# @plinusa on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CqidGupOtlG
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/5305063-plinusa-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/3c5e7a4cd4.jpg
- **Posted:** 2023-04-02T15:12:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) — https://gondola.cc/PLinUSA

## Caption

Every fan of a PL club has a how and why behind their fandoms.

For officialbhafc fan Eric Stuebner, it all began in 2005 when he spent a semester teaching abroad in Brighton, trading his beloved USC Trojans college football team for the Seagulls during the Withdean Stadium years.

However, when he returned to Arizona, he forgot about the club and fell back into his routine of American sports.

Twelve years later, an appearance by Rebecca Lowe on the Dan Patrick Show led to Eric realizing that Brighton were on the verge of making their PL debut.

He rekindled his love for the Seagulls soon after when watching the opening match of the season versus Man City, figuring out that his old bus stop was feet away from where Amex Community Stadium now stood.

That passion soon became shared by him and his son Henry who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder shortly before the next match.

The Saturday—or Sunday—Seagulls routine for these Stateside Seagulls was born.

Henry, his younger brother Max and Eric take the golf cart through their community farm home in Agritopia to BoSa Donuts, go back home to brew coffee and throw their Stateside Seagulls scarf on the mantle to watch matches.

When Max and Eric get too excited, Henry will tell Max and Eric they're screaming or clapping too loud.

To signal to Henry that Brighton scored, Eric will usually pick up Max and fly him around the house like a seagull, leading to Henry chasing them while shrieking and flapping his arms. That means Henry is happy and will even join in on singing Good Old Sussex by the Sea, despite being limited verbally.

"Everyone is dealing with something, and having the patience and respect to understand, accept and show more compassion goes a long way.

The club’s empathy resonates with us when you see the work of Albion in the Community and the inclusion room Brighton built at the Amex that families can use as a safe and reassuring space to watch matches.

I hope to one day visit my old stomping grounds, see the inclusion room and watch a match with my family. Knowing how Henry loves music, he’d probably want to be in the North Stand instead."

#WorldAutismAwarenessDay | #PLFansofAmerica

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## Credits

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## Tags

plfansofamerica, worldautismawarenessday

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