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Walking out with kids...
Topic Started: Jun 14 2011, 01:03 AM (1,442 Views)
alabastergremlin
Advanced Member
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I've never really put much thought into it until recently but what is the deal with the kids?

Every MLS game I see the teams walk out holding hands with kids. One kid for each player.


I don't recall if I've seen that in other leagues or even on the national team level.

But what is that about and when did it start?

Maybe it is just me but it seems a bit strange. I understand if it was a special occasion or a once and a while thing but this is every MLS game.

Why?
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ursus arctos
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It's another way to curry favor with sponsors, and has become just about de rigeur in the Premier League and Champions' League.

It's a nice experience for the kids, but I wish the selection process wasn't so commercial.
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alabastergremlin
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I don't know why but it looks a bit creepy at times.

I watched the Sporting KC/Chicago Fire game on demand through ESPN3. During the shot of the players entering the field you could see the kids standing there. None of the players were talking to the kids except in one case. One of the "kids" appeared to be a young girl about 13-15 years old. No less than 4 of the players were turned around talking to her and cutting up with her. For all I know she is the sister of a player and they all know her or it could be any number of reasons for them to be talking to her. But it looked odd on camera.

And then I started to feel the whole thing is just a little strange at times.
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carioca
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They do this in a lot of leagues and at the national team level around the world too. It is a strange ritual to me too but I guess is suppose to show the links between football and childhood dreams. I do not know how else to explain it.
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Johnbuildr
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Pediphilia? Sorry, but it is a bit odd or maybe better put, pointless.

I always supposed it was to help get and keep the youth element interested in soccer from an early age, but I seriously doubt that it serves any real purpose as far as actually effecting such a goal.
Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum



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Dr. Z
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I always thought those kids the players walk out with at the start are the ball boys/girls for the game. Is that not true?
Poniendo el pecho a las balas!
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autogol
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Dr. Z,Jun 16 2011
06:41 PM
I always thought those kids the players walk out with at the start are the ball boys/girls for the game. Is that not true?

I always thought that too Dr. Z but watching a recent game, i can't even remember which, the players walked on to the field with some very young children while the ball retrievers were older.

My guess is it is somehow related to FIFA's goodwill campaign by showing professionals walking on to the field with young children, showing the kids they too can one day live their dream. [/end of sentimental post]
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