Meet David, Winner of the 2009 FCD Signed Jersey!

Hello all…I’d like you to meet David Browning, winner of the 2009 FCD team-signed jersey from The Offside and WorldSoccerShop.com.  A while back, we opened up a contest asking for readers to submit their story of soccer in North Texas.  We received many submissions, and this was our favorite.  Congratulations David!  — Harlan

My name is David Browning and I am now 25 years old, but from the age of 6 the beautiful game has been a huge part of my life. I found out about the Dallas sidekicks and the extremely charismatic Tatu (A.K.A. Antonio Pecorari) from a classmate in my 1st grade class. Aaron would talk about his antics and the grace with which he played and I knew I had to see it for myself. I was fortunate enough one night to tag along with Aaron and his father, who were season ticket holders to the sidekicks and I became HOOKED. Everything I owned had a sidekicks logo that I had drawn (very poorly mind you) on it. Even my class work had that little soccer ball with the cowboy hat and bandana on it. It was the begining of a wonderful childhood.

Suddenly 1994 happened, I was 8 years old and the World Cup had come to my area. I was psyched to say the least. I had all sorts of promotional swag from it and just imersed myself in the culture of the real football. One day my father, who at the time worked for a car dealership that provided cars for the teams came home with tickets for the July 9th match between eventual champions Brazil, and the Netherlands. It was the most amazing feeling in my life. Bathed in a sea of yellow and green I became huge Brazil fan.

Today, I am a 25 year old father of 3 daughters, who on Saturdays will plant ourselves in front of a T.V. and watch Chelsea F.C. , F.C. Dallas, International friendlies it doesn’t matter. I have passed on my love of the game to those girls who I hope will live to see a day when FIFA and MLS become world-renowned for the talent and the tradition that comes along with having a top-tier football association.

“I’m Dallas til’ I die, I’m Dallas til’ I die, I know I am, I’m sure I am, I’m Dallas til’ I die”

Category: Free Kicks