When a random 3rd round pick of the Maple Leafs shows up at the Air Canada Centre, you will have multiple media outlets and it will be the lead on sports reports in Toronto at both 6pm and 11pm.
Have the most powerful man in sport (in the world), show up for an open press conference, and it felt like there were more staff than reporters in attendance.
The specifics of the press conference were surrounding the U20 Women's World Cup that starts August 5, as well as the 2015 Women's World Cup, that will also be taking place in Canada. There were questions about the growth of the women's game, shared facts that everyone loves Canada and teasing about how Canada could be a valid consideration to host the 2026 Men's World Cup.
Sepp seemed to enjoy himself, some of my own personal highlights were when people referred to him by his given name (Joseph), as well following the presser he did his best to have the staff break protocol and move the trophy from the stand. Seriously entertaining, as protocol prevents people from touching it, but then you have the head of the organization telling you to break that strict protocol. Well, guess that's FIFA...
Sepp had no problem playing to the cameras (all 5 of us that were there) and came across as more open and relaxed, but based on the lower profile of this tournament compared to the World Cup in Brazil, it allowed him to be a little more relaxed.
Following the main press conference, there was a mad rush to get over to BMO Field (oh wait, that is the National Soccer Stadium until TFC returns on August 23), and a quick stop to pick up my media accreditation at the offices that were housed at Ontario Place.
Ontario Place, yep, the same place hosting Drake's OVO Festival this weekend.
All went well and we somehow we still ended up in the press room 30 minutes early.
The Canadian press conference was a very relaxed place, posing for pictures, some questions to both Andrew Olivieri and Kinley McNicoll and it was wrapped up.
It is funny to see the contrast of a tactical head coach and a young woman that is excited to have the opportunity to represent her country at home and only a short drive from Oakville, where she calls home when not at school in Wisconsin.
After the Canadian presser wrapped up, the team was available for photos on the pitch. Except there was a security guard that would not let anyone on the pitch, it was kinda comical.
The team of young women came out, many had cellphones and there were selfies taken, lots to excited discussions and a level of excitement that people can only help is carried over to the pitch.
A few team photos as everyone came out, a quick handshake and hello to John Herdman (great to see him involved with he younger team) and I was off.
Many thanks to the representatives from both the FIFA Organizing Committee and the Soccer Canada representatives. The night before I was peppering them with emails between midnight and 1am, I expected to be attacked with a blunt object, but they were all very professional and friendly. While picking up my photo bib, the media centre was pretty empty, when I requested a specific bib number (seriously, how pretentious is that?!?!) they gladly complied, obviously if it was a busy day that would not have been an option, but they had no problem with my ridiculous request.
It looks like I will only be able to cover the games taking place in Toronto, but I hope to have the chance to share my photos and my own experience and take on this event.
If you are going to attend, be sure to check the Voyageurs message board for pre-game activities, the supporter soccer match and sharing of lies over beverages and take the chance to join them. They are a great group of people and always welcoming.