Articles written by: John Ling

John is a computer programmer by day, freelance game designer by night, and father of two all the time. He used to be one of those misguided people who believe soccer is boring, until he saw his first live match. In addition to the Union, he follows the Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers.

Fans' View

Fans’ View: The future’s so bright

by × on November 21, 2013 at 11:17 am × 4 comments

Union fan John Ling says the team’s attention to its youngest supporters bodes well for the future.

Fans' View

Fans’ View: The 43-year-old rookie

by × on October 24, 2013 at 1:37 pm × 4 comments

Feeling odd to be coaching soccer while never having played, John Ling decided it was time to look for a team. The trick was finding one that was friendly to out-of-shape middle-aged men with no playing experience.

Fans' View

Fans’ View: Don’t cross the line

by × on September 19, 2013 at 10:56 am × 20 comments

The MLS “Don’t Cross the Line” campaign deserves to be applauded, but subtle forms of gender discrimination still remain. John Ling explains.

Fans' View

Fans’ View: Like a good neighbor

by × on August 30, 2013 at 10:48 am × 5 comments

PPL Park is, essentially, one giant neighborhood with a great diversity of neighbors.

Fans' View

Fans’ View: A day in the life of a ball kid

by × on August 2, 2013 at 11:08 am × 8 comments

And now for something different … A Philadelphia Union ball kid shares what it was like to be a ball kid.

Photo by Earl Gardner
Fans' View

Fans’ View: Athletes can still make great role models

by × on July 8, 2013 at 11:00 am × 5 comments

Sebastien Le Toux and Abby Wambach have been great role models for at least one young girl. (She apparently named her hermit crab Seba!)

Fans' View

Fans’ view: The soccer dad’s communication breakthrough

by × on June 12, 2013 at 12:01 pm × 9 comments

New Fans’ View writer John Ling explains how a shared love of soccer and Philadelphia Union helps him connect with his 12-year-old daughter.