I met Shawn Simao just a few weeks ago at Damon's Tavern in Hartford, CT as he was hosting a screening of "Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story" prior to the US-Panama game. It was not a great night for US Soccer on the field, but off the field American fans once again showed a soccer culture is developing in this country. Simao is a member of the American Outlaws and is an Executive Producer for "Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story", and he has a passion for life that is contagious to anyone that meets him. Shawn and American Soccer need your help, please go to Kickstarter and pledge your support to the Jay DeMerit Story. Follow Shawn Simao & The Jay DeMerit Story on Twitter: @HartfordOutlaw & @JayDeMeritStory
Soccer Banter: Why and when did you develop this passion for soccer?
Shawn Simao: I still remember my older brother taking me to my first US soccer game (cap) when I was 16, a 1995 USMNT US Cup game against Nigeria at the old Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. Players like Lalas, Jones and Balboa were easy to follow during the game and gave me an appreciation for the simple beauty that is soccer. Since then, I have attended 15 US National team games and many other MLS, La Liga and Brazilian league games.
SB: Why and when did you become involved with the American Outlaws?
SS: I became a member of American Outlaws in late 2009. I was planning on going to see the USMNT play a friendly against Netherlands in Amsterdam and wanted to meet up with other US soccer fans before the game. What started as a simple post on a soccer blog led to me organizing a pregame party with the American Outlaws and Sam’s Army at a local bar in Dam Square. ESPN the Magazine got wind of this gathering and I was contacted by Tim Struby, an ESPN writer and now friend who wrote a story about a few soccer fans travels to the city of vices. That summer, my hometown of Hartford Connecticut hosted a USMNT friendly against the Czech Republic and as a co-founder of AO Hartford, we organized a night before pub crawl and a massive tailgate prior to the game.
Soccer Banter: Why and when did you develop this passion for soccer?
Shawn Simao: I still remember my older brother taking me to my first US soccer game (cap) when I was 16, a 1995 USMNT US Cup game against Nigeria at the old Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. Players like Lalas, Jones and Balboa were easy to follow during the game and gave me an appreciation for the simple beauty that is soccer. Since then, I have attended 15 US National team games and many other MLS, La Liga and Brazilian league games.
SB: Why and when did you become involved with the American Outlaws?
SS: I became a member of American Outlaws in late 2009. I was planning on going to see the USMNT play a friendly against Netherlands in Amsterdam and wanted to meet up with other US soccer fans before the game. What started as a simple post on a soccer blog led to me organizing a pregame party with the American Outlaws and Sam’s Army at a local bar in Dam Square. ESPN the Magazine got wind of this gathering and I was contacted by Tim Struby, an ESPN writer and now friend who wrote a story about a few soccer fans travels to the city of vices. That summer, my hometown of Hartford Connecticut hosted a USMNT friendly against the Czech Republic and as a co-founder of AO Hartford, we organized a night before pub crawl and a massive tailgate prior to the game.
SB: What is your current involvement with Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story?
SS: As my involvement in the US soccer supporter community has grown into a passion, I have been fortunate to be introduced to some really great people who also have a love for soccer and the development of the sport in the United States. When Nick Lewis (one of the producers of Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story) reached out to me to help promote the kickstarter.com campaign for the documentary…I was so impressed by the inspirational story that I signed on to be an Executive Producer along with my wife Joy. Sometimes the greatest rewards come from taking the biggest risks if you truly believe in it.
SB: Why do you believe so much in this documentary?
SS: Jay DeMerit had literally come from nowhere just years prior to being on the world's greatest stage. When Jay DeMerit stepped onto the field to represent the United States at the 2010 World Cup it was truly an incredible moment. This story may be about Jay but it is really about having a goal and never giving up. It is a film that anyone with a dream should watch.
SB: What's been your most memorable involvement with the game of soccer?
SS: Playing on my high school soccer team. The excitement of game day, wearing our jersey to school and counting down the minutes till the school day ended.
SS: As my involvement in the US soccer supporter community has grown into a passion, I have been fortunate to be introduced to some really great people who also have a love for soccer and the development of the sport in the United States. When Nick Lewis (one of the producers of Rise and Shine: The Jay DeMerit Story) reached out to me to help promote the kickstarter.com campaign for the documentary…I was so impressed by the inspirational story that I signed on to be an Executive Producer along with my wife Joy. Sometimes the greatest rewards come from taking the biggest risks if you truly believe in it.
SB: Why do you believe so much in this documentary?
SS: Jay DeMerit had literally come from nowhere just years prior to being on the world's greatest stage. When Jay DeMerit stepped onto the field to represent the United States at the 2010 World Cup it was truly an incredible moment. This story may be about Jay but it is really about having a goal and never giving up. It is a film that anyone with a dream should watch.
SB: What's been your most memorable involvement with the game of soccer?
SS: Playing on my high school soccer team. The excitement of game day, wearing our jersey to school and counting down the minutes till the school day ended.
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