Arsenal America

Looks like the Frank Simek article got lost in the change-over. Here it is for those who missed it…

Arsenal FC has players from some of the biggest soccer playing nations in the world on their books. France, Holland, Brazil, The United States (hey, we finished in the top eight in Japan/Korea!). That?s right, Arsenal youth team member Frank Simek hails from Illinois, the heartland of America. I had a chance to chat with Frank after he had competed in a recent U-20 tournament here in the States. Frank has established himself with the youth team setup at Arsenal, appearing in the majority of the Gunners U-19 matches and even getting a game with the reserves in November. At this rate it seems fans of both Arsenal and the U.S. national team will be keeping their eye on this Yankee Gunner in the years to come.

RL - What was it like watching the U.S. during the World Cup this summer?

FS - I had a great time staying up late and watching the team. Over here the U.S. really isn?t seen as a soccer power, but I think their performance really opened some eyes over here. The World Cup definitely improved our (the U.S.?s) image.

RL - You recently played for the U.S. U-20 team in a tournament in South Carolina. Tell us about that experience?

FS - I played with the Under-20?s a bit this summer in Holland, but about half the team I was unfamiliar with when I got to South Carolina. I was able to play against Canada and even scored a goal, which as a defender, doesn?t happen too often for me. It was a great experience. Since I play in England the coaches don?t get many opportunities to see me play, but if I continue to move up the ranks here at Arsenal I know I won?t be forgotten.

RL - Do you have an ambition to play for the U.S. at the 2006 World Cup?

FS - I really haven?t thought about that too much, I?m just taking things day by day. Obviously it would be great, but it?s still so far down the line. It?s encouraging though to see that Bruce Arena (the U.S. national team coach) has the confidence to let young players like Landon Donavan and DeMarcus Beasley play.

RL - Are you satisfied with how you are progressing at Arsenal?

FS - I?m very pleased. I?m playing regularly and recently was called up to play with the reserves. There were a lot of youth team members in the squad, but also some big names, like Martin Keown and Kolo Toure. I actually came on for Martin Keown. That definitely got my adrenaline flowing!

RL - Would you encourage other young Americans to play in England/Europe?

FS - That?s a tough one. It?s really an individual decision. For someone who is really attached to the American lifestyle it might be hard. I come from a small town in Illinois (Milstadt, population 2,700), but I had lived in London since I was 12 so I was familiar with life in England. That made playing here a lot easier. I still keep in touch with my family of course, that?s probably the thing I miss most. I still follow American sports and watch American football here on TV.

RL - In recent years Arsenal have brought in some tremendous talent from overseas, and have seen some young homegrown talent leave their system. Is that discouraging for you?

FS - Big clubs like Arsenal are always looking to bring in the best players and improve, but you can?t let that discourage you. I know that if I continue to perform everything will work out. Hopefully I?ll get an opportunity to be out on loan and get some first team opportunities. Some of our young players have done that and when they come back they say that it was a good experience and that they learned a lot and improved. I would not rule out something like that if the opportunity were presented to me.

RL - What?s it like living in London?

FS - I live in North London, it?s about a 15-minute ride to the center of the city. If we don?t have training or a game on Sunday, we get to go out a bit and have some fun. We all take our training pretty seriously so it doesn?t get out of hand, but London?s a cool city, there?s always something going on.

RL - And your highlight so far?

FS - Playing in the reserve match and coming on for Martin Keown was pretty cool. Also, playing in the FA Youth Cup. Hopefully we can continue in that tournament, that we be terrific.