A Soccer Coach Trained the Artemis II Astronauts

What's the best way to prepare someone for the greatest space mission in the last 60 years? NASA's answer was to call up a soccer coach. This week, we dive into how the beautiful game helped the Artemis II crew train to go further than any human has ever gone before. Plus, we experience the first-ever pro soccer game in Idaho, take a sneak peek at the World Cup plane, and more.

This week’s stories:

• 💎 The First-Ever Pro Soccer Game in Idaho

• 🗽 NYC World Cup Project

• 🚀 A Soccer Coach Trained the Artemis II Astronauts

• ✈️ A Sneak Peek at the World Cup Plane

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

EXPANSION
The First-Ever Pro Soccer Game in Idaho

This week, I learned that Idaho is one of the only places in the world where you can find nearly every single precious gemstone known to man.

Yet, for decades, it was missing one of the most valuable things a community can have: its very own professional soccer team.

On Saturday, though, the state finally got to host its first-ever professional soccer game. And the scenes were unbelievable…

OPPORTUNITIES
NYC World Cup Project

If you’re a soccer fan in New York and will be in the city this week, reply to this email!

We’re working on a special project ahead of the World Cup and are looking for fans who’d be open to sharing their stories with the beautiful game.

The project will be distributed during the summer months 👀

COVER STORY
A Soccer Coach Trained the Artemis II Astronauts

I’ve heard some people say that those classic European summer friendly tours here in the US are a waste of time.

Yet, if it weren’t for those tours, NASA’s Artemis program—aiming to put humans back on the moon—may look quite different today.

See, in the past couple of years, Real Madrid's renowned physical trainer, Antonio Pintus, has actively collaborated with NASA to adapt his advanced soccer training methods to benefit astronauts.

His insights have become a critical part of the Artemis program, and much of his work is reflected in the physical training that the crew currently en route to orbit the moon received ahead of the mission.

The best part, though, is that this collaboration between Pintus and NASA began by absolute chance during Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the US back in 2023.

The story goes that a Spanish engineer affiliated with NASA was invited to a Real Madrid training session in Houston (courtesy of the legendary Emilio Butragueno), and that’s where the connection with Pintus began.

It’s so awesome that the next Americans to set foot on the moon will have been trained by some of the methods of a Real Madrid coach.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

The stage is officially set. What place do you think we’ll finish in our group?

TRAVEL
A Sneak Peek at the World Cup Plane

Last week, we had the chance to get a first look at American Airlines’ special World Cup plane at Miami airport.

My brother and I used to collect planes when we were little, so it was a bit of a dream come true—plus, Thierry Henry and Tim Howard were there to make a few remarks!

We also heard there will be a special surprise associated with this aircraft 👀

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

The James Incident: It was a scary situation for the Colombian star last week, as he was hospitalized due to dehydration. Here are the latest updates.

Insane Arsenal Pub: Probably one of the coolest soccer establishments ever built. If you’re an Arsenal fan, you need to plan a trip here. 

GA Cup: Players like Julian Alvarez, Weston McKennie, and Lucas Paqueta have played at this prestigious youth tournament. Here’s how things looked on the ground this weekend!

Landon’s Mission: LD10 sat down on ESPN to chat about the changing landscape of soccer in the US.

Going to Naples: It was probably one of our favorite stops with the Soccer Bus. Here’s what it’s like to catch a game in paradise…

ARCHITECTURE
Inside Inter Miami’s Brand New Stadium

The day finally arrived.

Over the weekend, Inter Miami officially inaugurated its permanent stadium.

For all of us who weren’t in the building, you need to check this video out.

This YouTube channel has been uploading construction updates about Nu Stadium for months, and over the weekend, they got to film what it was like to actually experience the inaugural game from inside the venue. So awesome!

FASHION
The Kurt Cobain Jersey

This Sunday, April 5th, marked 32 years since we lost Kurt Cobain.

I spent a big part of the weekend listening to Nirvana and going down a few rabbit holes as usual, and I found a pretty cool jersey that was released in Cobain’s honor a few years ago.

Check it out up close.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: Who do you want to qualify for Group D with the USMNT? Here are some of your answers:

• “I’m Turkish! Türkiye hasn’t qualified since 2002, and the tournament will mean a lot more if they’re playing.” S. Reyhan

• “Kosovo. Sometimes playing against teams that have never qualified is better since there can be a bit more pressure or nerves. Both teams will be tough regardless.” - BD

In the poll, “Türkiye” gathered 55.54% of votes, beating Kosovo by a very narrow margin. I would’ve rather played Kosovo, but I’m happy that one of our readers will get to see their nation at the tournament! I have a lot of Italian friends who are suffering.

UP NEXT
Still On the Road!

Finishing this one up at Reagan Airport in DC! Still have yet to make it back home after three weeks on the road, and there appear to be a few more adventures coming up fast on the horizon.

We have a lot of projects that we really can’t wait to share with y’all soon!

Onwards!!

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo