We love you Liverpool: Meet the Official LFC Supporters Club… Pasadena

The Reds’ fanbase is renowned for its passion and loyalty, cheering on both Jürgen Klopp’s and Matt Beard’s teams, either on Merseyside or watching from afar.

Our We love you Liverpool The feature aims to bring supporters closer together to learn more about each other, wherever they are across the globe.

Whether in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, in Merseyside itself, in North or South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia or elsewhere, the fans provide the very foundations on which the club is built.

Here, we meet OLSC Pasadena…

Tell us about OLSC Pasadena…

My name is Eric Fearon and I was born in Liverpool and grew up in Toxteth. I attended my first Liverpool games in 1946-47.

OLSC Pasadena came about as a result of a few soccer fans trying to watch live games here in Pasadena. In the mid-80s we managed to watch one game a week at a pub called The John Bull. There was very little local support for English football at the time. John Bull changed ownership and the new manager who was English obviously didn’t like football.

The Lucky Baldwins Pub had just opened and one of the owners, David Farnsworth, after a long courting, agreed to show the games at the pub. Then, along with the new Brits, the American support started to grow and so did the Liverpool support.

In 1996 I started The Pasadena Reds and started gathering at the pub to watch all the Liverpool games. After the 2005 Champions League final victory, there was a surge in support again. By 2015 we had a large following and decided to apply for OLSC membership. This was granted and we currently have 556 members.

How special is it to have a ‘Liverpool’ feel despite being in Pasadena?

When you’re watching a Liverpool match live on TV, it’s not that hard to feel part of something that’s so passionate about its football. We like it and one feels that you are down to earth. We sing all the songs and the pub goes wild when we score a goal. There is no other club that can draw you into a game and atmosphere like Liverpool.

Do you host special events throughout the season or get-togethers for games?

As for special events, we used to have them, but we had to stop because of COVID. It was a difficult time because we couldn’t meet at the pub. One of our members came up with the idea of ​​meeting via video calls and we all did it. It was a huge success.

Now we are all back to normal and we meet for every game, including the Champions League games. This requires a lot of dedication as some of our games start at 4:30am. We have a couple – Alex Anaya and his wife Victoria and kids – who drive over two hours to watch the games.

What is so unique about being a Liverpool supporter for your members?

I think LFC is a unique club in world football for its dedicated support. When you watch and hear the crowd cheering for our team, then you want to be a part of it. It just catches you.

Why do you think Liverpool fans – no matter where they are around the world – are so passionate and loyal to the club?

We have a number of fans who have traveled to Liverpool to watch the Reds. Everyone was blown away by the incredible support from the fans at the ground and the passion shown by the fans just washes over you. It’s a fantastic experience and makes you feel proud to be red.

How do you bring “Anfield” to Pasadena?

When you turn on the TV and the game is on, Anfield is just coming into the pub. Everyone sings and claps. We’re a tight-knit group, so everyone automatically joins. It’s a great feeling and I love seeing the little kids join in.

Has OLSC ever visited Anfield? If so, how was the experience?

We made the trip to Anfield as a group three times. The last one was in 2019 for the Chelsea match. Due to COVID, we have not been able to attend any other events, but we hope to do so in the very near future.

What has it been like to watch the club in recent history?

I remember when Bill Shankly joined Liverpool and he changed the club in every way we did things. I see Jürgen Klopp doing exactly the same. He is one of the best managers in world football and has created a world-class support team with the personnel he has brought to the club. He also brought super happy times to the club, winning the Premier League, Champions League, Club World Cup and two domestic cups for the first time. He is the best thing to happen to Liverpool in many, many years. The same goes to Matt Beard for his guidance and decision making and the entire staff at Liverpool.

Finally, is there anything else you would like to mention?

Our supporters here at OLSC Pasadena are dedicated and very loyal, but I would like to mention one supporter in particular. Helen Steele. Helen is a fellow Scouser (from Southport though) and is an example to everyone of how to support the team. Come rain, hail or snow, Helen is at the game cheering on the team. She is much loved and respected by all of the Pasadena Reds.

OLSC information

Name: OLSC Pasadena

Location: Pasadena, California, USA

Home Bar: Lucky Baldwins Pub, 17 South Raymond Ave, California, 91105, USA

Website: PasadenaReds.com

Twitter: @PasadenaReds

Facebook: Pasadena Reds