It's been awhile since I've done the link thing, generally because I'm a little lazy, but also because it's done so well around the blogosphere by others.
But I think it's time to start a regular feature here (daily, if I can remember to do it), with a bit of a deeper, more obscure take. There might not always be enough out there to fill up a post, but I'm going to do my best.
Let's get going.
- Footsmoke has an interesting missive on the nature of modern fandom, drawing parallels between music and sport. The author comes to a conclusion I so often do when it comes to adopting foreign clubs to root for; without some kind of real connection, how can can the emotional investment truly take?
- World Cup bid leaders from England, Qatar, and the US will speak to an assembled conference called Leaders in Football next month. Don Garber will be the American representative, and it set to discuss the development of the game in the United States, as well as "join the debate around how best to narrow the wealth gap between professional leagues around the world." I wasn't aware that Garber had any particular insight into that issue, but I suppose that running a league with a franchise system and centralized contract control gives him a unique perspective on the economics of football.
- Unfortunately, the prevailing image of soccer in the United States is one of minivans and orange slices; that suburban, lilly-white profile has harmed the growth of the game in the black community, an issue that author Robert Woodward is tackling full on. Mr. Woodward paints a tantalizing picture of an American soccer future that includes a passionate and engaged African-American community. Breaking down stereotypes and making the game accessible to all is a major problem confronting the American soccer community, and frank and honest discussions of the situation should be openly welcomed.
