When the United States faced Belgium in a World Cup elimination match, the scoreboard read 4‑1 in Belgium’s favor. Yet the real story unfolded not on the field but in living rooms, bars and community centers across New Hampshire, where fans gathered to watch the game together.
A Community Gathers Around the World Cup
The New Hampshire Soccer Project, founded by Caleb and Samantha Ginsberg, orchestrated a series of watch parties that turned ordinary viewing into a shared cultural experience. Their co‑founder Caleb Ginsberg described the events as a way to "build soccer culture" by turning strangers into teammates for a night.
Local business owners joined the effort, most notably Kevin Dwier of the Press Room, a venue that normally hosts music shows but opened its doors for the tournament. About 150 people filled the space, turning a music venue into a makeshift stadium for the evening.
Looking Ahead to August’s Street Soccer Tournament
Building on the momentum, the project plans a street soccer tournament in August that will be open to both youth and adult participants. The event aims to translate the excitement of the World Cup watch parties into a permanent, inclusive soccer tradition for the region.