Youth Ready for Union First Kick

By Andy Jasner, MLSPhilly.com

As the countdown continues for the debut of Major League Soccer in Chester, the anticipation also builds for young kids in the Delaware Valley and beyond.

The excitement is evident. The eagerness is shown on their bubbly faces.

Just look at them. Just talk to them.

It’s all Union all the time.

“I can’t wait for MLS to start,” said 10-year-old Jimmy Malone, who was kicking a soccer ball with his cousin, John, on a recent day at Kirkwood Soccer Club in Delaware. “I watch soccer all the time. I love to play soccer. I’m excited for MLS.”

So are thousands of other people who have secured season tickets for Philadelphia Union’s inaugural season in 2010. With the 18,500-seat stadium under construction along the historic Delaware waterfront, fans have ever more to look forward to with each passing day.

New team. New stadium. New excitement.

“I’m so pumped for the team to start playing,” said Joanne Tershon, 14, of Exton. “I’ve been playing soccer in youth leagues since I was a little girl. I’m totally a soccer fan. I’m really pumped to go to Union games with my friends.”

This beautiful sport, which is nearly ready to kick off on a top-flight professional level locally, has caught the attention of the entire area. At the recently held CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal matchups at Lincoln Financial Field, the parking lots were filled with young fans.

Soccer balls were flying all through the parking lots, in between the grills and effervescent tailgate parties.

“I went to those Gold Cup games and it was like heaven for me,” said Rhonda Lovelace of South Philadelphia. “I’m 21 now, and I’ve loved soccer since I was old enough to kick a ball. I’ve loved it ever since. I’m a huge fan of Landon Donovan. I’m so anxious to hear who the Union will sign for their first team.”

All of these details will be finalized over the next seven months. The 2010 season will arrive incredibly quickly.

It can’t come quick enough for these rabid young fans.

“I’m ready for professional soccer,” said 11-year-old Tyler Walkerton of Fishtown. “It’s so cool. I know me and my friends are psyched.”

Along with everyone else. Bring on First Kick!

This story originally appeared Aug. 7 at the official site of Philadelphia’s brand new Major League Soccer team, philadelphiaunion.com. For more features and information related to the Philadelphia Union, visit philadelphiaunion.com.