“Years have gone by and I’ve finally learned to accept myself for who I am: a beggar for good soccer. I go about the world, hand outstretched, and in the stadiums I plead: “A pretty move, for the love of God.” – Eduardo Galeano, Soccer In Sun and Shadow
“I fell in love with football as I was later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving no thought to the pain or disruption it would bring with it.” – Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch
Soccer inspires in us a devotion almost impossible to explain. But some writers, like Galeano and Hornby, have given us glimpses of greater understanding on how and why the Global Game ensnares its prey. On the evening of September 9th at Cleo’s in Chicago, XI will be celebrating great soccer literature and launching its own small contribution to exploring soccer’s pathways in North America with the launch of issue one of the quarterly, “Coming to America.” XI founder and editor (and former Section 8 Chicago Chairman) Tom Dunmore will be on-hand to discuss the contents of the inaugural release.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a soccer book they love, and leave it to be shared with another who can then discover new stories about the beautiful game – then pick up a book to take home yourself. But if you don’t have an extensive library, just come along and pick-up something new to read – issue one of XI will be available for $15, which includes eleven original stories of its own about the game in North America, from Johan Cruyff’s NASL adventure to Gil Scott-Heron’s unexpected connection to soccer in the Midwest.
The event will be held in conjunction with Section 8 Chicago, the Independent Supporters’ Association for the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, whose own devotion to supporting soccer in Chicago would impress a Hornby or Galeano. Five dollars of all proceeds from sales of issue one at the event will be donated to Section 8 Chicago’s annual contribution to the Chicago Fire Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club.
There is no cover charge for the event, and all attendees who RSVP will receive a special gift pack from XI Quarterly and Section 8 Chicago. In addition, you can reserve a copy of the quarterly to pick-up at the event via the Section 8 Chicago Ticketleap site. RSVP and reserve your copy of the first issue of XI here.
What: Launch Party for Issue One “Coming to America”
+ Soccer Literature Swap
Where: Cleo’s Bar & Grill, 1935 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago IL
When: Thursday September 6th, 7-9pm.
Specials: $5 12″ pizza, $3 Estrella drafts