Best Kick in the Grass

Anarchist Soccer

Emma Goldman is credited with saying, "If it doesn't include soccer, I don't want any part of your revolution." Hold back that quip about lawlessness and organized sports: Anarchism and soccer have a richly intertwined past. Four years ago a cadre of local activists emerged from smoke-filled basements and played a game of soccer. They have been playing every Sunday ever since. Their goals are to have fun, stretch their legs, and forget, for a moment, the looming spectre of global domination. As in any anarchist collective, hierarchical structures are dismantled: No showboating, and keep the testosterone at bay. And egalitarianism reigns: Make sure everyone gets the ball. Outside of those two arch edicts, anything goes. Feel free to pop into MonkeyWrench Books, your friendly neighborhood anarchist bookstore, to find out the where and when.