Star-Spangled Soccer by Gary Hopkins

Author:Gary Hopkins
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: 2009-12-31T16:00:00+00:00

Beckham (or “goldenballs” as Posh quaintly refers to him)

Probably deserving of a whole chapter, and indeed a book has already been written on the saga, for my money, Beckham has been phenomenal for US Soccer, elevating it in the media beyond anything the sport could have dreamed in 2007. He is gracious to every kid, parent and fan, signing autographs, posing for pictures and personable to a fault, his move to AC Milan necessary and his return eventually to help soccer, in the States inevitable. To the fans that booed him, fair play that’s their prerogative, it’s what fans do. The Beckham saga is a daily ritual in Europe and cannon fodder for the newspapers and media. Has it damaged soccer in the USA? Not a bit, as the real fans know why he has to go back on loan and do not begrudge it. As for the others, he will probably be back before they do.

By the way, despite what the media might say Beckham is not the savior or future of soccer in America and I am sure he would agree. Stadiums are more important, fans are more important, committed owners are more important, television is more important, and a league of talented players – not just one – is more important. My sense is Beckham might play a bigger role off the field than he does on it and, if his public commitment to help build soccer in America is as genuine as it seems, then his contribution could be immense. He has single-handily rescued England’s faltering 2018 bid and, if he can bring the same enthusiasm to promoting US soccer, we are in great shape. One of his kids is named Brooklyn so it’s a start.

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