http://www.mlsnet.com/content/03/mls0506iraq.html http://www.dcunited.com/index.cfm?section=main&cont_id=180122 Collection bins will be at RFK on May 14 and May 17th K
Make it a sticky This is a great idea. I'll be at the K.C. game with a bag full of cleats (4 kids playing from 1st grade though high school-most outgrown before they were worn out, and we've kept them all). What about making this a sticky until the K.C. game?
I've already assembled a few jerseys to box up and send to soldiers from my old Army unit. You can give them out to kids as goodwill gestures. Futbol is a universal joy. Old balls and t-shirts are good to. I'm going to send a Barra flag over for my old comrades too. Pitch a few items into the bin for a good cause.
Begbie has good point though. I said this along time ago to him... take a look at the Iraqi kids hanging around the US troops on TV. They all have soccer jerseys on. I think it would be a great PR move for the troops to hand out donated jerseys to the people. We all have tons of lame old jerseys sitting on our closet that we have bought and no longer care to wear. I bet they would like these a lot more then the soccer balls or equipment even. Its not that hard to get a ball anywhere, but a flashy Man U shirt (or even better... DC United jersey) and those kids will go crazy. If I ever get a hold of my friend's MP unit over there I will see if we can also hook them up.
Catherine is looking for a few folks to help at the collection tables on May 14 and May 17. If you could give 1/2 hr (or more), send her an email at cmarquette@mlsnet.com K
Relatedly...not endorsing this Rep in any way...just know someone who works with him. Reportedly, his chief of staff is a big soccer fan... Rep. Hayworth Proposes U.S.-Iraq Soccer Matches To Promote Goodwill, Understanding Games Could Be ‘Powerful Means to Bring People Together’ WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. J. D. Hayworth (R-AZ) has urged the U.S. Soccer Federation to initiate home-and-away matches between the U.S. and Iraqi national soccer teams as a gesture of goodwill and understanding between the two countries. In a letter to Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia, president of the federation, Rep. Hayworth, a former sports broadcaster, said, “Sport can be a powerful means to bringing people together.” “I understand that the Iraqi professional teams plan to begin league play soon and that the national team coach will look to begin putting together a team shortly thereafter,” Hayworth wrote. “It would be fantastic if the very first international soccer match played in the new Iraq were against the U.S. It would be even better if sponsors could be found so that proceeds from the U.S. leg – Washington, D.C. would be the perfect venue – could be used for relief work in Iraq.” Rep. Hayworth said his proposal was inspired by news stories of an impromptu game that took place in Najif recently between a local Iraqi soccer team and U.S. Marines. “The goal of the Marines was to help win the hearts and minds of the locals. It apparently worked. By the end of the match the 600 Iraqi fans were cheering on the overmatched Americans, who played in fatigues and combat boots,” Rep. Hayworth related in his letter. “I thought if that match engendered such a positive reaction, playing home-and-home full internationals featuring each countries national team would undoubtedly do even more to help promote goodwill and understanding.” Hayworth said he believes soccer offers a perfect bridge to reach that goal for two reasons. First, soccer is the national sport of Iraq. Second, the Iraq national soccer team is a symbol of the suffering endured by the entire Iraqi people during the regime of Saddam Hussein. “We have all been horrified by the stories of Iraqi national team players being threatened before matches and tortured after them if their performance was not up to the standards of Saddam Hussein’s sadistic son Uday, who was Iraq’s sports czar. “Players and coaches were regularly jailed, beaten, and tortured even family members were jailed and tortured as a way to intimidate and control players and coaches,” Hayworth said. (Copy of letter {not}attached) For more information contact Press Secretary Larry VanHoose (202) 225-2190
Bring them on we'd crush them. However, United's offense currently resembles a Republican Guard assault... lots of talk, no punch and no wins. As Chico said take our goals we aren't using them. Throw in a couple balls too.