John McDermott, England’s national soccer team technical director, penned a heartfelt thank‑you letter to the fans of Prairie Village and Kansas City, acknowledging the extraordinary support the squad received during the 2026 World Cup.
A Home Away From Home
The missive, released on the team’s official channels, highlighted how the warmth and hospitality of the local community turned a foreign tournament into a genuine sense of belonging for the players and staff.
From the first day, the city’s police force escorted the squad’s motorcades with a courteous wave, while training‑ground personnel greeted every arrival with a smile and a willingness to accommodate even the most unusual requests.
Local businesses, including Sporting Kansas City FC, opened their facilities to the English contingent, offering access to pickleball courts, swimming pools and an ice‑cream parlour that quickly became a favourite haunt for the players.
McDermott specifically cited the community’s patience — allowing extended police escorts and tolerating the occasional late‑night training session — as a key factor in fostering camaraderie within the squad.
He concluded by emphasizing that the genuine kindness displayed by Kansas City residents was as pivotal to the team’s on‑field successes as any tactical preparation, underscoring the profound impact of grassroots support on international sport.