Welcome to Hollywood!

Most of my loyal readers don't care about sports. And the ones that do don't care much for soccer. But I can NOT contain my excitement about the news that David Beckham signed a 5-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He and his wife Victoria along with their 3 kids are moving in about 6 months. This is truly incredible news on so many levels. First of all, as many people are saying, Beckham is the only person who can bring US Soccer to a level similar of the other major US sport leagues. In terms of revenue, attendance, buzz, respect, endorsements, celebrity culture, and all the other obvious categories soccer has been the forgotten stepchild when compared to football, baseball, basketball, etc. The US consumer market has just not been interested. Which has always been fascinating to me in light of two important facts. 1. Soccer (or Football) is the number one sport in the rest of the world. and 2. Everyone I know who played some sort of organized sports as a child played AYSO soccer. And I distinctly remember having a conversation -although I am not sure how long ago ( 2 years maybe?) or who with (my cousin? a blind date with a sports producer?) about those two facts and the disconnect they have with the reality of US sports. And how if Soccer was going to succeed that they would have to get Beckham to come and play. And HERE HE IS!!!!!!!!! The news is even more thrilling to me when you take into account a number of other personal factors like:

A. I grew up in Los Angeles
B. I have seen the L.A. Galaxy play
C. A very good friend used to work for the team.
D. I love the SPICE GIRLS -especially circa 1997 and first 1/2 1998
E. I am an anglofile

...Can't wait to see what Posh and Becks to the US!