A People’s History of Soccer
The beautiful game has a long tradition in Bloomington/Normal. It is played all year round; outdoors and indoors. You have players of all ages; from toddlers to retirees as well as boys and girls. The twin cities have witnessed several leagues and pickup games. If the Internationals were the first public face of soccer, then Prairies Cities Soccer League (PCSL) has been the nursery for the cities’ soccer magicians. Driving to a PCSL game is like going to a field of dreams and observing a pickup game at a park near you shows the professionalism and dedication of the players.
The soccer moms and dads cannot be left out either because they are the greatest fans, however, they will never stop coaching from the side lines and some of them think the referees always make the wrong call and never learn from their mistakes. By the way, who understands the offside rule? Handball!, NO, It’s NOT Handball! Penalty! Yellow Card! Red Card! Whatever! Some teams have coaches and others don’t but guess what, there is always a coach(es) on the soccer field; teammates yelling, parents screaming, someone getting physical? Who wants to be substituted, anyway? Did someone just use a bad word? Are soccer players just crazy? Well, this is supposed to be a local game but why is everyone talking about the Premier League, La Liga, Mexican League, Calcio, etc. , and once in a while MLS. We all watched the same game on TV but again like the offside calls we all have different interpretations depending on our team colors (blinders?).
Yes, yes, yes, yes, every four years there is the World Cup. We are all experts after sleepless nights of the qualifying series, the baby is now due, and who are the favorites? Maybe I know, maybe I don’t, but there is one thing for sure, one team is going to win and we will talk about them for the next four years.
If you have been to any of the soccer games in Bloomington/Normal or participated in them, you have heard stories, witnessed the intensity and prowess of your teammates and opponents, and the passion lives on till the next game. These tantalizing stories cannot and must not be forgotten. That is why we have created this website so that you can post your stories (score a goal for your team). Currently, we have posted a few narratives but we will continue to update the pages are we receive your stories.
We hope that this website, generously hosted by ISU, will become the archive of “A People’s History of Soccer in Bloomington/Normal”. We are grateful to those of you who have provided stories so far and hope the rest of you will follow soon.
Sincere thanks to Milan Jackson and Bill Kemp of the McLean County History Museum for their research. We also appreciate very much the support and dedication of LILT (ISU) staff; Sarah Walczynski and Robert Polacek for creating the website!
Go USA! Go Ghana! That’s how to make and unmake a prayer! Not unusual in Soccer!
FIFA 2014
