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SFA in talks with Boston officials over biannual friendly match
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is discussing a regular friendly match in Boston with Massachusetts officials, aiming to build on the connection formed when Scotland fans visited during the World Cup. The idea is at an early stage, but any fixture would involve Scotland’s national team and could help sustain cultural and economic ties between Scotland and the state.
An estimated 25,000 supporters gathered in Boston and nearby areas during Scotland’s two World Cup matches there this summer. Massachusetts state senator Paul Feeney said the state Senate had unanimously supported exploring the idea, which could take the form of an invitational tournament; further discussions are planned with Scottish officials. The SFA is also in advanced talks with Massachusetts businesses about investment in Scottish football.
In short
- The SFA is discussing a regular Scotland friendly in Boston.
- Around 25,000 fans visited during the World Cup.
- Massachusetts has unanimously backed exploring the idea.
Explained simply
The Scottish Football Association (SFA) governs football in Scotland and organises the men’s and women’s national teams. A friendly is a match played outside a competitive tournament, often to give teams international experience or maintain connections with supporters.
Boston, in the US state of Massachusetts, hosted two of Scotland’s World Cup matches this summer. The large number of Scottish supporters who travelled there brought attention to the links between Scotland and the state.
Massachusetts senator Paul Feeney and other state officials are involved in exploring ways to build on those links. Regular international matches can bring visitors and business activity, while giving supporters in the host country a chance to see Scotland play.
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