. League Update
a. Status of 7 teams, possibility for expansion
b. League efforts at promotion—town halls, media, website
c. Players
III. Team Update
a. Timeline for Hiring Front Office Staff
b. Upcoming Events and Promotions
c. Sponsorship Update
IV. Discussion Topics
a. Brand/Audience
i. Audiences
1. Traditional
2. Non-Traditional
ii. Name of Team Parameters
iii. Publicity/Media
iv. Promotion Via Internet
v. Advertising
vi. Kids Club/Club Teen
b. Community Relations
i. Town Halls
ii. Outreach Via Internet
iii. Volunteers
c. Stadium Experience
i. Entertainment at games
ii. Time and Day of Games
iii. Supporters Section – Location and Development
iv. Use of Stage End
v. Broadcast – Radio, TV and Internet
d. Revenue Streams
i. Ticket Prices
ii. Group Tickets
iii. Season Tickets
iv. Charitable Tickets
v. Sponsor sales
vi. Camps
V. Q and A
The discussion was healthy. A lot of good ideas back and forth. i think if we respect the group, keep them informed and truly listen to them and not just give lip service to them, it will be an effective way to keep in touch with our various key audiences.
We're off to a good start.
Marcia and i spent the first half hour bringing the group up to date on the team and League's progress then spent the next 90 minutes asking questions and soliciting opinions and ideas of representatives of the team's many constituencies.
The Advisory Board includes:
Bob Armendariz - FireWorks For Kids Foundation
Mary Jane Bender - Illinois Youth Soccer Association
Mark Boyle - Chicago Gaels, W-League
Lisa Buczkowski – Youth Soccer Leader
Ben Burton - Chairman Section 8 Chicago
Jack Cummins – CPWS Shareholder
Flo Dyson - Illinois Women’s Soccer League
Wells Frice - AYSO Section 6
Dan Garnett - Toyota Park
Peter Glon – Sirens Soccer Club
John Guppy - Chicago Fire
Ed Hawkins – ZenFooty SoccerAcademy
Mark Kaufman - AthletiCo
Kathryn Knapp - ChicagolandSoccerNews.com
Paul Lackner - MYSC Lady Blues, WPSL
Rob Lepley – Trinity International Women’s Soccer Volunteer Coach
Anton Maksimov - FC Indiana, W-League
Bob McAuliff - The Venture Group
Judith McLean - Illinois State Soccer Association
Bob Morrison – CPWS Shareholder
Susan Morrison – CPWS Shareholder
Debra Augle - Village of Bridgeview
Tom Stutesman - Julie Foudy Leadership Camps
Dale Weaver – CPWS Shareholder
Gary Weaver – CPWS Shareholder
Arnim Whisler – CPWS Shareholder
Jim Willett – CPWS Shareholder
Kathi Willett – CPWS Shareholder
Peter Wilt – CPWS Shareholder
It's a good diverse group and represents many of the communities and groups that we will need to work with in order to be successful. We expect the group to grow over time. We will meet as a group four times per year, but individually we expect to communicate regularly via telephone, email and in person. This group will serve as our ear into the community,will provide us feedback ideas, contacts and resources.
Here's the agenda,which will give you an idea about the topics that were covered. i'll post some of the ideas that came up in the meeting later this week:
I. Introductions
II. League Update
a. Status of 7 teams, possibility for expansion
b. League efforts at promotion—town halls, media, website
c. Players
III. Team Update
a. Timeline for Hiring Front Office Staff
b. Upcoming Events and Promotions
c. Sponsorship Update
IV. Discussion Topics
a. Brand/Audience
i. Audiences
1. Traditional
2. Non-Traditional
ii. Name of Team Parameters
iii. Publicity/Media
iv. Promotion Via Internet
v. Advertising
vi. Kids Club/Club Teen
b. Community Relations
i. Town Halls
ii. Outreach Via Internet
iii. Volunteers
c. Stadium Experience
i. Entertainment at games
ii. Time and Day of Games
iii. Supporters Section – Location and Development
iv. Use of Stage End
v. Broadcast – Radio, TV and Internet
d. Revenue Streams
i. Ticket Prices
ii. Group Tickets
iii. Season Tickets
iv. Charitable Tickets
v. Sponsor sales
vi. Camps
V. Q and A
The discussion was healthy. A lot of good ideas back and forth. i think if we respect the group, keep them informed and truly listen to them and not just give lip service to them, it will be an effective way to keep in touch with our various key audiences.
We're off to a good start.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Transparency...well maybe translucency
For those who have been fans, staff or followers of teams i've run in the past, you already know that i believe strongly in the importantance of transparency in an organization. It builds confidence, faith, understanding and interest.
i responded to an email from Chicago Investor/Director Gary Weaver recently with a quick update from my BlackBerry. i thought it would be of interest to share the update with readers of this blog to give you a glimpse into what's going on behind the scenes at Chicago Professional Women's Soccer. Then i went to edit out items that may be proprietary or need to be kept confidential for the time being. After the edits, it looked like a redacted Top Secret Government file.
Well, here it is anyway. i hope reading between the edits will still give you a sense of the level of activity occurring behind the scenes right now, still more than a year out from opening day:
"Gary,
Things are really picking up. Met with ***** on Tuesday regarding Operations Director position. Good meeting and we put the ***** options on the table.
Two good interviews with coaching candidate *****, we believe ***** is the best choice. We expect to draft terms for *****'s contract offer soon.
Five big promos/events on the short term horizon:
1) Advisory Board Meeting Tuesday (20 or so attendees expected out of 30 or so on the Board)
2) Name the Team Promotion Launch (March 1st)
3) Kids Club Promotion Launch (March 1st)
4) IWSL seeding meetings (six of them) with 900+ coaches March 1st.(where we plan to kickoff our Kids Club and Name the Team Promotions)
5) IYSA Expo March 8th.
Additionally, we have the Managers Meeting Tuesday, ***** discussions and ***** is coming to Chicago *****.
On the sponsor front, we hope to have ***** as an in kind promotional partner by the end of next week. This is important as it should lead to several good cash sponsors and plenty of free promotion. We have four potential vendor sponsors as part of the ***** deal: ***** batteries, ***** bandages and two new products - ***** (a portable *****) and ***** (a unique self warming *****). Making progress on medical partners. *****, which has committed verbally to provide all our non-doctor medical staff, is helping with our team doctor/hospital search. We hope to bring in ***** through a hospital sponsorship.
Also making progress on staff candidates, camps, printing needs, partnership contracts and Dave called back, so we should have updated financials for Tuesday. We have appearances planned at three June soccer events already and are lining up interns for IYSA expo and summer events.
I continue to help the League on marketing, PR and expansion committees as well. We're getting some traction on expansion candidates in *****, ***** and *****. i am also posting more on my blog to try to build an audience, which will hopefully serve as a good way to keep our constituencies informed on our progress.
I think that's all for now :)
peter"
i responded to an email from Chicago Investor/Director Gary Weaver recently with a quick update from my BlackBerry. i thought it would be of interest to share the update with readers of this blog to give you a glimpse into what's going on behind the scenes at Chicago Professional Women's Soccer. Then i went to edit out items that may be proprietary or need to be kept confidential for the time being. After the edits, it looked like a redacted Top Secret Government file.
Well, here it is anyway. i hope reading between the edits will still give you a sense of the level of activity occurring behind the scenes right now, still more than a year out from opening day:
"Gary,
Things are really picking up. Met with ***** on Tuesday regarding Operations Director position. Good meeting and we put the ***** options on the table.
Two good interviews with coaching candidate *****, we believe ***** is the best choice. We expect to draft terms for *****'s contract offer soon.
Five big promos/events on the short term horizon:
1) Advisory Board Meeting Tuesday (20 or so attendees expected out of 30 or so on the Board)
2) Name the Team Promotion Launch (March 1st)
3) Kids Club Promotion Launch (March 1st)
4) IWSL seeding meetings (six of them) with 900+ coaches March 1st.(where we plan to kickoff our Kids Club and Name the Team Promotions)
5) IYSA Expo March 8th.
Additionally, we have the Managers Meeting Tuesday, ***** discussions and ***** is coming to Chicago *****.
On the sponsor front, we hope to have ***** as an in kind promotional partner by the end of next week. This is important as it should lead to several good cash sponsors and plenty of free promotion. We have four potential vendor sponsors as part of the ***** deal: ***** batteries, ***** bandages and two new products - ***** (a portable *****) and ***** (a unique self warming *****). Making progress on medical partners. *****, which has committed verbally to provide all our non-doctor medical staff, is helping with our team doctor/hospital search. We hope to bring in ***** through a hospital sponsorship.
Also making progress on staff candidates, camps, printing needs, partnership contracts and Dave called back, so we should have updated financials for Tuesday. We have appearances planned at three June soccer events already and are lining up interns for IYSA expo and summer events.
I continue to help the League on marketing, PR and expansion committees as well. We're getting some traction on expansion candidates in *****, ***** and *****. i am also posting more on my blog to try to build an audience, which will hopefully serve as a good way to keep our constituencies informed on our progress.
I think that's all for now :)
peter"
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Keep Your Hands Off!
The Wilman Conde affair of course is another example of a spoiled player pouting until he gets his way. It is embarrassing and like a child having a temper tantrum should be ignored until he stops blubbering.
What bothers me worse is the apparent flagrant breaking of League tampering rules by the New York Red Bulls for the second time (at least) this off season. It's particularly bothersome, because both occurences have impacted the Chicago Fire.
Like Clemens/McNamee, these allegations are difficult to prove, but when the imperical evidence is laid out and the guilty parties are nervously licking their lips, it's pretty simple to see what's going on - and it ain't right.
What bothers me worse is the apparent flagrant breaking of League tampering rules by the New York Red Bulls for the second time (at least) this off season. It's particularly bothersome, because both occurences have impacted the Chicago Fire.
Like Clemens/McNamee, these allegations are difficult to prove, but when the imperical evidence is laid out and the guilty parties are nervously licking their lips, it's pretty simple to see what's going on - and it ain't right.
Four
OK, got this viral email yesterday asking me to list four of several categories about myself and send it around to others including the person who sent it to me in the first place (Fire broadcaster Kenn Tomasch). Here are mine:
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Woolworth’s Santa Claus
2. Extra in Kirk Douglass film “The Fury”
3. Ticket taker for carnival sideshows
4. Television color commentator for the AISA All-Star Game
Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Kevin Costner's Field of Dreams
2. Deanna Durbin's Mad About Music
3. Bud Cort's Harold and Maude
4. Ed Wood's Plan 9 From Outer Space
Four places I have lived:
1. Minneapolis, MN
2. Beverly Hills, CA
3. Johnsburg, IL
4. Shorewood, WI
Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1. Countdown with Keith Olberman
2. The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert
3. The Daily Show with John Stewart
4. Real Time with Bill Maher
Four places I have not been in the states but would like to go:
1. Alaska (only state i haven't been to)
2. Yosemite National Park
3. Statue of Liberty
4. Branson, MO
People who e-mail me (regularly??):
1. Mike Driscoll
2. Marcia McDermott
3. Nick DiBenedetto
4. Gloria Averbuch
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Guido Sandwich at Club Lago
2. Salami, Egg and Cheese Sandwich at The Billy Goat
3. El Diablo Red Snapper at Fiesta Garibaldi’s
4. Smelt at Miller’s Pub (in season)
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Bradenton, FL
2. Prague
3. Club Lago
4. Positano, Italy
Four people I think will respond (to the email version):
1. Leah Bauser
2. Ben Burton
3. Dan Loney
4. Flynn Murphy
Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. 40th Anniversary celebration of my rescue from Lake Superior
2. 10 year Chicago Fire Reunion
3. Fire season
4. Announcement of Chicago women’s team name
Four places I like to shop:
1. Winkie’s in Whitefish Bay
2. Woolworth’s in Barbados
3. Atomic Records in Milwaukee
4. Rummage-A-Rama at Seven Mile Fair
What are your four? Feel free to post them as a comment by copying and pasting above, deleting my answers and typing in your own answers.
Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Woolworth’s Santa Claus
2. Extra in Kirk Douglass film “The Fury”
3. Ticket taker for carnival sideshows
4. Television color commentator for the AISA All-Star Game
Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Kevin Costner's Field of Dreams
2. Deanna Durbin's Mad About Music
3. Bud Cort's Harold and Maude
4. Ed Wood's Plan 9 From Outer Space
Four places I have lived:
1. Minneapolis, MN
2. Beverly Hills, CA
3. Johnsburg, IL
4. Shorewood, WI
Four T.V. Shows that I watch:
1. Countdown with Keith Olberman
2. The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert
3. The Daily Show with John Stewart
4. Real Time with Bill Maher
Four places I have not been in the states but would like to go:
1. Alaska (only state i haven't been to)
2. Yosemite National Park
3. Statue of Liberty
4. Branson, MO
People who e-mail me (regularly??):
1. Mike Driscoll
2. Marcia McDermott
3. Nick DiBenedetto
4. Gloria Averbuch
Four of my favorite foods:
1. Guido Sandwich at Club Lago
2. Salami, Egg and Cheese Sandwich at The Billy Goat
3. El Diablo Red Snapper at Fiesta Garibaldi’s
4. Smelt at Miller’s Pub (in season)
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Bradenton, FL
2. Prague
3. Club Lago
4. Positano, Italy
Four people I think will respond (to the email version):
1. Leah Bauser
2. Ben Burton
3. Dan Loney
4. Flynn Murphy
Things I am looking forward to this year:
1. 40th Anniversary celebration of my rescue from Lake Superior
2. 10 year Chicago Fire Reunion
3. Fire season
4. Announcement of Chicago women’s team name
Four places I like to shop:
1. Winkie’s in Whitefish Bay
2. Woolworth’s in Barbados
3. Atomic Records in Milwaukee
4. Rummage-A-Rama at Seven Mile Fair
What are your four? Feel free to post them as a comment by copying and pasting above, deleting my answers and typing in your own answers.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
WPS Brush With Greatness III
Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)Commissioner Tonya Antonucci, Senior COO Consultant Joe Cummings and League Development/Relationships Manager Aaron Burch were at dinner tonight after a day of meetings at the US Soccer AGM in Hawaii when they noticed NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young and his wife dining nearby.
That Brush With Greatness (BWG) comes on the heels of similar encounters with famous director/actors Leonard Nimoy in Washington, DC and Kevin Smith in Pittsburgh.
Who and where do you think the next WPS BWG occur? i'm betting on Phyllis Diller in San Francisco at the Players Committee Meeting next month.
That Brush With Greatness (BWG) comes on the heels of similar encounters with famous director/actors Leonard Nimoy in Washington, DC and Kevin Smith in Pittsburgh.
Who and where do you think the next WPS BWG occur? i'm betting on Phyllis Diller in San Francisco at the Players Committee Meeting next month.
Organized Chaos
The Chicago Fire's remarkable success on and off the field in its inaugural season was due to the work of an incredible group of people who came together to form the League's best team and front office. i am proud to have surrounded myself with such a remarkable group that included the current Head Coaches of the USMNT (Bob Bradley) and USMOT (Piotr Nowak), the Assistant Coach to the USOT (Lubos Kubik) and the Fire's Head Coach (Denis Hamlett), Technical Director (Frank Klopas) and Assistant Coaches (Mike Jeffries and Chris Armas).
On the front office side, we had a tremendous team that included a future MLS GM (Steve Pastorino), pro basketball GM (Kevin Spudic), Toyota Park GM (Dan Garnett) and Columbus Crew Stadium VP (Scott DeBolt). That special group came to mind yesterday when i received this incredible video of Scott's office at Crew Stadium.
It is important to note a few things. Like many of us, Scott has a place for everything and everything is in its place. If someone would come in and "straighten things up a bit", he'd be lost until he got things back "in their place." Secondly, Scott is deservedly recognized as one of the League's very best Operations Executives and finally, the video was made for the "Messiest Office Contest" which has a prize of $10,000. When Scott becomes a weekly winner, we will ask all of you to vote for him when the public voting begins for the $10K.
i sent the video link around to the '98ers yesterday with a note telling them i missed them. It was a special group and we are all excited about the Fire's planned reunion this summer - hard to believe it's been ten years.
Assembling the Chicago WPS organization brings back many of the same feelings as 1997/98. i am getting the sense that we are putting the right pieces in place to make 2009 another special year for Chicago soccer. i keep reminding myself to enjoy the journey. The work we do over the next 14 months will determine the success we have next year. If we do it well, we'll have something very special to look back upon in 2019!
On the front office side, we had a tremendous team that included a future MLS GM (Steve Pastorino), pro basketball GM (Kevin Spudic), Toyota Park GM (Dan Garnett) and Columbus Crew Stadium VP (Scott DeBolt). That special group came to mind yesterday when i received this incredible video of Scott's office at Crew Stadium.
It is important to note a few things. Like many of us, Scott has a place for everything and everything is in its place. If someone would come in and "straighten things up a bit", he'd be lost until he got things back "in their place." Secondly, Scott is deservedly recognized as one of the League's very best Operations Executives and finally, the video was made for the "Messiest Office Contest" which has a prize of $10,000. When Scott becomes a weekly winner, we will ask all of you to vote for him when the public voting begins for the $10K.
i sent the video link around to the '98ers yesterday with a note telling them i missed them. It was a special group and we are all excited about the Fire's planned reunion this summer - hard to believe it's been ten years.
Assembling the Chicago WPS organization brings back many of the same feelings as 1997/98. i am getting the sense that we are putting the right pieces in place to make 2009 another special year for Chicago soccer. i keep reminding myself to enjoy the journey. The work we do over the next 14 months will determine the success we have next year. If we do it well, we'll have something very special to look back upon in 2019!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Coaching options
CPWS GM Marcia McDermott is conducting a thorough search for our first head coach. She is looking for a leader who will assemble a championship caliber team that will play entertaining soccer and represent our organization well with our fans.
Marcia started the process in early December before she was officially on board. Her search began with a long list of candidates that included top coaches from several categories: international coaches, college coaches, local youth coaches, W-League and WPSL coaches,MLS assistants and national team coaches.
Marcia narrowed the field a couple weeks ago using the above criteria, along with other factors including knowledge of the women’s game internationally and domestically, proven success, leadership, passion and the ability to represent the organization well in the community.
As reported in the Chicago Tribune’s Red Card soccer web site Monday, the short list of candidates includes standout FC Indiana Head Coach Shek Borkowski and at least one national team coach. Former US National Team Head Coach and former Chicago Sting defender Greg Ryan was also a candidate for the position. Greg has a nearly flawless 45-1-9 record as Head Coach of the United States Women's National Team from 2005 though the 2007 Women's World Cup in China. Greg has since accepted the head coaching position for the University of Michigan women’s soccer program and i am certain he will do well there.
While we'd like to name the coach as soon as possible, one or more of the candidates may need to complete obligations before we can make the announcement.
Marcia started the process in early December before she was officially on board. Her search began with a long list of candidates that included top coaches from several categories: international coaches, college coaches, local youth coaches, W-League and WPSL coaches,MLS assistants and national team coaches.
Marcia narrowed the field a couple weeks ago using the above criteria, along with other factors including knowledge of the women’s game internationally and domestically, proven success, leadership, passion and the ability to represent the organization well in the community.
As reported in the Chicago Tribune’s Red Card soccer web site Monday, the short list of candidates includes standout FC Indiana Head Coach Shek Borkowski and at least one national team coach. Former US National Team Head Coach and former Chicago Sting defender Greg Ryan was also a candidate for the position. Greg has a nearly flawless 45-1-9 record as Head Coach of the United States Women's National Team from 2005 though the 2007 Women's World Cup in China. Greg has since accepted the head coaching position for the University of Michigan women’s soccer program and i am certain he will do well there.
While we'd like to name the coach as soon as possible, one or more of the candidates may need to complete obligations before we can make the announcement.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Town Hall II
Women's Professional Soccer had its second public Town Hall yesterday here in Pittsburgh at the United States Youth Soccer Workshop. i was joined on the panel by executives from the Wasshington Freedom (Louise Waxler), St. Louis Soccer United (Caryn Chasteen), FUSE/ideas (Dennis Franczak) and the League (Aaron Burch). Longtime Pittsburgh soccer leader and former professional player and coach Denny Kohlmeyer did a terrific job moderating the session.
Louise did a great job emphasizing the positives of WUSA that WPS hopes to retain when the new League launches in April, 2009 - specifically, the quality and competitiveness of the play on the field. Much of the forum was spent talking about the differences in the business model, which will be the key to WPS' sustainability.
With an audience that included many of the top youth soccer leaders in the country including New Jersey's Evelyn Gill, Ohio's Paul Luchowski and Minnesota's Ellie Singer, Aaron talked about the League's outreach to youth soccer leaders to serve as ambassadors and evangelize the League. Caryn described St.Louis' landmark merger of the St. Louis Soccer Club, Scott Gallagher SC and Metro United under the St.Louis Soccer United banner. When questioned about the potential for creating divisions in the soccer community through WPS youth initiatives, Caryn pointed out that St. Louis Soccer United welcomes the addition of any area club and won't limit it to the three clubs currently on board. Louise and i said that WPS teams are cognizant of the potential to alienate portions of the soccer community, while trying to link in and support it. We agreed that it is important to serve the whole soccer community and that WPS teams are striving for fair and equitable partnerships.
Dennis talked about the League's marketing efforts and how it planned to connect with USYS' membership through social networks as one part of a broader online marketing plan that will work to integrate adult and young adult audiences with the sports large youth following.
i felt it was a very good discussion and helped spread the news about WPS to a very important audience. The next scheduled Town Hall is the League's first local one, which happens to be in the Chicago area Saturday, March 8th at 11 am. It will be held as part of the IYSA Soccer Expo, which is at the Schaumburg Sports Center. Hope to see you there!
I also had the opportunity to address Region III leaders yesterday and will wrap up my time in Pittsburgh on the convention floor at our booth this morning and addressing Region II this afternoon.
Louise did a great job emphasizing the positives of WUSA that WPS hopes to retain when the new League launches in April, 2009 - specifically, the quality and competitiveness of the play on the field. Much of the forum was spent talking about the differences in the business model, which will be the key to WPS' sustainability.
With an audience that included many of the top youth soccer leaders in the country including New Jersey's Evelyn Gill, Ohio's Paul Luchowski and Minnesota's Ellie Singer, Aaron talked about the League's outreach to youth soccer leaders to serve as ambassadors and evangelize the League. Caryn described St.Louis' landmark merger of the St. Louis Soccer Club, Scott Gallagher SC and Metro United under the St.Louis Soccer United banner. When questioned about the potential for creating divisions in the soccer community through WPS youth initiatives, Caryn pointed out that St. Louis Soccer United welcomes the addition of any area club and won't limit it to the three clubs currently on board. Louise and i said that WPS teams are cognizant of the potential to alienate portions of the soccer community, while trying to link in and support it. We agreed that it is important to serve the whole soccer community and that WPS teams are striving for fair and equitable partnerships.
Dennis talked about the League's marketing efforts and how it planned to connect with USYS' membership through social networks as one part of a broader online marketing plan that will work to integrate adult and young adult audiences with the sports large youth following.
i felt it was a very good discussion and helped spread the news about WPS to a very important audience. The next scheduled Town Hall is the League's first local one, which happens to be in the Chicago area Saturday, March 8th at 11 am. It will be held as part of the IYSA Soccer Expo, which is at the Schaumburg Sports Center. Hope to see you there!
I also had the opportunity to address Region III leaders yesterday and will wrap up my time in Pittsburgh on the convention floor at our booth this morning and addressing Region II this afternoon.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Clerks 3: A Sequel to Star Trek 2
It was a star studded night at Primanti Brothers sandwich shop last night. i introduced the original Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh to St. Louis Soccer United's Caryn Chasteen, Women's Professional Soccer's Aaron Burch and FUSE/ideas' Dennis Franczak, Jake DiMare and Jackie Barcamonte. The corned beef, steak, imported sardine and kolbassi sandwiches (all with cheese, cole slaw and french fries ON THE SANDWICH) were enjoyed with cold domestic Pennsylvania beers - Iron City, IC Light, Yuengling and Rolling Rock. While the WPS execs are stars in their own right, the highlight was the low key appearance of famed movie screen writer, director, producer, actor, comic book writer Kevin Smith (Clerks, Dogma, Mallrats, Chasing Amy)! Smith is in Pittsburgh filming his eigth movie "Zack and Miri Make A Porno". Jake nonchalantly made friends with The Silent Bob actor who ordered a sandwich to go.
This isn't the first time WPS execs have had a brush with greatness while dining following a day of League business. Dennis, Aaron and i were also on hand in Washington, DC a couple months ago right next to Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy. Also with us that night were WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and Chicago's Gary Weaver and Jack Cummins. None of us were brave enough to have a Jake moment with Mr. Spock though.
The USYS vendor exhibition kicked off tonight and the WPS booth was a popular stop as it was in Baltimore a few weeks ago. Saw many great old friends including former WUSA Ops Director Thom Meredith, Field Turf's Jim Froslid (who worked together at US Soccer in the 1990s), Keeper Goals' John Moynihan, Sports Pins International's Jon Bivens and Nevada State Director of Coaching Eddie Henderson.
i haven't seen Eddie since he retired from a terrific indoor career a decade ago. "Fast Eddie" was one of the most entertaining indoor players throughout the 1990s. There are a generation of fans in Seattle, Milwaukee and Wichita who got hooked on soccer by Eddie's play and personality. i'm very glad that he is still involved in the game at a high level. i had seen Eddie earlier in the day while addressing Region IV youth leaders and he stopped by the booth with WPS hopeful Courtney Sobrero. Courtney is a former Fresno State forward who has hooked onto semi-pro clubs in Denmark, England and the US trying to keep her career alive until WPS starts. She is a second cousin to US National Team star Kate Markgraf and hopes to follow her path to a career in professional soccer. Courtney was excited to hear about WPS developments and will be attending our Town Hall meeting today to learn more...so even if Silent Bob and Mr. Spock don't stop by, we will have a potential future star on hand.
This isn't the first time WPS execs have had a brush with greatness while dining following a day of League business. Dennis, Aaron and i were also on hand in Washington, DC a couple months ago right next to Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy. Also with us that night were WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci and Chicago's Gary Weaver and Jack Cummins. None of us were brave enough to have a Jake moment with Mr. Spock though.
The USYS vendor exhibition kicked off tonight and the WPS booth was a popular stop as it was in Baltimore a few weeks ago. Saw many great old friends including former WUSA Ops Director Thom Meredith, Field Turf's Jim Froslid (who worked together at US Soccer in the 1990s), Keeper Goals' John Moynihan, Sports Pins International's Jon Bivens and Nevada State Director of Coaching Eddie Henderson.
i haven't seen Eddie since he retired from a terrific indoor career a decade ago. "Fast Eddie" was one of the most entertaining indoor players throughout the 1990s. There are a generation of fans in Seattle, Milwaukee and Wichita who got hooked on soccer by Eddie's play and personality. i'm very glad that he is still involved in the game at a high level. i had seen Eddie earlier in the day while addressing Region IV youth leaders and he stopped by the booth with WPS hopeful Courtney Sobrero. Courtney is a former Fresno State forward who has hooked onto semi-pro clubs in Denmark, England and the US trying to keep her career alive until WPS starts. She is a second cousin to US National Team star Kate Markgraf and hopes to follow her path to a career in professional soccer. Courtney was excited to hear about WPS developments and will be attending our Town Hall meeting today to learn more...so even if Silent Bob and Mr. Spock don't stop by, we will have a potential future star on hand.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Pittsburgh delayed...
i'm supposed to be at Piper's Pub in Pittsburgh right now watching the USA vs. Mexico match. A foot and a half of snow in Milwaukee delayed my trip to the US Youth Soccer Workshop until tomorrow though, so i'm watching the game from the comfort of my home instead. An extra day at home is nice, but i would've traded the shoveling for a couple pints at Pittsburgh's premier soccer pub followed by a Kolbassi & Cheese sandwich topped with fries and cole slaw at Primanti Brothers original location...If you're ever taking a standardized test and you get "Primanti Brothers is to Pittsburgh as ___________ is to Chicago", go with "Billy Goat".
Women's Professional Soccer is following up its promotional efforts at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore last month with a presence this week at the annual USYS get together. WPS will have a booth on the exhibit floor (i'll be there Saturday from 8:30 am to 1 pm) and another Town Hall forum 1:30 pm on Friday in room 308 at the Convention Center. i'll participate in this Town Hall along with St. Louis' Caryn Chasteen, Washington's Louise Waxler, Aaron Burch from WPS and Dennis Franczak from WPS marketing firm FUSE/ideas. Fuse will be videotaping interviews with many of the state association presidents and executive directors for WPS TV and posting those interviews on the League's website - www.womensprosoccer.com. We will also address each of the four Region meetings to bring all the state youth soccer association leaders up to date on WPS, answer their questions and invite them to be ambassadors for the League and teams.
i look forward to catching up with some of the Region II leaders including Illinois' Gus and Mary Jane Bender, Indiana's Don Rawson, and Wisconsin's Peter Mariahazy. I'm also hoping to see Region II Director Bill Podewils who is the former Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association President. Bill and i worked together to draft the landmark partnership agreement with Milwaukee Pro Soccer a couple years ago. Though we never got to use it in Wisconsin, the bones of that agreement were used to develop the Chicago WPS partnership with the Illinois Women's Soccer League.
The USA/Mexico game is wrapping up and it looks like it's going to end up a draw. Entertaining game and another step in the right direection as the USA gets some valuable experience for its young players in advance of 2010 qualifying in June.
Also good to see Dave Sarachan and Mike Sorber on Coach Bob Bradley's bench. Along with Piotr Nowak and Lubos Kubik, who are training the US Olympic team in Bradenton, the influence of the early Chicago Fire on the current US Soccer men's programs is very strong.
FT 2-2. Back to shoveling. If you're in Pittsburgh, look me up.
Women's Professional Soccer is following up its promotional efforts at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore last month with a presence this week at the annual USYS get together. WPS will have a booth on the exhibit floor (i'll be there Saturday from 8:30 am to 1 pm) and another Town Hall forum 1:30 pm on Friday in room 308 at the Convention Center. i'll participate in this Town Hall along with St. Louis' Caryn Chasteen, Washington's Louise Waxler, Aaron Burch from WPS and Dennis Franczak from WPS marketing firm FUSE/ideas. Fuse will be videotaping interviews with many of the state association presidents and executive directors for WPS TV and posting those interviews on the League's website - www.womensprosoccer.com. We will also address each of the four Region meetings to bring all the state youth soccer association leaders up to date on WPS, answer their questions and invite them to be ambassadors for the League and teams.
i look forward to catching up with some of the Region II leaders including Illinois' Gus and Mary Jane Bender, Indiana's Don Rawson, and Wisconsin's Peter Mariahazy. I'm also hoping to see Region II Director Bill Podewils who is the former Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association President. Bill and i worked together to draft the landmark partnership agreement with Milwaukee Pro Soccer a couple years ago. Though we never got to use it in Wisconsin, the bones of that agreement were used to develop the Chicago WPS partnership with the Illinois Women's Soccer League.
The USA/Mexico game is wrapping up and it looks like it's going to end up a draw. Entertaining game and another step in the right direection as the USA gets some valuable experience for its young players in advance of 2010 qualifying in June.
Also good to see Dave Sarachan and Mike Sorber on Coach Bob Bradley's bench. Along with Piotr Nowak and Lubos Kubik, who are training the US Olympic team in Bradenton, the influence of the early Chicago Fire on the current US Soccer men's programs is very strong.
FT 2-2. Back to shoveling. If you're in Pittsburgh, look me up.
Monday, February 4, 2008
An Extraordinary Place
i introduced new Chicago WPS General Manager Marcia McDermott to The Globe Pub yesterday morning. The Globe is Chicago's - and according to USSoccer.com, America's - number one soccer pub. We had another special experience at this very special place. As usual on a chilly Sunday morning, the place was packed with soccer supporters cheering on their favorite sides. Most were there cheering for Nigeria or Ghana in an incredibly exciting African Cup of Nations quarterfinal game. Others, including me, were cheering for FulAmerica (that's EPL side Fulham) in their home match against Aston Villa as the Cottagers staged a successful second half comeback in their efforts to stage a second half of the season comeback to avoid relegation. The third game being shown was Schalke vs. Stuttgart.
We experienced a once in a lifetime event twice in less than an hour. On three televisions set side by side, goals were scored virtually simultaneously in all three games....and then it happened AGAIN within the hour.
What made it memorable was the group of people who shared the experience. In addition to Marcia and old friends Chris Costello, Alfonso Mitchell, Nick DiBenedetto and his wife Jenny and my wife Ann, the place was jumping with passionate Ghanaian and Nigerian fans living and dieing with every tackle, cross and shot. When former Fire forward Junior Agogo struck the game winner in the 83rd minute, the Ghanaian contingent broke out into a wild ten minute celebration, which eventually poured out onto Irving Park Road.
Last week i was watching the Arsenal vs. Newcastle FA Cup match at the Globe when the head of Arsenal America's supporters group suddenly lifted a black case onto the table next to mine, opened it up and pulled out the actual FA Cup trophy won by the Gunners in 2005!
The week before, the Globe Pub was host to Section 8's annual holiday party, which featured more memorable moments including Denis Hamlett and Frank Klopas' introduction to the Fire Supporters in their new roles.
The Globe is a special place where extraordinary experiences are expected.
We experienced a once in a lifetime event twice in less than an hour. On three televisions set side by side, goals were scored virtually simultaneously in all three games....and then it happened AGAIN within the hour.
What made it memorable was the group of people who shared the experience. In addition to Marcia and old friends Chris Costello, Alfonso Mitchell, Nick DiBenedetto and his wife Jenny and my wife Ann, the place was jumping with passionate Ghanaian and Nigerian fans living and dieing with every tackle, cross and shot. When former Fire forward Junior Agogo struck the game winner in the 83rd minute, the Ghanaian contingent broke out into a wild ten minute celebration, which eventually poured out onto Irving Park Road.
Last week i was watching the Arsenal vs. Newcastle FA Cup match at the Globe when the head of Arsenal America's supporters group suddenly lifted a black case onto the table next to mine, opened it up and pulled out the actual FA Cup trophy won by the Gunners in 2005!
The week before, the Globe Pub was host to Section 8's annual holiday party, which featured more memorable moments including Denis Hamlett and Frank Klopas' introduction to the Fire Supporters in their new roles.
The Globe is a special place where extraordinary experiences are expected.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Out reach
Last week i had the opportunity to address a hundred or so youth soccer leaders at a historic meeting that brought together leaders of the IYSA, NISL, IWSL and YSSL.
It was great to see everyone set aside any personal agendas and come together for the good of the game and endorse new smaller sides for younger age groups consistently throughout all the Leagues. My hats off to Gus Bender, Peter Richardson, Flo Dyson and Bob Berkley.
The meeting gave me a chance to update everyone on the progress of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) and the Chicago team and answer a few questions. It's going to be important to reach out to the youth soccer community to keep them informed and solicit their advice. Towards that end, we are creating an advisory board that will include representation of our various constituencies including the youth soccer community, corporate, governmental and supporters groups.
We're also hosting a series of Town Hall forums to promote and discuss WPS and the new Chicago franchise in WPS. Based on the format of the national Town Halls WPS is conducting, we will have a few people involved in the Chicago team on hand to update audiences on progress with the team and the League, answer questions and solicit advice. The first Chicago WPS Town Hall will be March 8th at 11 am at the IYSA Soccer Expo at the Schaumburg Sports Center.
That forum will feature National Soccer Hall of Famer Julie Foudy, Chicago WPS General Manager Marcia McDermott and me and will be moderated by USA Today Sports Columnist Christine Brennan.
We want to conduct these Town Halls in different locations for different audiences in order tor each as diverse a group as possible. Indoor soccer facilities, youth soccer club houses, soccer pubs and Toyota Park are all likely locations for future Chicago WPS Town Halls. If you are interested in hosting one, please drop me a line at pwilt@chicagoprowomenssoccer.com.
It was great to see everyone set aside any personal agendas and come together for the good of the game and endorse new smaller sides for younger age groups consistently throughout all the Leagues. My hats off to Gus Bender, Peter Richardson, Flo Dyson and Bob Berkley.
The meeting gave me a chance to update everyone on the progress of Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) and the Chicago team and answer a few questions. It's going to be important to reach out to the youth soccer community to keep them informed and solicit their advice. Towards that end, we are creating an advisory board that will include representation of our various constituencies including the youth soccer community, corporate, governmental and supporters groups.
We're also hosting a series of Town Hall forums to promote and discuss WPS and the new Chicago franchise in WPS. Based on the format of the national Town Halls WPS is conducting, we will have a few people involved in the Chicago team on hand to update audiences on progress with the team and the League, answer questions and solicit advice. The first Chicago WPS Town Hall will be March 8th at 11 am at the IYSA Soccer Expo at the Schaumburg Sports Center.
That forum will feature National Soccer Hall of Famer Julie Foudy, Chicago WPS General Manager Marcia McDermott and me and will be moderated by USA Today Sports Columnist Christine Brennan.
We want to conduct these Town Halls in different locations for different audiences in order tor each as diverse a group as possible. Indoor soccer facilities, youth soccer club houses, soccer pubs and Toyota Park are all likely locations for future Chicago WPS Town Halls. If you are interested in hosting one, please drop me a line at pwilt@chicagoprowomenssoccer.com.
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