As opposed to many other books of this nature Soccer Travels is as much about the author as it is about the game. Farmer, who is a columnist for World Soccer Talk and Gazzetta World Sport, like many of his peers has a job outside of being a soccer journalist and a husband. He is also an educator and what is interesting reading his book is that he takes the perspective of someone eager to learn about the different leagues, teams, and characters in his travels.
Although the easy parallel would be with Fever Pitch Farmer’s experience as an educator is a bit different. Farmer is more open-minded in his travels looking to find adventure rather than cynicism in the beautiful game. Even in his travels to Qatar he tries to remain balanced while looking critically at the many glaring issues with the administrative aspects of the Qatari football association and their 2022 World Cup.
That openness plays well especially in situations like his travels through South Korea and Qatar. Even some readers who have just recently fallen into Major League Soccer will learn some things about his experience at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Much like the reader Farmer appeared to be a fish out of water with the fans who were discouraged by the supporters and opted to enjoy their Bud Lights.
What is interesting about Soccer Travels is that Farmer gets to use Kansas City as a bookend. Without spoiling too much from the book, Farmer comes back to his hometown side long after their re-branding and move to greater Kansas City. That shift not only in the team’s culture but also with Farmer as well. Much like the side Farmer comes back to his hometown side a bit older and a little bit wiser.
His experience late in the book with the Manchester City Women’s team also seems to draw strong parallels to his time at home. Much like with Sporting Kansas City, Farmer catches women’s soccer in England during a watershed moment: their deep run in the 2015 Women’s World Cup.
That bit of role-reversal gives the book a fascinating hook that plays against the stereotype of foreigners typically coming to the United States to view the game’s development. Given the success of the American women’s game and the lack of relative long-term success elsewhere it gives the reader a chance to see and feel things from a different perspective.
If there is one criticism that one could make from Farmer’s travels is that stories about his experience as a teacher, and how it impacts soccer, is missing. With Farmer looking to watch and enjoy the beautiful game from all of these different angles it feels that there is a missed opportunity to look at how children view the game in all of these different areas.
While that aspect of Farmer’s travels could have been highlighted more, it certainly does not take away from the written material. Farmer’s eagerness for new adventures and new opportunities provides an interesting look into facets of the game that often get overlooked.
With soccer supporters having the chance to watch matches all across the world this summer Soccer Travels is the perfect companion for anyone looking to break into the game.
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The book is available on Kindle in the United States here and in the United Kingdom here. The book is also available via paperback in the US and the UK.
You can also check out Amazon.ca and the other Amazon stores to pick up a copy.
