Soccer SuperFans

By: Justin Légaré, Winnipeg MB

In a few hours I depart for Toronto, the first flight of many with final destination "South Africa". I am heading to the 2010 FIFA World Cup where I hope to see my team "France" contend for the World Cup once again!

Soccer is a huge part of my life, I play year-round on a premier team in Manitoba. I also coach soccer at St-Boniface University/College. I find after a long and stressful day, playing soccer is really soothing and gets my mind off all my daily worries! Soccer has allowed me to travel and learn many life lessons like respect, hard work, dedication, team work and many others!

I have been a fan of Les Bleus for many years and made it a priority on my life list that I would one day see them play in person. Seeing as I do not have cable at home, I am often asking my friends to record, or burn me copies of their games!

Four years ago, I made the trip to Germany for the World Cup and made my dream a reality by being a spectator for my first France game vs. Korea. It was one of the best highs of my life, only to be followed with an extreme low when France only came out of the game with a draw. This year I am making the long trip to South Africa and I get to see Les Bleus play not once, but twice!! There are many new faces on the France squad and even though they struggled to qualify for the World Cup this year, I am confident they will bring something special to the tournament!

My first FIFA World Cup experience was amazing and even though it is highly competitive and often tense between the fans of both teams, it was great to see the overall respect each side had for each other. Don't get me wrong, during the games each side would be trying to out cheer the other but it added to the intensity in the stadium. After the game no matter the result each side will be respectful towards each other. Now as I head to South Africa I can't wait to meet new soccer fans, make new friends and go on some new adventures!

On game day, the only tradition we follow is that we buy a baguette and usually carry them around wherever we watch the game. I just hope we can find some baguettes in South Africa!

Allez les bleus!!