Bumpy Pitch and subsequently The Original Winger has always been an experiment. One that we are committed to, but an experiment nonetheless. We started all of this because we believed that there was a deep connection to the sport that transcended what took place on the field. That there was a vibrant, and very real culture and lifestyle that the sport represented. It might have been under served, but we felt it existed and we wanted to be the first to tap into it.  We’ve taken our knocks from people along the way. Asking why we didn’t offer gear that could be worn on the field, why we didn’t make soccer balls, jerseys, etc…you name it, we have been questioned about it. We were told that if we didn’t produce “real” soccer items, that we were on our own.

The criticism from soccer retailers and die hards was hard to deal with. Knowing that the powers that be were not interested in the lifestyle and culture sides of the sport weighed heavy on us, but there are times when you can’t listen to what everyone else has to say. So we stayed the course, and did things our way.  But the culture is alive and vibrant, and all of you that visit this site, share your thoughts, cop a shirt, etc, show that the soccer culture is not only alive but growing. Sometimes the doubters weigh heavily, but we technically need them.

Funny thing is that these same folks are starting to reverse their stance and come around. They realize that the culture is strong, that a genuine lifestyle exists and they want a piece of it. And the reason why is that folks like you believe in it and represent it on the reg.

So I want to thank all of you. For being open minded and realizing that we can help build the sport in a slightly different, but equally as important manner. The future of the sport looks good in the ole USofA, and the reason why is because we have all stuck with it and shunned the haters. So here’s to the future. It will look very different than it was when we were all coming up. But that’s the best part. We all have the ability to effect what the sport will look like in the US for years to come. That was the original idea behind this “experiment” and we’re excited to see how it all plays out. And we’re very thankful and appreciative for all of your support and involvement along the way. Here’s to the future!