Hollywood United was founded in the late-1980s by a group of British expatriates who frequented the Cat & Fiddle, an English-style pub on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood, California. The original team was made up of several U.S.-based British celebrities from the world of music, film and television, including Paul Cook and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols, Billy Duffy and Ian AstburyofThe Cult, and Vivian CampbellofDef Leppard. Word eventually spread throughout the entertainment world about the club and its players and, before long, not only other well-known stars, but also former national team soccer players from around the world asked to play.
Initially, Hollywood United basically had one team that competed in different Sunday leagues around Los Angeles, including the Los Angeles Metro League and the Glendale League. It was loosely organized and comprised roughly of the same 20 players in all games.
Hollywood United LAPL over-30 team plays its home games at Crossroads High SchoolinSanta Monica, California. This is the team that was formed out of the remnants of the O-30 Olympic League side that brought HUFC a considerable amount of notoriety.
Dad's Army consists of most of the original Hollywood United team, and competes in the City of Los Angeles Metro Soccer League Senior Division. Over the years, the team has featured players such as Vinnie Jones, Steve Jones, Billy Duffy, Vivian Campbell and Paul Cook, and currently includes film director and producer Danny Cannon on the roster.
Champions United v. Hollywood United, 22 November 2008. As part of the activities surrounding the 2008 MLS Cup Hollywood United will host a special charity match. All proceeds from the match, including donations collected on the day of the game, will be for people whose lives were severely affected by the devastation of Hurricane Ike. Players for Hollywood in this game included Ziggy Marley, Santiago Cabrera, Jimmy Jean-Louis and John Harkes.[2]
Los Angeles Galaxy v. Hollywood United, November 4, 2007. Following the string of devastating wildfires in Southern California, the Los Angeles Galaxy, Hollywood United FC and the Herbalife Family Foundation joined together to host a special charity match. All proceeds from the match, including donations collected on the day of the game, went towards the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army to aid in their efforts to assist those affected by the wild fires. Players for Hollywood in this game included, in addition to their usual celebrities, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Joe-Max Moore, Jorge Campos and Yari Allnutt.[3]
Match to Benefit Survivors of Torture, July 22, 2007. Proceeds from the event benefited PTV, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free medical care, psychological evaluation and other essential social services to alleviate the suffering and health consequences of torture victims living in Los Angeles. Funds raised at the event also benefited the Hollywood United Youth Soccer Association (HUYSA), an organization dedicated to supporting youth soccer programs.
Match to Benefit Children of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, June 15, 2007. Hollywood United FC participated in a match against a team of Mexican International legends. Luis Hernández, Benjamin Galindo, and Adolfo Rios spearheaded the Mexican team against Hollywood United regulars Eric Wynalda, Richard Gough, and Jimmy Jean-Louis. The event raised thousands of dollars to benefit the homeless children of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Steve Jones
Anthony LaPaglia
Mark Tabberner (O-30s)
