Beer Conversion Chart (A Handy Guide in Providing Free Beer to Your Guests)

We spend a lot of time on this site including adding very random writings and what-not to the soccer Inter-Web-Blogo-Sphere without always focusing on the central idea of the Free Beer Movement, which is simple: spread soccer in America through the power of free beer. We want established soccer fans to become ambassadors of the sport and use brewskies as their sidekick in this high-stakes adventure.

When inviting a soccer-hesitant friend to a soccer match it is important to consider just how many free beers its going to take to convince them to attend. Enjoying soccer for someone who has misgivings about the sport is akin to going home with the ugly girl at the bar; sometimes it might take a few more drinks to appreciate what you have.

It is in keeping with our mission that we provide this handy "Beer Conversion Chart" to aid our newest (and some old ones that need reminding) members when they head out to work their beer-fueled magic on scores of "soccer newbies".

(Editor's Note: Keep in mind that each recommendation is for beers that FBM members should purchase for their guest(s). Beyond that it is complete at your discretion and your guest(s) are also encouraged to return the favor if the experience is a positive one.)

Step 1: World Cup Matches

The world's largest sporting event almost sells itself. Almost. Even the most soccer-reluctant person will be intrigued by global power houses such as Brazil and Spain going head-to-head in epic battle. All of the world's biggest names are participating on the world's largest stage and so almost any game from the group stages to the grand finale will tug at the sport-heartstrings of your guest.

Number of Recommended Free Beers: 1 per match

Step 2: UEFA Champion's League Matches

The best of Europe's SuperClubs face off. Smaller European club teams compete against the giants of larger European clubs in the group stages and then proceed to the "knock-out" stages where the survivors fight to be called "European Champions". While the matches take place in the United States in mid-afternoon (a great excuse to call a "business meeting" or drag your friend out of his cubicle) these "European nights" showcase towering cathedrals of European soccer under the lights.

Recommended Number of Free Beers: 2 per match.

Step 3: Domestic European Matches

Domestic European contests from England, Spain, Italy, and Germany have solidified themselves as the some of the highest caliber examples of the "beautiful game". Week in and week out the world's greatest players and teams compete for league supremacy. Even the smaller domestic teams find themselves passionately involved in knocking down the giants of their league. The end of each season sees heavy-weights pushing towards the title, while even the bottom-feeders are locked in a tremendous struggle to maintain their position in the top-flight and avoid the dreaded (and foreign to American observers) plight of "relegation".

Number of Recommended Free Beers: 3 per match.

(Editor's Note: Please remember that all domestic European matches are shown at earlier hours of the morning and any excessive drinking at such time will most certainly ruin and future plans for the day. Not that its a bad thing....)

Step 4: Major League Soccer Matches

Even the most passionate of American soccer observers will concede that our domestic game is not yet on par with that of our European counterparts. This is not necessarily a criticism, but just an acknowledgment of reality. That being said the U.S. domestic game has plenty to offer the entry-level soccer fan. First off, access. MLS competition will probably be the highest level of LIVE, in-person soccer, to which a member of FBM will be able to expose the soccer newbie. MLS matches allow the FBM member to showcase the finest in our young, domestic talent (and a few great foreign imports as well) and, in an increasing number of cases, soccer-specific stadiums.

The atmosphere is always lively and we recommend that the FBM member try to get tickets in or near the club's supporter sections for maximum enjoyment. Another plus, of course, is the opportunity to tailgate, a wonderful, American phenomenon, and a great chance to consume more, tasty brews.

Number of Recommended Free Beers: 4 per match.

(Editor's Note: Can be purchased in-stadium [not recommended for the budget-savvy], but a six-pack or more is welcome for tailgating. Also, be careful! You do have to drive home. Designate a sober drive [the jerk who didn't warm to soccer]).

Step 5: United Soccer League/North American Soccer League/USSF Division Matches

The second-tier of American domestic soccer is just as engaging as the first tier, but so often, less appreciated. The followings of a these club is small, but passionate. The best thing about this level of soccer soccer is that, again, the chances of seeing a LIVE, in-person match close-to-home is good. If you don't have a MLS franchise nearby, its a good bet that a USL/NASL/USSF team is lurking in the shadows.

Recommended Number of Free Beers: 5 per match.

Step 6: University Soccer Matches

College-level soccer is often viewed as the tenth-circle-of-hell-type in the world of the "beautiful game". Unlike many other university-sponsored sports, soccer is not a microcosm of its elder statesman. Often times it is technically deficient and down right difficult to follow if the FBM member is used to viewing other levels of the sport.

On the other hand, as opposed to European soccer (or even other major sports in America) most of tomorrow's soccer talent is groomed on the pitches of the university campus. Here one can watch amateur soccer skills at its inception and marvel at the growth in our home-grown kids as they try to crack into the upper echelons of professional soccer (be it in the U.S. or aboard).

A few other points to consider, as a student member of the FBM it is often the first chance that your new college friends will be exposed to such sporting. Consider it entry-level soccer viewing. Drinking games can be tied into said events and even the alumni can get behind the ol' local collegiate team (play to the guests' desire to re-live their college days).

Number of Recommended Free Beers: 6 per match.

Step 7: Youth Soccer (including high school) Matches

Watching youth soccer is kind of like staring at that first ultrasound of your soon-to-be son or daughter; you say that you can see it, but, be honest, you can't. Let's be honest, if you are bringing a guest to these games to get them to covert then you're just not trying.

The only good as a FBM member that can come from attending such matches with guests (attending as doting fathers and mothers is a whole other, admirable thing) is to convince them to the utter-awesome-ness of getting their children interested in the sport that dominates the world and will soon hopefully here as well.

Number of Recommended Free Beers: 7, or more, per match.

(Editor's Note: The FBM recommends that you and your guest(s) consume these post-match at home or other venue where it might not get you arrested. Or at the very least sneak them into that coffee tumbler you're pretending actually contains coffee)

So there you have it, the Official Free Beer Movement Conversion Chart. Keep in mind that these are guidelines to aid you in converting the soccer-sympathetic person to our cause. Feel free to consume much more than is listed here.

Next time you head off to the stadium, bar, or invite soccer newbies into your home have this handy chart nearby for easy reference. As always you can submit your free beer and soccer stories and pictures to the FBM at freebeermovement@gmail.com.