As the soccer world looks ahead to the FIFA World Cup, Portland fans will get a chance to celebrate one of the most influential figures in Timbers’ history with a new documentary spotlighting former striker Clyde Best.<\/p>\n
\u201cTransforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story\u201d will screen June 4 and 5 at the Aladdin Theater, highlighting Best\u2019s life and legacy. Best played for the Timbers from 1977 to 1981 and played more than 100 matches for the Timbers, both indoor and on the pitch.<\/p>\n
Billy Merck, founder of Green Is The Color, said the film reaches well beyond the game itself. One of the documentary\u2019s central stories follows Best leaving Bermuda alone at 17 years old to trial with West Ham United.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a 17-year-old Black kid in London by himself, and nobody picks him up at the airport,\u201d Merck said. \u201cHe gets on the tube, gets off at the wrong station, and ends up knocking on a stranger\u2019s door. It turns out to be Clive Charles\u2019 mom\u2019s house.\u201d<\/p>\n
Best would spend years living with the Charles family, forming a bond that would later connect two legends of Portland soccer.<\/p>\n
Merck said the film also explores the racism Best overcame during his career. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a great story about racism, about perseverance,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s a sports movie, a soccer movie, and a movie about overcoming obstacles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both screenings will include a panel discussion with Best and former West Ham player Addy Coker.<\/p>\n
Screening times are:<\/p>\n
Thursday, June 4: 7:30 p.m. (VIP meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.)<\/p>\n
Friday, June 5: 7:30 p.m. (VIP meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m.)<\/p>\n
\u201cMake it a priority to go,\u201d Merck said. \u201cPeople will feel connected to Clyde, connected to the movie and inspired in their own lives beyond the film.\u201d<\/p>\n