A chance encounter on a boat trip turned into an unforgettable experience for Evan Johnston, a 21-year-old student from Arizona who became an unlikely Southend United fan.
The Accidental Fan: How an Arizona student Became a Southend United Supporter
A Chance Encounter
A 21-year-old student from Arizona, ‘Evan Johnston’ , had a blast after inadvertently joining a boat trip chartered by 150 Southend United supporters before their National League game at Sutton United. Initially planning to board a river cruise boat for the Hop-On-Hop-Off tour, Evan slipped onto the wrong boat without being detected.
A Newfound Passion
Despite his initial reservations, ‘I had so much fun I plan to go to another Southend game next weekend and hopefully they can pull out the win,’ he said. He had never followed football before, but found himself rooting for Southend United after joining the boat trip.
Southend United is a professional football club based in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
The club was founded in 1900 and has been playing at Roots Hall since 1955.
Southend United has a long history of competing in the English football league system, with their highest finish being fourth in the Second Division in the 1963-64 season.
The club has also had success in cup competitions, reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on three occasions.
Behind-the-Scenes Access
A Southend spokesperson has invited ‘Evan’ to Roots Hall for their upcoming game against Solihull Moors on Saturday, offering him a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and a chance to meet some of the players. The club is excited to welcome ‘Evan’ and show him what it means to be a Southend United fan.
A Lasting Impact
Evan’s unexpected journey to becoming a Southend United supporter serves as a reminder that football can bring people together in unexpected ways. As he continues his studies in London, ‘Evan’ will undoubtedly have a new perspective on the sport he has grown to love.
Football has its roots in ancient civilizations, with evidence of games played in Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
The modern version of the sport originated in Britain in the mid-19th century, with the first official rules published in 1863 by the Football Association.
The game quickly gained popularity, spreading to Europe and beyond.
Today, football is one of the world's most popular sports, played at all levels from amateur to professional.
- theguardian.com | The Unlikely Fan of Southend United Football Club
