Take Part In Fourfourtwo Article

[kevinmcd28]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
I first heard about NYCFC through coverage of the USMNT back when the franchise was first announced. As someone who has been a fan of NYC sports franchises my entire life I was excited by the prospect nd the involvment the the Yankees.
- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

Ever since I first became a fan of professional soccer through the USMNT I have told my friends and fans of Professional soccer when a team becomes based inside of New York City I would be a fan of that team and take a larger interest in MLS. This could have even been the Red Bulls if they moved into the city instead of building a stadium in Harrison, Although I am originally from New Jersey ironically I have never been a fan of any New Jersey team, so I couldnt quite ever commit myself to the idea of the Red Bulls playing in New Jersey. My family has resided in Northern New Jersey longer than any sports franchises have played inside the state so naturally we were fans of New York. Its this passion to keep the teams inside of the city that has pressed myself to be a fan of NYCFC.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
No, Ihad attended the USMNT Gold Cup game in Connecticut against Costa Rica as my first "professional match". Days later I moved to Denver, Colorado and became immersed in the soccer culture of the mile high city, starting with AO Denver and naturally members of the club were Rapids fans. I was constantly invited to watch the matches and would go, stand in the supporters section and have fun with the games. Its the great fan base of Colorado that made myself more excited for NYCFC as I had told my friends in the Denver soccer community I had pledged allegiance to any MLS team starting up inside of the city, although they were not happy about this they accept me regardless.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
It is very cool. For all of the talk about NYCFC being corperate while Orlando is the team with the grassroots start seems kind of ironic. NYCFC and the culture being created is almost exclusive to the fans. We found an identity to be our own and I would say that is just as grass roots as a team bought by Disney and bought their way into the league themselves. Its not like we are just joining a bandwagon with established culture. We create the culture of the team and that is special. What the fans do today will decide the future history of our team possibly hundeds of years from now, from chants and songs, to nicknames and traditions, its kind of glorious when you think about it.

 

[Classicist]

How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?

I first heard about it when my friends forwarded me some e-mails from NYCFC lists they'd signed up for. We were coming off the high of a trip to Brazil for the WC and wanted more soccer in our lives. I initially resisted when I knew MCFC were involved (I've been an Arsenal supporter since 2002, when my family moved to London) but finally relented. And I'm glad I did!

Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

I'd never been to a Red Bulls game. I got my soccer fix by following Arsenal remotely and never felt the urge to get into NYRB or MLS generally. I would joke that I was a dormant Cosmos fan, but never really expected the Cosmos to become a major team.

Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?

Negative. Had been to see Arsenal, Chelsea and various international matches. First MLS match, though.

Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?

Yes. Sort of. A bit like Andre Aciman's essay "Arbitrage," where he talks about the sensation of experiencing things as a future memory, a firming up of the present by imagining how it will all feel in retrospect. Not really - I just like having my name on the scarf and being able to claim I've been there all along, once the glory hunters come running in response to our inevitable success.

 

[june]

I am a Manchester city Fan here in the U.K. As far as we as City Fans are concerned we should all support one another globally. (3 Teams 1 City) We are all apart of City Franchise and that's all that matters. I have visited New York on numerous occasions and have relatives there. I will always support NYCFC along with MCFC and hopefully will get to see Melbourne FC via TV coverage too.

-As a UK Resident I didn't get the opportunity to watch Red Bull's first hand. But what is clear, I have never missed an NYCFC game via the TV or Internet in UK. I think David Villa is amazing and can't wait to watch Frankie Lampard when he finally joins you next season.

My only regret was not getting the opportunity to watch NYFC Live in person at their first game. However, I watched the match live on UK TV.

It feels really special to watch you guys from the beginning. I will support you every step of the way in the UK. I understand MCFC will be having a few friendly games in the US at the end of the season. I hope NYFC fans will support us as much as MCFC fans support you guys. After all, along with Melbourne FC we are one big family.

-

 

[june]

I am a Manchester city Fan here in the U.K. As far as we as City Fans are concerned we should all support one another globally. (3 Teams 1 City) We are all apart of City Franchise and that's all that matters. I have visited New York on numerous occasions and have relatives there. I will always support NYCFC along with MCFC and hopefully will get to see Melbourne FC via TV coverage too.

-As a UK Resident I didn't get the opportunity to watch Red Bull's first hand. But what is clear, I have never missed an NYCFC game via the TV or Internet in UK. I think David Villa is amazing and can't wait to watch Frankie Lampard when he finally joins you next season.

My only regret was not getting the opportunity to watch NYFC Live in person at their first game. However, I watched the match live on UK TV.

It feels really special to watch you guys from the beginning. I will support you every step of the way in the UK. I understand MCFC will be having a few friendly games in the US at the end of the season. I hope NYFC fans will support us as much as MCFC fans support you guys. After all, along with Melbourne FC we are one big family.

-

 

[Vaporizer]

Stacey T
How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
I was in the Steakhouse at Yankee Stadium and saw an ad on the TV . I was happy they weren't calling it the NYCSoccerC . If they had named it that, i wouldn't have put a deposit down that night.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
I didn't think we'd ever get a team in NYC. NO, i don't like to cross the river unless it's for the airport.
Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
No, i've been to a few matches at the stadium and i did watch on TV before NYCFC. I didn't watch MLS though, only Premier league.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
Yes, it does. I'm proud to be founding member , i hope we get more season ticket holders so the powers that be realize Football belongs in NYC .

 

[srcarter]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
I first heard about NYCFC, when I found out that Villa was going to be captaining an entirely new MLS franchise team. Villa has been my favorite player since I first started watching professional soccer (about 10-12 years ago now), and I was extremely excited to hear he was coming to play in the US. I thought it was going to be a great boost for the MLS in the way off increasing the talent level and attracting that higher level play and coaching as a result.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
I had never really watched or had any interest in watching the MLS before that. Also, I am not from NY so I didn't specifically feel any connection with the area. Although, all the involvement and information I now receive because of NYC makes me want to visit and experience the city even more than I did before.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
I have yet to see NYC live in person, but no I have watched many other soccer leagues live and have been to Barcelona FC games in person.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
I do really feel lucky to be able to witness the start and growth of an entire new franchise. I just hope people don't reject me based on the fact that my interest was originally drawn because of a single player, not the city itself.

 

[TommyM]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?

A "second New York club" was discussed from the start of the league. Sadly, it's been a long time coming.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

I was one of the founders of the MetroStars first supporters club, the Empire SC, in 1995. We were led to believe the eventual MetroStars stadium might be built in the city, or at least nearby. After a decade, with no stadium, the club was sold, given a new name, a new badge, new colors, and we were told they were starting from "year one." At that point, a number of us left, with the hope a new club would appear in New York.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
I lived for some time when I was much younger in France, the UK, and Ireland, and have been a supporter of a UK club for 25 years. But I'm a New Yorker, and while you can always be a "fan" of foreign clubs, as an American, it will never really be mine. We are building our own football culture.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?

It can also feel tiring. Having done this with the NY Centaurs in 1994 and then the MetroStars in 1995, I hate the feeling of always starting from nothing. But whatever criticisms I might have of NYCFC's ownership, they don't look likely to disappear any time soon. There's no sense of fragility, of things being done on the cheap, no sense that the team will struggle to attract fans, or attract press. That's more than I can say about the 2010 revival of the Cosmos, or even the Red Bulls.

 

[PD]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
I heard of this new franchise via the news, if I'm not mistaken roughly a year ago through the news. My initial reaction was of excitement/happiness! I've always thought that New York with such a high multicultural population that enjoys football would of pushed for a football team of their own!

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
I had been waiting for one in a sense that I wished for New York to get one. I never really thought they would anytime soon, but always hoped that they did. I never went to watch Red Bulls because it was out in Jersey and I personally don't think of them as the football team that represents NY

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
NYCFC was not my first taste of football. I've been put into a football environment all my life. I grew up watching it and playing it. I've had the opportunity to watch many teams play and have watched many cups and leagues in person.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
I originally wanted to do this with TFC but was too young to really have the opportunity to do it. So when i heard about NYCFC becoming a reality I was all in! Although I live outside of the U.S I try my best to support them. I've purchased season tickets although I'll only be able to fly down 2 times to watch them and I even made a last minute trip to attend the home opener. I can guarantee to be at every single game they play in Canadian soil.

 

[Dick Mac]

Dick M.

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?

I have been following MLS since returning to New York in 2002, after a 2-year stint working in London where I became an Arsenal supporter. Originally, this team was going to be owned by Fred Wilpon. I have been waiting for what was known as NY2 for many years. I heard about the Manchester City/New York Yankees deal when it was announced.

I was very happy about it for two reasons:

1. The first Premier League match I saw at Highbury, in October 2000, was Arsenal v Man City. That was a terrible year for the Citizens, and it was the match that made me a fan of the sport. I have always had a soft spot for Man City because they played in the first match I saw in London.
   
   
2. If there is any organization in New York City that can get things done, it’s the Yankees. It doesn’t matter what the Mayor or anyone else thinks: the Yankees get what the Yankees want. If the Yankees want a soccer-specific stadium, they are going to get one.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

No, I was not awaiting a team based in New York, because we already had one.

The New Jersey market is part of New York (Jets and Giants both play in Jersey, as do the Red Bulls). The Red Bulls are not a New Jersey team any more than the Jets and Giants. We've had a team in this market for 20 years.

I have been a season ticket holder at RBNY since 2002. Now I have season tickets for both clubs.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?

No. Thankfully!

As a boy I watched the Boston Beacons of the old NASL, at Fenway Park. It made no impression on me. Then I moved to London for 2 years and it all changed.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?

Sort of.

The best part of being here at the beginning is getting such great seats as a season ticket holder. If you buy-in the first year you get great seats!

"Special?"

I mean, this is America. This is MLS. It’s a franchise: socialism for the rich. It’s hard to be emotionally attached to a franchise. NYCFC, RBNY, McDonald’s, Burger King, Knicks, Nets. They are all franchises.

It’s not like football in the rest of the world. It's completely inorganic, pre-packaged, pre-marketed, and controlled in a very sterile manner. It's the nature of franchising.

That said, it’s very exciting to have a second team. We’ll get a derby twice a year (or more)! I am thrilled to have a second NYC team. In ten years, let’s have three!

 

[beaucoup_movement]

How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?

My initial reaction when NYCFC was announced was that it was really bad news for the Cosmos, and potentially bad news for Red Bulls. For the Cosmos I think it was/will prove to be a fatal blow. I know that group wasn't necessarily interested in joining MLS, but having a NYC-based MLS team with better branding than Red Bulls really eliminated a lot of the Cosmos appeal. For Red Bulls I think it could go either way - NYCFC provides competition in the market. Maybe interest in soccer generally increases, thus helping the Red Bulls. Maybe there's just limited demand in the market and NYCFC is siphoning off people who otherwise could have been Red Bulls fans. It's hard to say this early.

Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

Yes I was previously waiting for a team in NYC. I was interested in having other local options. That initially attracted me to the Cosmos. I also went to plenty of Red Bulls games since Red Bull Arena opened and generally enjoyed the experience. They have a great stadium and Thierry Henry was fun to watch.

Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?

No. First live soccer was World Cup 1994. Since that time I've attended various MLS games, Cosmos at Hoftstra University, European club summer friendlies all over the place.

Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?

I think it's very interesting to watch a club launch up close. NYCFC has a lot of potential, the club could become something great and could help move MLS to the next level. Right now it's an ongoing experiment, and at times it's very bizarre. I think it's the most compelling story in New York sports by a long shot.

 

[TabascoDiva]

CB
1- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?

It was during the Brazil 2014 World Cup, while eagerly watching the day’s result of the WC, on the sports section news on Univision, when it was announced the creation of a long awaited fútbol club in NYC with Claudio Reyna at the helm. The most exciting news to me was in a partnership agreement with Yankee Stadium it would be playing its home game in the Bronx. My ears perked up and my excitement was greater that it would be called New York City Football Club. I just loved the fact that it would not be called “Soccer Club”

2- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

Yes, I drove a few times to NJ while it was called Metro stars and they played in The Meadowlands. I still have a shirt when Johnnie Walker was the goalie. When they became Red Bulls I was unable to attend at the Harrison Stadium since I had an accident and I ended in a wheelchair. I explored public transportation, but it would take me all day long to make the trip that eventually I lost interest in the team and when the name change came it was a death knell.

3- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?

No, I was born in South America. Even after immigrating to the USA, my dad, brothers and sister, were fans of the NY Cosmos. In my childhood I hated the WC but it was so much fun the whole family watching the WC, that I just love fútbol now.

4- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?

Definitely yes!
As part of promotions, it has given season tickets holders access to special events, like to meet the players. I had the opportunity to take a picture with David, It has been like being chosen to be the Good Godmother and seeing the child grow until now we see the team play and be able to tell the next generation I watched Captain David Villa score the First home goal for NYC Football Club in the Bronx nonetheless.

 

[Juano]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?

I heard about NYCFC when it was first announced. I don't think the team even had a name. The report was that the New York Yankees and Manchester City wanted to bring an MLS team to NYC. And I was sold. I love NYC, I Love Football, it was a no brainer.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?

Yes. There was a rumor a few years back that the new Cosmos would join the MLS and play in Queens. Even hearing a rumor that David Beckham would be part of the team. As we know that never happened. I never cared for the Red Bulls. It's always been a Jersey team to me. I'm from the Bronx, Red Bulls doesn't have any NYC roots. They might as well be the Milwaukee Red Bulls. So no, never seen the Redbulls.


- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?

No. My family is from Ecuador, and when I was a kid, I would go there during my summer vacations. And I would go to "El Estadio" and root for my cousin's favorite team, Barcelona Sporting Club of Guayaquil. I also saw a qualifier between Ecuador vs Colombia in the early 90's. Saw "El Pibe" Carlos Valderrama and Rene Higuita play live!

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?

It definitely is special for me. NYCFC will be as big of a team as the Yankees, Lakers, or Cowboys. And to say I was there from the very beginning is pretty awesome!

JUAN B.

 

[Michael. Mellamphy]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
I remember the rumblings a few years ago about The Cosmos making a return to top flight football here in New York. I was genuinely excited that a team may compete here within the 5 boroughs in Major League Soccer. When that didn't materialize it was a bit of a disappointment. But once there was mention of The Yankees and The City Group getting together to back a team here I was on board. I'm a Liverpool fan but always have had great respect for Manchester City especially the way their fans stuck with them in the late nineties when they were going through some rough patches in the second and third divisions. I figure now they're on top with loadsa money if they want to spend some of it here promoting The beautiful game and Their Brand So be it. That's what this City is all about.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
Yes. I love New York City. It's my home. I've been living here since 2000. And I do like baseball football hockey and basketball, but I really missed going to Football matches. It's a different buzz. I went to quite a few Metrostars/Red Bull games over the years both at The Meadowlands and at Their stadium in Harrison. But the atmosphere just felt a bit vacant. Plus it was very apparent that they were New Jersey's team. Access from NYC to the stadium hasn't improved. Plus being from Ireland I've found it hard to cheer on Thierry Henry since 2009 in Paris and his blatant cheating that was a part of us missing out on the World Cup Finals. Great talent though.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
No. I was born in Dublin and raised in Cork in Ireland. So footballs been my religion since an early age. The annual trip across The Irish Sea to watch Liverpool in the eighties was like Christmas, Birthdays and summer holidays all coming at once. I was also a regular at Ireland internationals back when Jackie Charlton had us beating the best in the World as well as England in Stutgart in 88 Cork City in the league of Ireland were my local team growing up. I used to go watch them train while mitching from school. As an adult now I still travel to Anfield at least once a year and whenever Liverpool or Ireland come to the states I try to make every match. I made it to Germany for the 2006 finals and also to Soweto and Joburg for the finals in 2010.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
Absolutely. Theres a real sense of excitement surrounding this team and the NYCFC community in general. Theres a great sense of comaraderie amongst the majority of supporters. I've already travelled to preseason games as well as away games in Orlando and Colorado and met some really great people who all share a love of the game. I've also met up with such great people here for the home games and the passion is genuine. Both for NYCFC and for our sport in general. MLS is a friendly league and although we are new we are welcomed and are also welcoming. I think with social media being what it is now and soccer being such a young persons sport in this country the addition of NYCFC to the footballing landscape at this time is just perfect. It's quite a thrill to be part of a football club where we aren't resting on our history but instead creating some.

Michael M.

 

[Perky]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
Back in 2013 when Manchester City and the Yankees made the official announcement. At first I thought it was a publicity stunt but I enjoyed watching it grow with other NYC fans.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
Wasn't really waiting for one. I thought the Redbulls were as good as it was going to get for us; with Giants and Jets based outside the city I'd accepted the same deal with the soccer team.
I went to watch the Redbulls a couple of times but my friends didnt really like to travel that much for soccer and didn't fancy it on my own.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
No - I live in England 6 months a year so was raised on it. I love sampling the different match days in each country during the same season; they're totally different.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
Not as much as you'd think. To me a club is a bit like a family and I'm enjoying meeting like-minded fans from New York to have a beer and talk football with. This would be the same regardless of the clubs age.
Bits of it are special to me; like having a team within the city, but being around from its conception isn't a particular highlight in my mind.

Rob P

 

[Victors87]

Victor S.,

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise?
I heard of NYCFC through a rumor at pick up soccer game in Riverside Park. When I heard of the rumor I thought the guy was confused and probably mixed something with the Cosmos, but as the rumor got traction I felt like I was back in middle school getting exited about my first Pokemon Card Set. (It was a huge deal for me)

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
I have been waiting for a team based in New York since I was kid, I needed a place close by where I can go myself by Metrocard. NJ seemed like another country for me, so foreign and I was afraid I would get lost and never get back home (as my parents barely accepted collect calls, and I would use my quarters for gumball machines/or ones with toys). The Metrostars were a great start, but they were in New Jersey. My family didn't have/own a car, and my parents worked all the time to be able to take me all the way to NJ for a game. I did go twice to a Red Bulls game, once as young boy to see the Metrostars vs. NE Revolution and then again when Beckham was in LA Galaxy and they came for his first game against the Red Bull. And that was about it.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
NYCFC was not my first taste of live football. When I was younger I had an uncle who really got involved in soccer with my cousins, so as part of both of them playing they would get exhibit tickets to some Women's Soccer games. The first game I attended by myself, where I bought tickets was when I was in Sweden and flew to Italy during my Europe Adventure. (Study Abroad -backpack through Europe). I saw a game between Genoa vs. Juventus. It was amazing! The crowd the passion, the chants. I was staying in Genoa with some family, but again all working so I used my dictionary and bought a ticket.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them?
It feels awesome to be part of a club from the beginning. I am part of history!, but it might sound cheesy, but I look back and think/hope my children/grand kids/great grand kids/etc etc. say.....How cool! Granda pa pa pa Victor was part of it since the beginning for a team in NYC, he was there before NYC FC won the supporters shield, mls cup, Champion League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and the Libertadores (hopefully by then MLS might get a spot).

Victor S.

 

[JLa]

- How did you first hear about NYCFC, and when? What was your initial reaction when you heard of the plans for this specific franchise? My boyfriend and I love soccer, we both used to play in high school and now that we live together is pretty much all we watch during the weekend... We mostly watch Spain and England but we really want it to have a home team for a long time now that we both live in NJ... We decide that NYCFC would be the perfect fit for both of us and we star following the news about NY city having a new team since the beginning.

- Had you previously been awaiting a team based in New York? Did you ever go to Jersey to watch Red Bulls?
Never Red Bulls, I used to be Galaxy years back when I used to live in LA and he was DC United when he used to live in MD.

- Were NYCFC your first taste of live football?
No, We had watch Real Madrid, and Barcelona as well, and many other teams in the past, we had being in many other games.

- Does it feel special to be part of a club from the very beginning, creating memories instead of reliving them
More than Special for me is UNFORGETABLE......
On the first game @ YANKEE Stadium he PROPOSED RIGHT AFTER THE GAME END IT!!!! we had just crossed the street and he went down on his knees, I have it all in a video all fans were walking and singing "NYC" "NYC" NYC' It was awesome!!!!!!!
He try to contacted you to at least get us on the Big screen but it was impossible =(

Congratulations!