Here are some hi-lights:
* The Borough Boys have been able to get in contact with New York soccer reporters and the Mets organization about bringing soccer to NYC.
* Due to the holidays, everything is being placed on hold until 2008.
* 2008 promises to be a pivotal year for a NYC FC and the Borough Boys. Plans include mass outreach to potential New York supporters, attending various sporting events, and getting the Borough Boys website up and running.

The two big events mentioned for 2008 are traveling to the Meadowlands for a Red Bulls game and participating in the Mets’ Soccer Night. Last year’s Soccer Night was August 11th and the Brooklyn Cyclones had a Soccer Night the next day. Nice way for Fred Wilpon to gauge the market for a local soccer franchise.

Exciting stuff if you are an NYC FC supporter. Last time I asked Nick, the Borough Boys were around 50 strong, but it is not too late to become active. Contact QueensNick at nicklaveglia@boroughboysnyc.com or the Borough Boys MySpace.

Continue your incredible work Nick and Paul (Southpaw)!

Ed, my brother, and I went out last night with no expectations outside of meeting other rabid supporters of a NYC FC. Ed likes the idea of a soccer team in Queens, but has not participated in any way outside of listening to me yammer about this blog.

After the Borough Boys meet-up at Nevada Smith’s, my old college hang-out and NYC’s premiere soccer bar, he told me the supporter group had one more devoted member. Talk about first impressions…

Nevada’s was packed with British ex-pat’s cheering for their own Ricky Hatton, who lost to “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather Jr. in last night’s PPV. Due to the $20 cover charge, some Borough Boys were not able to make the get-together. I am sure I’ll see you at the next meet-up in January.

I have to say Borough Boys architects, QueensNick (Nick) and Southpaw (Paul) are two crazy New Yorkers. As if spearheading the charge for a New York City FC was not lunacy enough, they also led the pro-American chants for Mayweather while surrounded by over a hundred Englishmen.

Emotions ran high, but it was all in good fun. The Borough Boys presence was definitely felt throughout Nevada’s.

It was not all fun and games. The Borough Boys did spread the word about a NYC FC and the response was positive. It seems that Big Apple soccer fans of all stripes and colors want to see professional soccer in New York City. Hear that Mr. Wilpon?

As the alcohol flowed, so did the ideas. Borough Boys are looking to take their operation to the next level after the holidays. I particularly liked the suggestion of forming a Borough Boys FC to participate in casual co-ed leagues, such as the ones found at ZogSports.

As for the big announcement of the night, QueensNick did not let me down. I can not give out specifics because it is still early, but let’s just say that the Borough Boys has caught the attention of the New York media and soccer elite. Do not be surprised if you start seeing NYC FC coverage in major news outlets.

I did not forget my camera and took some pictures. It was too packed to take a group photo, but I think you get a feel for the night’s atmosphere. Click on READ MORE to see the photos.

Ed and I will see the B-Boys in the new year!

(more…)