Join the Charm City Gooners at the Abbey on October 29th
A 'Charming' charity event
By Kevin Mooney
Often when you hear mentions of Arsenal supporters in America it tends to involve many people heading to the pub with fellow fans to watch a game over a couple of pints. But there is much more to being a football fans in the States than that. Since American supporters have limited opportunities to attend Arsenal matches in person, they are forced to come up with inventive ways to show their support.
In recent years, we have a seen a wide range of special events created by individual fans and supporters groups to accomplish just that. From charity football tournaments to organized trips to MLS games, all the way to the recent tattoo event in New York, these events have proven popular.
And this weekend in Baltimore, Arsenal fans will be doing something very unique: They will be... heading to the pub with fellow fans to watch a game over a couple of pints.
But this time, there is a twist.
Rather than merely coming together to watching Saturday's match against Chelsea, the Charm City Gooners will be welcoming an unlikely group to their home pub. At 7:45am at Baltimore's Abbey Burger Bistro in the Federal Hill neighborhood, FC Baltimore Reds - the local Liverpool supporters group - will join local Gooners to kick-off the 1st Annual Charm City Gooners/Liverpool Supporters Pub Crawl.
The two groups are coming together to support The Craig Willinger Fund, a non-profit that sends cancer stricken children and young adults to see their favorite clubs, in person, at venues around the world. In addition to combining forces to root against the West London side, the groups will compete in a chant competition, and then make their way through the neighborhood taking in three other Premier League matches at different venues throughout the day, including West Brom v Liverpool at 12:30pm.
This is the second time the two groups have come together for charity. Las April, they played for the Supporters' Charity Shield in the inaugural. The successful event featured a 15-4 win for the Gooners and the two groups raising more than $500.
"What started out as a simple pick-up game, turned into a fantastic event for charity," says Arsenal America president Josh Templeton. "We wanted to build on that event. This time, there won't be any runners up, only football supporters, family, and friends getting together to support a worthy cause."
Darren Rudham co-founder of the FC Baltimore Reds adds, "We feel fortunate to call the Charm City Gooners friends and we are thankful that they continue to support a cause that is very near and dear to the Baltimore Reds' hearts."
The cost is $30 per person and is open to football supporters, family and friends. In addition to meeting other football fans, attendees get a Pub Crawl T-shirt and chances to win numerous door prizes. The groups are aiming to raise $1,000 for CWF.
For more information on the Charm City Gooners/Liverpool Supporters Pub Crawl email the Charm CIty Gooners or click HERE
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