If you needed an example of how soccer has really cracked America, the LMU campus in Los Angeles was where you needed to be today.
It was there that ourselves alongside our sister club LA Rams put on a coaching clinic for a host of youngsters to get them involved in both the round and oval ball versions of what we both call football.
Even a decade ago, this would have been seen as a novelty event, but judging by the amount of children draped in football jerseys spanning a plethora of clubs and countries across the world - including a few sightings of our own famous red and white - here’s no doubt the game we gave to the world has certainly embedded itself in America.
When Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard arrived, the kids excitedly chatted to the duo, momentarily taking their starry-eyed attentions away from Rams head coach Sean McVay and star player Cooper Kupp. And our manager and skipper were more than happy to oblige, having a laugh with the participants and encouraging them to practice their skills, as well as providing a few pointers.
Later that afternoon, both were put in front of the media for a press conference, and Mikel admitted the aim is to increase the number of Arsenal shirts worn should a similar event be held in the future, starting with tomorrow’s game against Manchester United.
“It’s an opportunity for us to connect with our supporters,” he said. “If they’re Arsenal supporters then great, and if they are football supporters let’s get them to become Arsenal supporters. That would mean that we produced certain joy and excitement in them in the way that we play the game.”
It just goes to show that as well as the fitness and match sharpness, we’re also looking to make an impact with these games in the USA, and inspire some fresh followers of the game to fall in love with it like we all did, and hopefully opt to wear a cannon on their chest for the rest of their lives.
“We know it’s tricky for them with the time difference to watch our games,” Martin added. “To be here and play in such a nice stadium and give something back is nice for us. We’re all looking forward to that and hopefully we can give them a win as well.”
There’s no doubt about it - tomorrow’s game matters. Maybe a decade from now, some young American prospect will reveal a coaching session and a Gunners win over Manchester United were the catalyst for them to become a professional and sign the club of their dreams, and that club will be Arsenal.
Tour teaser
In yesterday’s blog, we asked you to name the five players that have represented both us and United in the Premier League era. They are Robin van Persie, Mikael Silvestre, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck.
Today, we’re asking you to name the four goalscorers from our first ever game at SoFi Stadium when we beat Barcelona 5-3 last season. Answer in the next blog!
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