Inuits and the Aurora Soccer Spirits

Northern lights, walrus skulls, and heavenly soccer matches. This week, we look at the Inuit legend that ties our beautiful game to the mystical Aurora Borealis. It seemed appropriate after this weekend’s solar storm. Plus, we highlight the “Original Soccer Mom,” visit a budding street cup in New Hampshire, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 💪 The Original Soccer Mom

• ⛰️ Live Free or Die

• 🌈 Inuits and the Aurora Soccer Spirits

• 🃏 New Orleans Jesters Kit Drop

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The Original Soccer Mom

Thirty years ago this week, Joy Fawcett gave birth to the first of three kids she would have during her incredible career. Aside from all the trophies she earned on the pitch, she blazed the trail for USWNT moms to come.

Just eight weeks after giving birth to her first child, Fawcett was already back on the pitch with the USWNT. It was unheard of at the time.

Ultimately, she showed it was possible to both have a wonderful family and a stellar career. Her 241 international appearances, two Women's World Cup championships, and two Olympic gold medals prove it. The best part is she got to share it with her kids, and to this day, she proudly wears the title of “Original Soccer Mom.”

STREETS
Live Free or Die

Imagine the Nike 2002 cage commercial, but a little bit more competitive. That’s how our good friend Luke described this street soccer tournament in the heart of New Hampshire.

A solid 200 people showed up to the inaugural Beech Street Cup this weekend at a small 5v5 court in Manchester. Local legends like 2019 MLS First Round Draft Pick Siad Haji were present, and young up-and-coming players got to showcase their skills, too.

It’s all part of the latest initiative by former Austin FC player and Concord, NH native Chris Pinkham, who’s eager to build a soccer community that unites and elevates New Hampshire’s young, rising talents. The kick-off was a resounding success.

COVER STORY
Inuits and the Aurora Soccer Spirits

The Northern Lights gave us quite a show this past weekend, and maybe we have Inuit ball players to thank.

According to ancient Inuit legends, the movement of the lights is caused by spirits playing a type of soccer game, with walrus skulls serving as the ball. For Nunivak Islanders in Alaska, it’s the other way around — walruses playing soccer with human skulls. Gotta respect the hustle.

The first explorer to document these legends was Knud Rasmussen, who wrote that in Inuit culture, the dead go to a Heaven called “Land of Day.” There, they are “constantly playing ball,” laughing and singing as they kick the skull of a walrus with their fellow spirits.

According to Rasmussen’s account of the legends, “It is this ball game of the departed souls that appears as the aurora borealis.” Sometimes, the aurora is accompanied by whistles and crackling, which are allegedly made by the spirits as they play and “run across the frost-hardened snow of the heavens.”

Fittingly, the Inuit word for the Northern Lights is aksarnirq, which translates to “ball player” in English.

If this weekend’s lights are any indication, the spirits had themselves the mother of all pickup sessions up there.

FASHION
New Orleans Jesters Kit Drop

As you well know, the first documented soccer game in the US took place in New Orleans in 1859. Fast-forward 165 years, and we had the privilege of shooting the 2024 NOLA Jesters x Admiral kits down in the Crescent City.

At its heart, the collection pays homage to Mardi Gras, the wrought iron balconies of the French Quarter, and the soulful rhythms of Jazz — but it also reminds us that soccer is just as vital to the city as all those famous elements.

It’s something we witnessed firsthand with every fan, owner, and player we spoke with, and it’s clear the birthplace of soccer in America is in good hands. You can learn more about the jerseys and see more of our shots here. 

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Jesse Marsch was announced as the new Canada head coach last night. Berhalter and Marsch have been beefing all year, and this should kick things up a notch. Let us know who you think will perform better in Copa America, and we’ll highlight your best responses next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Space Dogs: They may look like an abomination, but these intergalactic hotdogs were the secret to New Mexico’s win over the weekend. We need a review from those who tried them.

Knicks Footy: Basketball is thriving once again in the Big Apple. Curiously, we recently learned that the Knicks’ Donte DiVincenzo was recruited for soccer back in high school. He should’ve stuck it out.

Christian Harlow: It was a nice touch to see Serie A players wear their mother’s maiden names on the back of their jerseys. Of course, our very own Captain America scored a brace wearing that kit, bringing his total goal tally to 15. The perfect Mother’s Day gift. 

A Super Day: The Minnesota Super Cup kicked off in style this past weekend, and Morgen Markgraf was there to capture the event in all its glory. It’s not often you see a competition bring teams from so many leagues together.

Moog: A collaboration for the ages. You’d never expect the inventor of the first commercial synthesizer to have anything to do with a USL2 team. But you’d be wrong. 

GRASSROOTS
#1 in Our Hearts

It was a big week for “lower league” soccer in our country. How can you not love the absolute chaos going on at the moment?

This weekend, Rhode Island did its best Isla Nublar impression when they had a giant T-Rex show up at their stadium. It’s miles weirder than what you’re probably imagining.

Also, the trend of hilarious banners aimed at Don Garber continued with a brilliant piece of art in New Mexico. Someone please get us the number of whoever made that one.

And finally, we had comedian Jon Glaser shouting out Detroit City FC on Jimmy Fallon. The best part was how it ignited some good old Twitter discourse between MLS and USL heads.

READING
The Forty-One Life

Our friends at Forty-One Mag are starting their newsletter, and we can’t wait to see what they’ve got up their sleeves.

For years, they’ve been at the forefront of highlighting soccer lifestyle & culture in the CONCACAF region, and now you can subscribe to keep up with all their incredible work. We highly, highly recommend it.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you whether MLS should expand beyond 30 teams. Here are some of your best answers:

• “No, not unless they plan to create an MLS 2. In that case, they could do 40 teams: MLS with 20 and MLS 2 with another 20. Although we already have USL Championship as a second division so no need for any of that.” - Dario

• “Yes, though, it should not invade USL or other league markets unless they are promoting the existing team to MLS.” - S

• “No. If they keep the same structure it should not go past 30. But if they decide to add pro/rel, then they should jump to 40 and split it in 2 from there.” - Dan

• “Yes… but not beyond 32 without multiple divisions and promotion/relegation.” - Scott

In the poll, the “No” answer narrowly won with 58% of the vote. It’s one of the closest polls we’ve ever had, and maybe this week’s will be just as divisive.

UP NEXT
Nearly There

Summer’s almost here, and we can’t wait to see what it has in store. We’re already shuffling a few ideas around, but feel free to reach out if there’s anything you’d like us to focus on in particular. We’d love to hear from you.

Also, we wanted to thank everyone for the support on the T-shirts so far! We’re sold out in XLs, but we’ve got 2 smalls left, and a few Ms and Ls still in stock. Get yours here if you haven’t yet.

Light the Way

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo