On Sunday evening, as the FIFA World Cup Final game between Spain and Argentina got underway, about 50 soccer fans wearing soccer jerseys packed into the Riptide Bar, cheering for their teams and sipping pints of Guinness.
Throughout the close game, the packed bar was filled with cheers and groans from the excited fans. The Marblehead Football Club watch party also served as a fundraiser to help North Shore Youth Soccer players access competitive soccer opportunities.
The event was organized by Marblehead FC, a men’s soccer club made up of local players who compete in pickup matches across Massachusetts. The club recently expanded its mission beyond adult competition by also becoming a charitable organization focused on supporting young athletes.
“We’re raising money for youth players to give them access to more advanced coaching and team possibilities,” said Marblehead FC Treasurer Trip Frank.
The funds raised from donations made during Sunday’s watch party will go towards funding scholarships for young players across the North Shore to join competitive teams, who might otherwise not be able to afford club soccer.
The watch party drew members of the local Marblehead soccer community of all ages to watch the game, along with many who just wanted to enjoy the championship match while supporting a local cause.
“The Riptide was a great partner, and I thought we had a great group of folks there, folks from the immediate soccer community, but also just some others,” said Frank. “So, I definitely think we got the word out to folks about what we’re trying to do. I thought the game was great and the vibe was good. Everybody was having a nice time.”
Frank, who was cheering for Spain, got to celebrate alongside much of the crowd as Spain scored the winning goal in extra time. The room, filled largely with Spain supporters, erupted with cheers when the ball flew past the goalkeeper and into the net, giving Spain a 1-0 lead.
“Spain was controlling the entire game,” said Frank. “And then they went a man up because there was a red card on Argentina, so eventually, they were able to break Argentina down.”
For Marblehead FC, however, the final score was only a small part of the day’s success. With more than $1,000 raised and about 50 supporters attending, the event is just the start of the club’s mission to make soccer more accessible for kids around the North Shore and show how a shared love of the game can have a big impact long after the final whistle.
Cup with the game’s lone goal in extra time Sunday evening. CURRENT PHOTO/GREY COLLINS
