Liverpool supporters connect at Catherine Rooney’s for morning football

Catherine Rooney’s in Trolley Square is big on Premier League Football (that’s soccer, for uninitiated Americans), opening its doors as early as 7:30 a.m. some days so fans can gather to watch games live.

And when Liverpool FC plays, it’s an event. Over the past few years, Catherine Rooney’s has become the home of the almost-official Delaware LFC Supporter’s Club. With nearly 100 members, it’s just shy of becoming an Official Supporter Club recognized by the LFC like clubs in Philly and Baltimore.

Why do folks around here love Liverpool?

“Some people see parallels between Philly and Liverpool,” said Paul Gaskell, one of the club’s organizers. “Others are attracted to Liverpool FC’s amazing history and Liverpool’s reputation as a place with strong Irish, Welsh and Scottish connections as a catalyst — think McCartney and Lennon, two Beatles with the most Irish names.”

Catherine Rooney’s also attracts existing fans who’ve come to the area from places like Ireland, England, India, Mauritius, Cameroon and Ethiopia.

For Gaskell, a Liverpool native and founder of the Wilmington-based On N Up Coaching, the LFC Supporter’s Club is a way to meaningfully connect. “I lived here for many years without the joy of watching games with fellow fans,” he said. “Finding this group has been an awesome experience for me personally.”

A plaque dedicated to one of the club’s first members, the late Joshua Lindsey. “YNWA” is the LFC’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone. (Courtesy photo)

The club has grown rapidly. “Four years ago I watched a really important game for Liverpool with four others at Catherine Rooney’s on a Monday afternoon,” he said. “Last month, we watched an equally important Champions League game with about 30 supporters on a Wednesday afternoon. I’m sure we haven’t tapped into our full potential yet, but the growth has been amazing.”

Liverpool, by the way, is having a very good year. If they win their next two games on April 24 and May 2, they’ll be in the final of the European Champions League, sort of like the Super Bowl of premier club soccer.

Anyone can come out to to Premier League viewings at Catherine Rooney’s. For times and more about the Delaware LFC Supporter’s Club, check out their Facebook group.