This video captures the most emotional breath you’ll (likely) see all day. What you’re seeing is Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds simultaneously exhale as the final whistle blows and the team they bought 2 years ago, Wrexham Football Club, officially clinches promotion for next season. It’s victory on so many levels. For them, the Wrexham … Continue reading When You FINALLY Make It (Wrexham FC Edition)
Tag: soccer
Sunday Music: You’ll Never Walk Alone
My friend Justin shared a post this week titled “Good Company > Alone.” My first reaction was to make a terrible Bad Company (the band) joke. But then I started thinking about “Alone.” About how when you have a good crowd around you, you feel like you can do anything. And about when you have … Continue reading Sunday Music: You’ll Never Walk Alone
Stutter (And Goal) Smashing Ken Sema
Ken Sema is a Swedish-born midfielder playing in the 2nd tier league of English football (soccer). And he has a stutter. He’s not much for public speaking and isn’t seeking post-match interviews on a regular basis. But after scoring twice to pull his team into a playoff spot, he gave this interview. There’s nothing revelatory … Continue reading Stutter (And Goal) Smashing Ken Sema
The Four Types of Fans (Via Welcome To Wrexham)
Audience builders - here’s a lesson on the four types of fans from the excellent documentary series, Welcome to Wrexham. Whether you’re figuring out your people at work, or getting followers on social media, or getting people to come to your art exhibit - these classifications can be handy in thinking about who shows up … Continue reading The Four Types of Fans (Via Welcome To Wrexham)
Brazil’s Redemptive Yellow Jersey
In 1914, Brazilian football arrived on the world stage, and faced off against England’s Exeter City. They wore all white and won 2-0. The all-white kits would be their official colors for decades - until one of the most gut-wrenching setbacks in sports history. In 1950 Brazil hosted the first World Cup of the post-World … Continue reading Brazil’s Redemptive Yellow Jersey
Coaching Great Players (Jesse Marsch on Tyler Adams)
Here’s a quote from Leeds United coach Jesse Marsch, on his player (and current USMNT captain) Tyler Adams. It’s about helping talented people do their best work, and it just might bring a lump to your throat too. Find people of outstanding character who know who they are, and who they want to be. Invest … Continue reading Coaching Great Players (Jesse Marsch on Tyler Adams)
The Noteworthy Composure Of Tyler Adams Getting Grilled By Iranian Journalists
The 23-year-old Captain of the American National Team, Tyler Adams, had a rough press conference leading up to the US versus Iran game at the 2022 World Cup. It started with being corrected on the pronunciation of “Iran.” It continued with a question about how he feels representing a country that is still struggling with … Continue reading The Noteworthy Composure Of Tyler Adams Getting Grilled By Iranian Journalists
The Grealish Waggle (Sports Feel Good Story)
Jack Grealish has used his international soccer stardom admirably. He regularly gives time and money as an advocate for cerebral palsy. Before the World Cup, he met with an 11-year-old named Finaly living with the condition. Finlay asked Grealish if he’d celebrate a goal for him someday. Grealish, who has only scored once in the … Continue reading The Grealish Waggle (Sports Feel Good Story)
The US Ragamuffins: 1950s World Cup (Almost) Glory
Soccer, in America, was a game for immigrants, played by immigrants. So it was no surprise the 1950 US Men’s National Team was mostly first and second-generation Americans. It’s also not surprising that they had no “true” professional experience playing in the states, where quasi-local amateur leagues were the most competitive option. And yet, this … Continue reading The US Ragamuffins: 1950s World Cup (Almost) Glory
How Do You Cut People From The Lineup (World Cup Roster Edition)
Leaders have to be able to deliver bad news. Gregg Berhalter, who just announced the final roster for the 2022 World Cup, got to tell 25 players the glorious news. And, he got to break 15 other players' hearts. Here are his tips on cutting people from lineups and preserving your relationship as the leader: … Continue reading How Do You Cut People From The Lineup (World Cup Roster Edition)