An Experiment In Soccer Culture
Filed under: Bumpy Pitch, Culture, Lifestyle
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!
Bumpy Pitch and The Original Winger are both accomplishing, if not exceeding, your stated goals. Both “brands” have enhanced my views of soccer, fashion and a variety of cultures. I’ve shopped for Bumpy Pitch in Ireland and Pasadena, worn my Brooklyn Wanderers shirt while walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, and watched USA play Brasil with people I’ve met on The Original Winger.
Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Keep up the good work. I love what you guys at BP and TOW bring to the game. Soccer is a game with more dimensions then any other sport and has this unifying, globalizing effect that brings people together beyond what happens on the pitch.
respect is due to the bp/tow staff for keeping this operation up and running. well done lads.
Ya’ll are absolute class. I have three shirts already and as long as ya’ll continue doing your thing I’ll continue to buy more and support BP.
I am extremely thankful for what you guys do, and I have you back 100%. I only got one shirt, but trust me I will buy more, and I want to purchase that hoody soon. You guys keep it up, and I know the sky is the limit for your brand, and for our awesome sport.
I know its not the case with you California type but in other parts of the country it is starting to feel more like fall, so hurry up with that hoodie so I can rep it all winter long in St. Louis
You guys are doing a fantastic job. Up here in Northern CA, I’ve gotten all kind of praise for my BPFC Crest shirt and have even gotten many of my friends to embrace the lifestyle aspect of the beautiful game (along with an education in the history of American Soccer).
Keep doing what you’re doing! Truly inspirational.
(btw: what’s this about pasadena?? I’m from Arcadia and I didn’t know there was BP nearby!)
That’s the reason why we at The LA Riot Squad chose it’s name and logo.
I wear my LARS gear and people always ask what it is, I tell them and they are always surprised it’s not some generic cookie cutter soccer mom design.
Keep it up yo, I know where you are coming from and where you plan on going.
Suggestion,track jackets, golf hats.
it’s just nice having a forum to mingle with like minded folks that love the game (and occassionally make fun of the throwball).
I love this site. It has a little bit of everything all wrapped up in one. I make sure I check it out as often as a I can. Ignoring what people say when starting your own venture is tough. It;s easy to cave into the pressure. But at the end of the day it’s your idea and your road. Take it where it leads you. As to the BP shirts, they are a class above class. I currently sport the Bethlehem Steel and Fall River Marksmen shirts. What’s cool is that I work for the Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, NY. I have the history behind the shirts right in front of me everyday.
Don’t listen to the haters. The establishment doesn’t always know, just ask Microsoft about a new search technology in 1999. You guys make my favorite, most comfortable tee-shirts. KEEP IT UP!
You guys are awesome. I regularly visit the site and ordered my first shirt earlier this week. I don’t know if it will be a first, but I’ll be sporting it in The Azores, Portugal proudly, spreading the visibility of our US soccer culture. I’ll send some pics soon.
Love this site, come here 4-5 times a day easy. And couldnt agree with Gunner more, track jackets with a little soccer style is necessary. You look at Europe and they have soccer inspired street wear of all kinds. That’s where you need to go next. That’s what I want to buy but can’t get.
speaking of watching games with folks from here. I still cant find anyone to go to the game here in Salt Lake with. Does anyone have a ticket for a fellow fan to come and hang out and make noise and cheer on the US?
We still need a Salt Lake City tshirt, I am going to keep bitching tell we get one… Sam if ya need someone from SLC to watch the game hit me up
Justin, I was just about to buy a ticket and just go by myself. Are you going to be there?
“…we have all stuck with it and shunned the haters”. That just about sums it up. I love what you guys do.
Suggestion… bucket hats… they’re money.
@ Adam of berkeleysportsblog
Sorry, I said Pasadena, but I meant Studio City - Lemonrags - worth going to the valley for.
Keep doing what you’re doing. I rep my BP shirts here in Michigan… always get positive comments when i’m at school at UofMich… and have also had people come up to me while I was interning at Nike about these shirts.. so when it gets that far, I think you guys are doing the right thing.
shirts are dope, but they are just too much $.
i’ve wanted to cop one for a while but i simply can’t justify spending $40 for a t-shirt.
You KNOW I love y’all like a stripper loves $20 bills.
Your brother from another mother,
SF
Impressive. Keep up with the experiment. That’s what life is all about. After all, anybody can do the average thing. But who wants to be average?
Love the TOW and I probably come here at least 2-3 times a day since I found out about it! I got my 1st BP shirt, Marksmen, a while back and it is my favorite shirt! I will be getting the Chicago shirt soon!
It’s inspiring to see a business have the guts and confidence to do their own thing and make it successful despite what everyone else says!
Congrats to yall and all the best to where the future takes BP!! I look forward to reading about it and wearing it along the way!
Damn, we got peeps from the valley and Pasadena? Down. I personally don’t comment as often as I should, but follow you on Twitter nonetheless. Keep it up mate.
its been great being a part of what you guys do. this year will be big and next year will be massive! keep it up, boys. you’re living the dream.
justin, how do i get a hold of you?
Thanks for all the words of support and encouragement. Hearing all of this confirms that the culture and lifestyle of soccer is stronger than ever before, and that everything we are doing is impossible to do without folks like you standing at the forefront with us. There are lots of amazing things we have planned for the future, and we will deliver on them as promised. Thanks again for all the support!