Feb. 11, 2007 PAYNE IN THE TRYOUTS Humor and soccer skills combine
By Andrea Canales, LASoccerNews.com Associate Editor
Galaxy hopeful Kevin Payne is flanked by two members of the local fan group, the LA Riot Squad, who came out to support his efforts to earn a place on the squad. Andrea Canales, LASoccerNews.com
One of the eight hundred participants to the Galaxy’s open tryouts has a website that humorously chronicles his saga to join the squad and become a teammate of David Beckham.
Aspiring Galaxy member Kevin Payne actually has another small connection to the team already, since his name is the same as the brother of the Galaxy’s assistant general manager, Tom Payne.
The American Kevin Payne is the president and general manager of another one of Major League Soccer’s storied clubs, DC United.
The English Kevin Payne is a former primary school teacher with a creative outlook on his quest to make the squad.
“I set up a website just to try to get some interest,” said Payne.
While he admitted that little interest came from the media, his story intrigued many who encouraged him to chase his dreams. After raising funds for the trip from selling his collection of jerseys, Payne booked his ticket and joined the tryouts.
Members of the local Galaxy supporters group, the LA Riot Squad, came to cheer Payne on during his scrimmage match.
“I’m here for the fans,” declared Payne. “It’s been incredible. There’s been so much support and encouragement. It’s absolutely brilliant.”
Scouting out Beckham’s new training facility during his audition, Payne declared his approval.
“I’ve really enjoyed it here,” admitted Payne. “It’s a nice place. I could get used to it.”
He’d even managed to fit in a little sightseeing trip.
“Hollywood,” said Payne of his destination, cracking wise on the recent controversy with the costumed characters on the famous Blvd. “I went to see Yoda and Chewbacca. He took a punch at me, but I managed to duck and dive that one.”
On a more serious note, Payne did his best in the scrimmage game, not playing the role of the clown while the ball was in play.
“I got three assists,” the forward pointed out.
The effort took a toll, however.
‘I was kind of dead on my feet,” conceded Payne. “I couldn’t really breathe, but I got through it.”
He did get an occasional break.
“We subbed,” Payne recounted his team’s tactics. “I needed it.”
Despite the short amount of time together with his squad, Payne was happy with their production.
“The team was fantastic,” Payne praised. “There were some really good players on there. We played well as a team. We won.”
Even as he hoped his Galaxy journey wasn’t over yet, Payne couldn’t decide which part had been the most memorable thus far.
“Everything,” Payne responded. “I’ve loved every second.”
The Galaxy fans who welcomed him had definitely made an impression on Payne.
“[They’re] amazing – if these guys are anything to go by, I think Beckham’s going to love it out here.”
Kevin Payne’s website can be found at: http://www.getme2thegalaxy.co.uk/getme2.html
*Update - Kevin Payne made the cut for the Sunday round of the tryouts
