an arsenal fan: how did I get here?
January 11, 2012 by a.wanderlust.life
It takes true dedication to be an Arsenal supporter in America.
Sports fans across the world generally support the team that is on their doorstep – so what makes some fans choose to follow a team that is more than 5,000+ miles away from theirs?
And how does an Orange County/California girl become an “obsessive” Arsenal fan in the first place?
1.30.2011
My road to becoming an Arsenal supporter was attributed solely one person in a land far far away.. many years ago. I dated an Italian-Englishman living in North London who happened to be an avid Arsenal supporter. He spent every day and every night watching Sky Sports (our equivalent to ESPN), to keep up with the live matches, replays, and day to day football news. When I mean, everyday and every night, it really was… every day and every night. Then we would watch YouTube videos of impressive players (mainly of Thierry Henry) passes and their goals. He drew formations on a sheet of paper, and then proceeded to quiz me on what I just learned. A sort of coach and player scenario, if you will. He even played football several times a week with his local team. It went as far as falling asleep to Sky Sports (turning it off in the middle of the night) and turning it on first thing in the morning while getting ready for work. I felt like he lived and breathed football.
At the time, I found the whole thing silly, really. I just didn’t understand the fascination of the sport. As a matter of fact, I found football/futbol/soccer (whichever tickles your fancy) to be the unpopular sport in the USA, of which no one really cared for. What’s the big deal of players running back & forth kicking a ball for 90 minutes on grass anyways? I actually thought the sport to be quite boring (gasp!) and often times asked him to change the channel to something else besides football. Nonetheless, he powered through and made me understand and appreciate the beautiful game.
Upon my 2nd visit to London, he even gave me my first Arsenal item, a jersey from the 2007/2008 kit. He stated that he did not want to give it to me on my 1st visit, with the fear that I would have worn it throughout my visit to other countries. Which, at the time, I had no idea that wearing other jerseys from other Clubs into another city or country was (and still is) heavily frowned upon. One day on our drive through North London, we stopped by the newly built Emirates Stadium. With much enthusiasm, he asked me if I wanted to park the car, and take a bit of a walking tour to take pictures in front of the stadium? I turned to him… and with utter boredom, told him that I was not interested that particular day and asked to go home (I was really tired ok!?). I didnt even step out of the car or take a picture of the stadium from inside the car (shame on me… really big shame one me). I did not find it amusing one bit and we drove off, and that was that. I remember this day as clear as day actually, and now I find this story hilarious in hindsight….
Obviously, the downside of supporting a team so far away is of course the distance, and the time difference with that.
For those who are lucky, traveling to matches can take a considerable amount of time and money. Not many have the luxury to take a vacation “holiday” to another country, or another state for that matter. And those who can, use that vacation to visit their favorite stadium or have the opportunity to sit through a match of their beloved team in the USA, let alone Europe. Even obtaining a ticket becomes very difficult, and sometimes nearly impossible for those outside of Europe. Unfortunately, Ticketmaster is not the source of obtaining a football ticket, believe it or not.
Venues that will screen matches live are few and far between. As a matter of fact, only one location in Orange County provides this outlet. Thank you Olde Ship for hosting your early morning matches, fish & chips, and of course.. beer on draft to calm the nerves. The other, located in Studio City – LA County. Although they are located 46 mi/74 km from my home and I don’t have the chance to visit often, thank you Fox and Hound for you LA Gooners.
And of course, there are the VERY early-morning matches that makes it difficult.. sometimes at 445 am PST! Not every match is broadcasted on Fox Soccer Channel or GoalTV either. So.. we turn to the trusty FotMob app on Android or even possibly live web commentary to follow play by play of the match.
Even finding fellow fans can sometimes be a challenge. Luckily, I have met people from OC Gooners, and the sometimes random friend of a friend who is also a Gooner. At my workplace, I’m exposed to several new fellow football fans. Mind you, none of them are Arsenal supporters (the only one left a month ago), but it is better than nothing. We’ll have our daily football discussions, send Youtube videos, and predict the results prior to the upcoming game. This is great and I love having them to talk to… but I still hate their clubs. Queue in (friendly) banter….
Despite all that, there are thousands of devoted Arsenal fans like myself all across America. As matter of fact, Arsenal America is the official organization for Arsenal fans in the USA, having been granted this status in 2005. Some are new fans who just stumbled across the Club, others are lifelong Gooners who have found a new home on this side of the Atlantic. Or perhaps there are some like myself, to have been converted by a (former) significant other to an be a football – Arsenal supporter
Fast forward 4 years later, and I’ve turned 180 degrees. I’m attending viewing matches at the Olde Ship where the waitress knows me by first name, and has agreed that I am not allowed coffee during the match (it gets me too jittery during a match). I relentlessly cheer on the Gunners against all oppositions. I watched every single game on tv (4:30, 7, & 11:30 am) during the World Cup – even the ones that ran simultaneously, and even set up a table to predict the winners! I was nearly correct on every single game and who would lift the trophy! Then I purchased a personalized brick to be placed in Armoury Square at Emirates Stadium for my 28th birthday present to myself. Yes, that’s what I did for my birthday. Previously, I didn’t care to see the stadium. Now I’m (my name) laid on the floor of the stadium square, which will be part of the stadium’s history forever!? NUTS.
My excitement for my possible attendance to the upcoming Arsenal vs Tottenham Spurs match in the end February has prompted me to write this post. (Dependent on Henry’s extended stay to close his loan at the derby). See additional posts here and here. I can’t help but reminisce of my very first attendance to an Arsenal game (Sunday, Jan 30th, 2011). I’m actually getting a bit teary eyed as I type this, because it was such a wonderful experience. This is what really pushed me into full-blown fanaticism was my visit to the Emirates and Highbury Stadiums. I got in contact with Arsenal America for my interest to watch Arsenal play live. They played a major role to making my dream come true. I did not want the distance to stop me from seeing my beloved Club in action. A few months later, I found myself travelling (alone) far across the globe, and for what? To see Arsenal in action, of course! I chose the game against Everton FC. Besides seeing the boys play fantastic football, I also got to see Tim Howard too.. a nice little added plus. I also lucked out and saw Arsenal play Huddersfield in the FA Cup 2 days prior! Two matches in one visit! Brilliant.
The beauty of the stadium, the atmosphere, and the closeness to the pitch is truly unprecedented.. and simply… immaculate.
I have met amazing people with similar love for football or Arsenal. This has extended my social network, personal hobbies, along with the skill and tool to speak to people throughout the globe. Football has become the lingua franca of he world, and it has helped me break down language barriers as I continue to travel to other nations and meet new people from all walks of life. I’m not an expert at the sport or claim to know everything, but I have taken Arsenal into my heart and have called it my own club to love and cherish.
So here I am, writing my experiences (in a nutshell) that has manifested over 5 years. I will take the time now to give credit to the man that originally sparked my interest and made these emotions of happiness (and sometimes sadness ..but mostly happiness) possible. Thank YOU for helping me create these memories. It’s the kind of unrequited love that will carry with me forever, and be passed on to my future generations. A love that is nearly indescribable and truly felt from the bottom of my heart.
I love you Arsenal!
Yours faithfully,
Maureen Rose Gooner 🙂
Many thanks to Maureen for letting us post this great article.
