CAATS
Canadian & American
Association of
Tottenham
Supporters
Part of The Spur webzine  |
| Links to US Soccer sites |
| The CAATS Premiership Preview club by club |
| Top Yank sportswriter supports Tottenham Hotspur |
Football on American TV
| Date | Opponent | Channel | Info |
| May 3 | Reading (a) | Fox Soccer | Live 7a |
SDD = Same day delay. Way more televised Spurs matches are inevitably added as the season unfolds, beyond the ones listed pre-season by Sky-TV and Setanta (UK) and their US counterparts, so check listing sources weekly. In fact, like last season, if you access Setanta, Fox Soccer, and the occasional p2p, you will be able to enjoy all but a handful of THFC games the entire season: Prem, domestic cups, and the UEFA Cup. A far cry from the 80s and most of the 90s, eh!
Other English matches on TV
For a schedule of English football on US TV, visit Big Soccer TV or LiveSoccerTV.
Recent developments in the US televised Football scene
This channel, now the ascendant carrier of English football on US screens, emerged in Spring 2005, replacing the oh so cool Pub Channel which was only available in select Anglophile watering holes. The Setanta multi-media delivery system also carries the highest French, Dutch, and Portuguese leagues, plus some Scottish matches.
The other main station that shows English football is the Fox Soccer Channel, which also carries Italian Serie A (plus MLS and USL from America).
Two other outlets, whilst not showing live English games, are however important to footie lovers. GolTV shows a lot of Euro games including the Spanish and German top leagues, and the ESPN group of channels show select Champions League fixtures (plus MLS).
Sky shows
Mad Dog in the Fog & Kezar Pub footie hotline (415) 442-7994. Quasi-sober rundown of upcoming TV matches.
Live p2p streams often show matches, usually in Chinese but sometimes in English, not available via your conventional TV packages.
Happy viewing.
Check back for more listings and updates here at CAATS.
CAATS welcomes your e-mail.
"And If You Know Your London Club History..."
London boasts more professional football clubs than any other city in the world (except the capital of Argentina, and most of them are broke). Suppose you were an outsider and wanted to pick a club, you might decide on a team by looking at each club's claim to "footballing worthiness" by looking at their footballing roots and historical dedication to the game.
The first four London clubs (currently playing in a professional league) to form were Fulham in 1879, followed two years later by Leyton Orient (1881), and the following year (1882) Tottenham Hotspur and Queens Park Rangers. However Spurs resisted the idea of turning professional longer than two other London clubs that formed after them, namely Millwall and Arsenal.
Three johnny-come-lately clubs formed seemingly with the sole purpose of financial reward as opposed to the older clubs' love of the beautiful game, and didn't bother with any non-professional apprenticeship: Chel$ea, Crystal Palace, and West Ham United (the latter gaining their current name in 1900, five years after forming as Thames Ironworks, a group of shipbuilders).
Other clubs showed a great deal more restraint in their commercial aspirations. The clubs with the greatest street credibility of simply "playing for the love of the game" are as follows: Brentford with a 10 year amateur apprenticeship; Spurs and QPR 13 years; and Charlton who waited 15 years before turning pro. However, Wimbledon leave even the Addicks in the dust. They were the fifth club to form after the original four (Fulham, Orient, Spurs, and QPR) yet the Dons waited 75 years before even turning semi-pro, though the players were probably getting a bit peckish by this time. Twenty-four years later they won the FA Cup.
So is your London club deserving of street-cred adulation or to be reviled for self-centered shark-like greed? In a nutshell....
Street credibility thumbs up. Fulham, Orient, Spurs, Charlton, QPR, Brentford, Wimbledon.
Mercenary sharks with no soul, or just plain cheats. Thumbs down. Arsenal (who bribed their way into the top flight in 1919 to replace Spurs, as procedural rules of promotion and relegation were temporarily "suspended" with no acceptable reason), Chelsea, West Ham, and Crystal Palace. The combined motto of these clubs could well be "sod football, we're only in it for the money".
Jury out: Millwall won the Second Division league championship before they even turned pro, respect for that, but later their supporter track record of racism and mindless violence, whilst definitely boosting the club's hoolie cred to legendary status, brought into question their acceptability as a legitimate capital team to support among the wider London populace.
This assessment is based on an historical organic look at the development of London's footballing tradition.
-- Article by Rob Francis, who by the way likes The Palace despite what history teaches.
"Why Hotspur .....?"
The real name of Harry Hotspur (best known from Shakespeare's "Henry IV") was Sir Henry Percy. Sir Harry, as he was better known, gained the nickname Hotspur because he fearlessly led his troops as they rode into battle.
He was the teenage son of the Earl of Northumberland. The Northumberland (or Percy) family was the most powerful in England. They came to own land in north London, including what was to become Northumberland Park.
Their first treasurer L R Casey had an older brother who, well versed in Tottenham area history, suggested "Hotspur" as the name of the club. It was subsequently discovered that there was a London Hotspur also in existence, so Tottenham was added as a prefix.
By the way, Harry Hotspur died leading rebel forces against Henry IV at the Battle of Shrewsbury (1403). -- Thanks to Steve Marson for the original background for this historical segment.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips, Premiership Season (2007/8)
About a half of all regularly appearing players in the Premiership are foreign (non-UK).
Tottenham Hotspur FC
That squad is rightly considered one of the best ever, with Spurs adding Cup-Winners Cup honors two years later and UEFA Cup wins in 1972 and 1994.
Currently owned by an investment group who have the largest holding in the publicly traded company "Tottenham Hotspur Plc", Spurs are once again looking to climb the league and push for European honours.
Tottenham host their home matches in north London at White Hart Lane, which seats approximately 36,200.
Most Famous Players: Bobby Smith, John White, Cliff Jones, Danny Blanchflower, Pat Jennings, Dave Mackay, Ossie Ardiles, Paul "Gazza" Gascoigne, Gary Lineker, Chris Waddle, Glenn Hoddle, Gary Mabbutt, Juergen Klinsmann.
THE CLUB as described by David Roodyn (on the official Fulham FC site):
"For us forty somethings who started watching their football in the early sixties, Spurs were the Arsenal of their day. They were the first side of the century to win the double in 1961 and followed that up with an FA Cup victory to boot.
"Tottenham were the first British side to win a European title when they won the old Cup Winners Cup in 1963. The North London side were regarded as one of the big five behind the Premiership but they have slipped behind their rivals, their only recent trophy being the League Cup."
US fan "Liverpool SC", a Reds fan, describes Spurs:
"Tottenham Hotspur - If Don Coryell coached a soccer team, they would play like Hotspur. They typically play attractive passing soccer and watch other teams go through their defense like a knife through butter. Of course Kasey Keller cleans up more than his share of the mess. Inconsistent, heart-breaking and yet full of exciting to watch players such as Gus Poyet, Jamie Redknapp, and Robbie Keane."
Note to new converts to the club: avoid saying "Hotspur" without Tottenham (even though Hotspur was indeed the original name of the club). Stick to "Tottenham", "Spurs", or if you're feeling particularly proud, say "Tottenham Hotspur" and then burst into the terrace anthem "It's a grand old team to play for."
Other names of encouragement for the team are The Lilywhites (nicked from Preston North End, who, as our historic role models, also inspired the white shirts and navy blue shorts), The Cockerels (based on the now famous rooster badge, but used only occasionally in written praise but seldom heard), and the now also seldom heard The Whites (the latter more frequently used in London for Fulham FC these days, and outside London for Leeds United).
In addition to the upcoming Tottenham Hotspur matches being screened in North America (listed above) there is a wealth of other English football currently available on a number of different channels. The links below should provide you with everything you need to lead you to footie nirvana.
For the first time this season (07/08) Setanta Sports USA will be available not just on DirecTV satelite, but also on DISH satelite and via on-line broadband. Cool. Setanta carries Premier League, Cups, as well as England's second tier The Championship (full matches and a weekly highlights show).
Sky football programming is hugely popular among ex-pats and locals alike. Sky Sports News is usually shown daily on FSC, 7 days a week, either first hour or first half-hour, but is subject to being over-ridden by live (often USA based) matches and low budget local "soccer shows". A recent boon has seen Sky Sports News repeated more often, and cut back or bumped less frequently. Well done FSC. FSC also carries highlights and preview shows of the English Premiership.
e-mail CAATS
Originally a cricket club organized by a church minister to keep local schoolboys occupied, one of their earliest HQs was the YMCA at the park's Percy House, with the Northumberland Arms pub being utilized for changing rooms as football became the group's main pursuit.
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit; and, upon this charge
Cry "God for Harry! England and Saint George!"
Only four clubs have won the Premiership title: Manchester United, Arsenal, Blackburn Rovers, and Chelsea. The latter club, owned as plaything by an owner for whom money is no object, seemed to have gained a stranglehold on the world's most watched league but United managed to regain the throne last season. However the fact that only four clubs now appear capable of finishing top is likely to be detrimental to the league's future credibility and health. Meanwhile the "big four", particularly Chelsea and United, are seeking to add an even bigger prize: the Champions League.
Perennial north London rivals of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur have only won the league (pre-Premiership) twice, but they have also produced several excellent teams. Spurs did what was previously considered impossible in the modern era when they won the double in 1961.
For many veteran fans, no memory can send a shiver down the spine like recalling Jimmy "for England" Greaves (pictured) work his magic in front of goal for the Lilywhites along with subtle strike partner Alan Gilzean. This lethal and agile duo still remain the ultimate euphoric Spurs watching experience. By the way, Gilly is the one raising his arms on the cover of "The Glory Game" (pictured above right) the best ever book about Spurs.
Quarterfinals Semifinals Final
Sat, July 7 Tue, July 10 Sun, 15th
Venezuela 1 Uruguay 2
Uruguay 4 vs
Chile 1 Brazil 2 Brazil 3
Brazil 6 (5.30p)
Sun, July 8 Wed, July 11 vs.
Mexico 6 Mexico 0
Paraguay 0 vs Argentina 0
Argentina 4 Argentina 3
Peru 0 (5.30p) (2pm)
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Welcome to CAATS bringing North Americans to Tottenham an introduction to the world of ex-pat and indigenously born Tottenham Hotspur fever from the west side of the pond |
CAATS People Most recent update: Aug/Sept 2007. Responded to emails in March 08
A bunch of new CAATS contacts were added last summer. Also CAATS responded to emails in early March 2008 and will do so again in early April. Apologies for the delay.
More or less in reverse order of them contacting CAATS, here goes.
Two new contacts in South Carolina. Welcome aboard Mathew G. of Plymouth who is now in South Carolina, his contact has been added to the list below, along with the other new ones. Also, Joe L. checks in. He says "I chose Spurs as my club after a long process not unlike the Bill Simmons article which you've provided a link to on your website. Thanks for taking the time to organize this website and all of the information included. I'm glad I chose the right team." And thanks for your feedback Joe, much appreciated. One minor problem, though, your email has changed since you wrote in several monthsd ago, so please get in touch to update.
Also welcome to two new contacts in Philadelphia: James P and David B. When they get their MLS team there should be a healthy CAATS contingent to form the core support, since we already have a Philly contact. No surprise: big town.
Another new add is Daniel S. from Washington - great to have representation in DC.
Matt G hangs out in Omaha, Nebraska and I really appreciate his patience having emailed many months ago. You're on - finally.
Going even further back chronologically (wow, we're going back now, sorry dude), please welcome Max J R from Monterey. Equally far back, Porter G. of Colorado Springs is added.
There will be more contacts added, plus with the growth of CAATS contacts the site directory will move to an alphabetical format eventually.
By the way, Si T of Spurs or Nothing message board is a big fan of The Spur and CAATS. Thanks!
Well that's the catch up for now. This site CAATS is a voluntary activity, and after an incredibly busy few years in the working world, I'm now able to update on a more regular basis again. Gotta make the dosh before the CAATS can play, or summat like that, eh.
Further updating of the directory will continue on a regular basis. Right now, a quick shout out to Chris down in Calexico. Also Kevin S. leaves San Jose to return to England via a stint in Boston. Keep in touch and good luck for the future.
Ollie Wright has a new Spurs book out, more info at www.fromthelanebook.co.uk.
Meanwhile in our previous update we heard from Jason in Texas and several more contacts in Florida, including Jacksonville, plus it was exciting to add a new contact up in the great coffee drinking metropolis of Seattle.
 Are you a Spurs fan from anywhere in the USA or Canada? If you are a Tottenham Hotspur fan who would like to make yourself known to other Spurs supporters in North America, or simply to get in touch with CAATS, please do not hesitate to do so.  Rob, Top CAAT |
Did I mention Chicago? George is one of a bunch of people who sent in a shout from the greatest of mid-western cities, and the Abbey Pub is the usual port of call for Spurs when the Lilywhites are on the box.
Jason in St Louis got in touch ealier this year. St Louis is a great footballing town that could use some more Spurs fans. Jason was kind enough to mention that this site was one of the reasons he decided to support Tottenham Hotspur, it's great to know that The Spur and CAATS help reflect the flavour of this great club and has won over a number of people who have evolved into true Spurs supporters, hanging on every game (not literarlly we hope).
Spurs fans in America continue to increase, slowly but surely.
As Mustafa says: "If spurs have caught your eye, then theres no other team for you. plus, if you ever meet any true football fan in your travels and they ask what your team is... its a bit embarassing to hear someone say 'manu, arse, or Chel$ki' cuz in all likelyhood, they're gonna be tossers."
Are you a Spurs fan from anywhere in the USA or Canada? If you are a Tottenham Hotspur fan who would like to make yourself known to other Spurs supporters in North America, or simply to get in touch with CAATS, please do not hesitate to do so.
This includes people who would like to be added to the CAATS contact list or need info updated.
Owing to time constraints CAATS had admittedly been slow to update the directory, however that has now changed. Other elements of the site, such as the TV updates and the parent site, The Spur, have been updated regularly now for 8 continuous years, with an occasional break for vacations when updates were impractical.
Have a great 2007 and here's to success for the Grand Old Team To Play For.
Best regards from yours truly, Rob F
New York City: Ian Harris is at New York Spurs Supporters Club who meet regularly to watch games. Cool write-up and pix of the visit to DC United.
New York City: Kevin D
Los Angeles: Rolf J at LA Spurs
Orange County, CA: Mario
Chicago: Michael S
The "Abbey Pub" Spurs contingent George C
Washington DC: Daniel S.
Philadelphia: Bill B
Philadelphia: James P
Philadelphia: David B
San Francisco: Steve P
San Jose: Californiaspurs
Seattle: David B
Dallas & Fort Worth: Scott G
Houston: Jason M
Florida: Derek G
Jacksonville: Ian B
Miami: Barry C
Denver: Mark T
Columbus, Ohio: Kevin F
Michigan: Danny H
North Carolina: Chris W an exiled Londoner in Charlotte
South Carolina: Joe L
South Carolina : Jason S
Mississippi: Alex B
St. Louis: Jason M (different one!)
Mississippi: Matt G
Monterey: Max J. R
Baltimore: Mathew G.
Colorado Springs: Porter
Notice Board
Andy at Big Toe says visit his web-site and buy stuff for your works team.
CAATS Past & Present
CAATS started as CATS, the California Association of Tottenham Supporters. Then several of our members met Spurs fans from other parts of North America, so the name CATS became too restrictive, and we decided on a name that reflected the fact that Tottenham supporters live all over the continent.
The name may make us sound like a slick operation. Actually, we are a very informal group of fans who like to know that we are not alone in supporting Tottenham from these shores. There is no fee, membership card, or formal structure. We simply exchange information on, and enthusiasm for, Spurs. People in the same area occasionally get together to watch English football matches on US TV, especially Spurs games. Because of the Saturday morning satellite matches, you can actually see more live televised THFC matches here than in the UK -- a very big silver lining to console us for not being able to watch Spurs "non-virtually" in England.
Since we are so spread out, most of our "meetings" are virtual and take place in the form of e-mail exchanges. A web page was a natural extension of this desire of Canadian and American based Spurs fans to build up a sense of camaraderie.
Being a Tottenham Hotspur fan is still something of a rarity in North America, but our group is gradually showing that there are many more of us than people might suppose. In addition, interest in English football is growing and I know that CAATS has already influenced newcomers to the scene to become Spurs fans, rescuing them from the clutches of the Arsenal, Liverpool, ManUre, and now Chelsea hordes.
For our first two years, the CAATS page was hosted by "Spurs 2000" (now gone) but in October 2001 it moved to The Spur where it remains. It's a big step forward for CAATS to have control over our on-line destiny.
CAATS have never maintained a mailing list, or any other records for that matter, owing mainly to time constraints. But over the years hundreds of US based supporters have e-mailed and maybe one day CAATS will take on a more structured identity with a proper mailing list.
CAATS (and The Spur) will continue to reflect and comment on developments as the season unfolds.
Anyone made a trip recently that is in some way connected with Spurs? Keep this site posted of your experiences, whether visiting Europe or moving to the States. Indeed, if you're a Spurs supporter in North America, or from anywhere else for that matter, please feel free to get in touch. It's always great to hear from a fellow Spur, and let's face it, once you're addicted to this club it's great to know there are others in far flung regions of the New World who feel the same way.
More comments regarding the club, the site, and other feed-back will continue to be posted here.
Thanks for your interest. Come On You Spurs!
Latest Spurs news here.
Recommended US and Canadian soccer sites click here
The Spur and CAATS Cordinator, Cupertino, California (home of Apple, massive HP and Semantech campuses, with Yahoo, Ebay, Google, and HP HQ just down the road). That's why it gets busy here :-)
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