In the seventies, a new chapter in the story of Washington D.C. began to unfold. A chapter that saw a team rise to prominence and capture the hearts of the people of our nation’s capital and beyond. That team was the Washington Diplomats.
The Diplomats were born in 1974, when a group of business leaders from Washington D.C. were granted a franchise by the North American Soccer League. The team played all their home games at RFK Stadium in 1974, but in 1975 and 1976 they played most of their games at W.T. Woodson High School in Northern Virginia, including all of their 1976 games. They played indoor home matches at the neighboring D.C. Armory.
Despite some early challenges, the Diplomats never gave up. They worked hard and persevered, and in each of their last three years of existence, they qualified for the playoffs. And in their final year, they made a historic signing, bringing in the future European Player of the Century, Johan Cruyff. This signing sparked a surge in attendance, with nearly 20,000 fans a game by the 1980 season.
The Washington Diplomats were more than just a team, they were a symbol of the city’s resilience, determination, and the power of working together towards a common goal. They remind us that even when things are tough, with hard work and perseverance, we can achieve great things. And as we continue to strive for greatness in the world of football, let us remember the lessons of the Washington Diplomats and the legends that played for them.
George Best
George Best is widely considered one of the greatest football (soccer) players of all time. He was a Northern Irish forward who played for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team during his career. He was known for his exceptional technical skills, agility, and dribbling ability, as well as his vision, passing, and goal-scoring ability.
Best was known for his flair and style on the field, and his ability to entertain and excite the crowd. He was a player who could score goals, create assists and make the game look easy. He was also known for his ability to score spectacular goals, and for his ability to take on and beat multiple defenders. He was also a humble, charismatic and charming person, who was highly respected by fans and peers alike.
During his time at Manchester United, Best helped the team win the English First Division (now the Premier League) twice, and the European Cup (now the Champions League) once. He also won the Ballon d'Or (European Footballer of the Year) award in 1968, and was named to the FIFPro World XI (a team of the best players in the world) in 1968 and 1974. He was also included in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living footballers and was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
In summary, George Best was an exceptional player who possessed a rare combination of skill, flair, and vision, and his impact on the game of football is still felt today. He was a true legend of the game and his legacy continues to live on
