|
Almost Inform
I stopped by The Charleston to link up with Hameedullah and dive into his latest Kit Swap event. We broke down the event, dug into the history behind it, talked Chicago’s soccer culture, and explored his record label Lunt & Oglisby - all while surrounded by footy, kits, and music. A lively Sunday afternoon in Bucktown. Read More >
New Videos
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uj_VTbdx_mY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/eyex-page-sample.jpg" data-entity-uuid="91bd3fed-9674-4585-90da-ce226737d786" data-entity-type="file" width="419" height="595">Eye-X-Foot</p></div></div></div><p>Eye-X-Foot is an exciting project from Z, “The Last Letter,” who I met over the summer during the RedLineSG InnerCity Futsal Tournament. More than just a passionate futsal player and author, Z has been creating the best futsal manga on the planet, while also contributing to the wider futsal community online through exciting, poetic reflections on the sport - and why it has become so special to him.</p><p>The goal of the project is simple yet ambitious: to make futsal mainstream - no longer a niche sport or merely a development tool for soccer players. Z has been developing the Eye-X-Foot manga in various forms for over a decade and launched his social media channel more than three years ago, driven by a desire to bring greater attention to the game he loves.</p><p>I wanted to take his words and vision and translate them into a more visual expression of his incredible manga, Eye-X-Foot. This project, I hope, sheds light on the vibrant culture and deep history of futsal - so set aside three minutes for a small bit of… alchemy.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Eye-X-Foot - Futsal is Alchemy
Eye-X-Foot is an exciting project from Z, “The Last Letter,” who I met over the summer during the RedLineSG InnerCity Futsal Tournament. More than just a passionate futsal player and author, Z has been creating the best futsal manga on the planet, while also contributing to the wider futsal community online through exciting, poetic reflections on the sport—and why it has become so special to him. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lbKWIE-fNwo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/twins.jpg" data-entity-uuid="3372ba23-ff32-402a-b32d-271fbba9f2e2" data-entity-type="file" width="1110" height="800">Kit Swap Event</p></div></div></div><p data-start="112" data-end="430">I partnered with <a href="https://almostinform.com/favella-fc-3rd-annual-futsal-tournament"><strong data-start="129" data-end="142">Favela FC</strong></a> and <strong data-start="147" data-end="155">BYON</strong> to host a mutual aid event alongside <strong data-start="193" data-end="200">PSA</strong>, and everyone came together to help make it a great success. <a href="https://almostinform.com/chinga-la-migra-event-recap"><strong>Crossbar </strong></a>designed custom kits to commemorate the event, with proceeds going to <strong data-start="341" data-end="350">ICIRR</strong>, and I feel incredibly privileged to have contributed a logo for this project.</p><p data-start="432" data-end="810">I couldn’t help but take home the red special edition and am looking forward to wearing it in upcoming videos. It was a great opportunity for all of us to come together - eat some conchas, play what is now considered <em data-start="649" data-end="661">retro FIFA</em> (a humbling reminder that I might be ancient, even by the longest and most legendary J-League careers), and actively do some good for the community.</p><p data-start="812" data-end="1211">Special thanks to <strong data-start="830" data-end="846">Pablo at PSA</strong> - he’s doing some really great work, but what impressed me most was his commitment to helping others in the artist community through hosting events and workshops like his upcoming <strong data-start="1027" data-end="1041">Brush Hour</strong>. PSA is a great space for creative people, located in <strong data-start="1096" data-end="1113">Humboldt Park</strong>, an area where small businesses food, fashion, and the arts are really standing out right now.</p><p data-start="1213" data-end="1352">Thank you to everyone who came out and took part in making the event a success. You continue to help build the soccer community in Chicago.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago: Lend a Hand - Pop Up for the People @ PSA
I partnered with Favela FC and BYON to host a mutual aid event alongside PSA Chicago, and everyone came together to help make it a success. Crossbar designed custom kits to commemorate the event, with proceeds going to ICIRR, and I feel incredibly privileged to have contributed a logo for this project. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XW7WxKA6dF4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/yfmf.JPG" data-entity-uuid="28483554-995d-45f1-81ac-0d05e5ade808" data-entity-type="file" width="900" height="834">Maya At Soldier Field</p></div></div></div><p>I sat down with my friend Maya from the Your Foot, My Foot Foundation to discuss her professional career, reflect on her past, dig into the community work she’s passionate about, and hear about her busy summer advocating for soccer in Chicago.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Your Foot My Foot - Interview With Maya Neal
I sat down with my friend Maya from the Your Foot, My Foot Foundation to discuss her professional career, reflect on her past, dig into the community work she’s passionate about, and hear about her busy summer advocating for soccer in Chicago. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qktqVRPmRnQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/571255158_18000039125833296_6256.jpg" data-entity-uuid="784ff93d-4dbb-464a-b83d-a06ea5c72a61" data-entity-type="file" width="1440" height="1920">Kit Swap Event</p></div></div></div><p>I stopped by The Charleston to chat with Hameedullah about his most recent Kit Swap event and his record label Lunt and Oglesby. We spoke about the event itself, the history behind it, and soccer culture in Chicago - plus plenty of footy, kits, and music. The perfect blend of all three, and an exciting Sunday afternoon in Bucktown.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago: Kit Swap - Interview w/ Hameedullah
I stopped by The Charleston to link up with Hameedullah and dive into his latest Kit Swap event. We broke down the event, dug into the history behind it, talked Chicago’s soccer culture, and explored his record label Lunt & Oglisby - all while surrounded by footy, kits, and music. A lively Sunday afternoon in Bucktown. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NEPdadIG70" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/maradona.JPG" data-entity-uuid="23c2a672-9325-43cd-bbd0-5eea8c645e49" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">The Hand of God Re-Release</p></div></div></div><p>Last week, <a href="http://almostinform.com/chicago-saturdays-football-store">Saturday’s Football</a> celebrated Diego’s birthday by dropping an exciting new collection. The legend’s estate teamed up with the brand to create <a href="https://saturdaysfootball.com/collections/diego-maradona-collection" target="_blank">signature designs</a> honoring the Argentine icon, capturing the spirit and magic that made Maradona unforgettable.</p><p>Fans showed up in their favorite Maradona kits, paying tribute to his unmatched legacy. Hameedullah brought the Latin beats while guests enjoyed refreshing drinks and snapped photos in the booth - a perfect mix of fútbol, music, and community.</p><p>From the “Hand of God” to the “Goal of the Century,” Diego Maradona’s moments on the pitch remain timeless. He lifted Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, turned Napoli into champions, and inspired millions with his fearless play and larger-than-life personality.</p><p>Happy birthday to El Diego - may you outrun six Englishmen on your way to a goal in heaven.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago: Saturdays Football - Diego's Birthday Party
Last week, Saturday’s Football celebrated Diego’s birthday by dropping an exciting new collection. The legend’s estate teamed up with the brand to create signature designs honoring the Argentine icon, capturing the spirit and magic that made Maradona unforgettable. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JkEqDxm7ktY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/fireman.png" data-entity-uuid="6ebac163-7063-41f2-9460-3c675d701a32" data-entity-type="file" width="1100" height="769">Loons 4 Freedom</p></div></div></div><p>Came out early with the 1871 Barn Burners, excited to see what banners would be featured for the playoffs! The Sector Latino supporters were flying streamers and laying out banners, bringing the energy before kickoff. Once everything was set, we headed back to the tailgate - a true celebration of the Chicago soccer community, with all the supporter groups and, of course, plenty of Malört.</p><p>At 7:30 we shuffled into the stadium, and the supporters’ section was jumping! The Fire had scored three before the 68th minute, keeping fans out of their seats. It was the first playoff match in eight years, and sharing it with fellow long-waiting fans made it special. No matter how the season ends, it’s been an incredible ride, full of hope for the future.</p>
Image Credit:
AIFC
Chicago Fire FC VS Orlando City - MLS Wildcard
Came out early with the 1871 Barn Burners, excited to see what banners would be featured for the playoffs! The Sector Latino supporters were also flying streamers and laying out banners before kickoff. Once everything was set, we headed back to the tailgate — a true celebration of the Chicago soccer community, with all the supporter groups and, of course, plenty of Malört. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/45XyvDoJeWU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A9193.JPG" data-entity-uuid="1be59f0a-d51b-4e30-a602-8cc27ef2b577" data-entity-type="file" width="2000" height="1333">Chinga La Migra</p></div></div></div><p>The Chinga La Migra kit-press event, held on October 18th, in support of ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights), turned out to be a massive success! Hosted in solidarity with Sector Latino, BPF, Barra Brava, Section 8 Independent Support Group, CFSirens, and Gente Fina, among others. The Crossbar Syndicate crew worked nonstop to supply personalized kits, and power the event.</p><p>Highlighting here some before and after photos of garments people found or brought to the event. As orders rolled in, and the crew went into sprint-mode for the remainder of the event, I realized it was going to be too difficult to photograph all of the original designs getting created on the spot, so I did my best to capture a few examples that caught my eye.</p><p>Groups that helped to build the footy community in Chicago, showed up in droves! Sector Latino organized a lottery, with prizes provided by Barra Brava and Gente Fina. Special thanks to @marzbrewing for hosting the event and contributing to the cause!</p><p>Due to overwhelming success, we intend to continue to put on more events like this one! Focusing on fundraising for important organisations like ICIRR has allowed us to improve the way these events unfold, and collaborate in support of our community.</p><p>Huge thanks to everyone who came out and took a stand! We really appreciate the support! As we continue to build community ties in Chicago, we will continue to stand with our brothers and sisters who make up such an important part of our Footy community.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chinga La Migra - Event Recap
The Chinga La Migra kit-press event, held on October 18th, in support of ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights), turned out to be a massive success! Hosted in solidarity with Sector Latino, BPF, Barra Brava, Section 8 Independent Support Group, CFSirens, and Gente Fina, among others. The Crossbar Syndicate crew worked nonstop to supply personalized kits, and power the event. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5yhL1vcU_58" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/rl.JPG" data-entity-uuid="84e2bb08-2630-45f9-8f4d-8eaf83e4b30a" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Red Line SG - Neighborhood Tournament</p></div></div></div><p>The neighborhood futsal tournament, sponsored by Red Line SG, brought together teams from across Chicago, featuring squads from <a href="https://almostinform.com/favella-fc-3rd-annual-futsal-tournament">Favella FC</a>, GOAT_MVMT, and Beverly Pickup, alongside a network of free facilities promoted by the supporters group. The rest of the 12-team field was formed by region, with multiple entries representing Reyes, Chopin, Horner, and Marquette. </p><p>The event also featured some unique additions: a foosball table with two remote-control cars for a live “Rocket League” experience, a curated selection of kits from <a href="https://almostinform.com/edgewater-castle-finale-crossbar-syndicate-flag-collaboration">Crossbar Syndicate</a>, and an exciting commemorative issue of Futsal Manga by Eye x Foot, complete with two beautiful illustrations created for the occasion. </p><p>Matches were set at 10 minutes, with three goals needed to advance, but after six minutes, players were dropped from each team if needed, intensifying the pace. From Morgan Park on the South Side to Mather on the North, teams converged in fierce, genuine city-wide games. </p><p>With the group stages complete, eight teams advanced to the quarter-finals. In the end, a Reyes Park squad was left to face a home-court Horner side in the championship. Reyes Park prevailed, lifting the cup, and it was revealed they would be honored this Saturday by walking onto the field during the Chicago Fire’s final match of the season! </p><p>I’ll leave you with the closing words of Red Line’s president, Jake, which I truly believe: “As long as the community works together, there’s no reason Chicago can’t be the greatest soccer city in America by the time the new Fire stadium is unveiled.” I said back at the <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fire-saturdays-football-2025-municipal-kit-launch-party">third-kit release</a> event that things were looking good - but now, I suppose, we’ve got 3/4 of a billion more reasons. </p>
Image Credit:
AIFC
