Bullying, hazing and the making of a ‘soccer president’: Donald Trump’s forgotten career on the pitch

theguardian.com · 2 months ago

The US president will have a prominent role at this summer’s World Cup, but his involvement with the sport started in military schoolSign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterDrive north from New York City and into the Hudson valley. Take Exit 17 and follow Route 7 as it heads south along the river, past the abandoned shipyard and the aptly named Cadet Motel. Hang a left after a few miles, wind up a long driveway and you’ll arrive at New York Military Academy.It’s open, barely. Hundreds of students used to attend this place, but that number has dwindled to a few dozen; most of the 50 or so buildings on campus have fallen into disrepair and many seem entirely abandoned. Come here after dark and you’ll start to feel a little uneasy. Continue reading...