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Thaddeus Barton

@sidewalk_fc

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Utilizing the game as an agent for change and repping Chicago’s amazing footy culture. #freesoccernow Check out @___crossbar___ for online orders

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We approached @unityparklogansquare last year about the use of a small space in their park to use for a two hour window every Sunday to provide free play for the community. After attending a few meetings and some back and forth with emails, we were granted use of the space with the support of the parks.

We began in May during a time when we were deep in the middle of several other projects across the city. There was also a pretty big international tournament about to be held on our continent, meaning there was a lot of competition for people’s participation. We didn’t do a lot of promotion, mostly because we didn’t necessarily have the bandwidth, but also to see what would happen organically. We have shown up every Sunday (weather permitting), and we will continue to show up, but we are going to make a change.

What we have learned so far…

We cannot play if it is wet! The paint on the asphalt can be slick when wet, and we ain’t trying to get hurt.

Kids show up every week, adults, not so much. We have had a lot of fun mixing kids with adults, especially when it’s a parent.

Kids will essentially play forever when they are engaged, and this format is very fast paced and non stop.

Parents love that we come out here! There is not enough free resources for kids thanks to our beautiful capitalistic society. We are small, but this is a way for us to provide a good thing for our community.

The kids learn how to self officiate themselves and work through small conflicts in real time. We provide the equipment and the rules and then let them play!

And most importantly, new friendships and memories are being created!

We will be taking the next couple of weekends off for family, but we will return August 30th. When we return we will change to only host youth on Sundays from 11:30am-1:30pm.

If anyone has any questions or would like to learn more about what we do, hit us up in the DM’s. Thanks to all that have supported us so far, let’s keep it going!!! taken in Unity Park by @sidewalk_fc

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2 months ago

footage from the last day of the @crossbarsyndicate pop up ⚽️🥅 at PSA, we had a blast! few lingering pieces left at the shop for the taking this weekend if you’re in the area come check it out we are working on our July/ August layout feel free to come have input on what you would like to see in the shop next! #chicago taken in PSA Chicago by @sidewalk_fc

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3 months ago

Crossbar Syndicate began doing pop ups in the old Payless space on Diversey and Milwaukee with the support of @logansquarechamber in 2024. From that relationship we started hosting small gatherings across the street at Solidarity Triangle. We created small goals using construction barrels and aptly named it barrel ball. Every other week rain or shine spring through autumn we brought out dj’s, food, drinks, merch, vibes, and always in the spirit of inclusion. Looking forward to 2026, we knew we wanted to continue to host events in Logandale, but strip it all back and just play small sided games in a cool outdoor setting, and Unity Park happen to be the perfect spot! Over the course of the next several months our goal is to utilize the world’s sport as an agent for positivity and building community relationships.

All skill levels are welcome, we ask that you come out to have fun, be respectful of each other, and bring a friend!

The format; 3 v 3, first to 2 goals, or whoever is winning after 5 minutes. Winning team stays on until they are beaten. We will be playing on asphalt with 3’ x 5’ goals, and using futsal balls.

What you need; comfortable clothing, flat non slip or indoor soccer shoes, water, and a snack.

Youth (6-17) from 11:30-12:30
Adults (18 and up) from 12:30-1:30

Code of conduct
We are playing for fun and not to get injured. Fouling and poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. If you’re looking for a highly competitive game, this is not for you.

If you plan to attend we ask that you sign up using the link in our linktree so we know how many to expect. This is a new program for us and we ask for feedback and patience to help us create a really fun experience for everyone.

Thank you ~ Crossbar Syndicate taken in Unity Park by @sidewalk_fc

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5 months ago

Come celebrate the 1 yr anniversary of Dandelions by Roy Kinsey @roy_kinsey 🌼 at @inspirationkitchens on Saturday May 16. Roy will be performing select tracks from the album and sharing inspirations behind the music. 🎤🎶 The performance will be accompanied by gumbo, fried green tomatoes and a selection of beverages by Chef Thaddeus @sidewalk_fc and Inspiration Kitchens staff. 🍲🍷🧑‍🍳

🎟️ Tickets available in our bio

Hope to see you there 🌼

#thecookup #foodandmusic #inspiration taken in Inspiration Kitchens by @sidewalk_fc

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5 months ago

⚽️Footy Pick-up!

Starting May 17th, join us at Unity Park for weekly pickup games hosted by @sidewalk_fc & @crossbarsyndicate.

All skill levels welcome—just bring good vibes and love for the game. Whether you’re looking to get touches in, meet new people, or just enjoy the run, this is your spot.

📍 Unity Park
🗓️ Starting May 17th

Tag your squad and pull up. Let’s play. by @sidewalk_fc

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6 months ago

We have another baller in the making! Three weeks ago my daughter says she wants to play soccer. She’s been tagging along for the last three years to all of brothers practices and games, never watched any, but always there. I’m not exactly sure what finally made her want to get there as well, but I do know she’s determined, and has the best support and training partner in big bro. And so her journey begins…. #girlsrule #thebeautifulgame #lookoutworldhereshecomes taken in Lil Kickers by @sidewalk_fc

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8 months ago

THIS SATURDAY, OCT 18 @marzbrewing BREWING

We stopped by @lumpenradio to talk about the upcoming Chinga La Migra event w/ Lumpen FC and @barrabravabrewingco - organized in response to the deplorable tactics and actions of ICE here in Chicago.

In collaboration with:
@sector_latino12 @crossbarsyndicate @3160firm @barrabravabrewingco @raul_fanbulance @almostinformfc @trumpetpapi

Proceeds benefit @icirr_il (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights).

#ChingaLaMigra #NoHumanIsIllegal #ChicagoFireFC #CF97 #SectorLatino #VamosFire #CrossbarSyndicate #BarraBravaBrewing #AlmostInformFC #TrumpetPapi #MarzBrewing #ICIRR #SoccerForAll #FutbolCommunity #SupporterCulture #EndDeportations #CommunityOverEverything #Fanbulance #CustomKits #ChicagoEvents #SoccerCulture by @sidewalk_fc

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a year ago

When your bestie is Ecuadorian… by @sidewalk_fc

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a year ago

I went to the final game for @edgewatercastle this year with my friend Thad from @sidewalk_fc and the recently formed @crossbarsyndicate The team had clinched the title by then, so the atmosphere was great. We also got to see the upcycled pennants and corner flags they had created for the team.

A few weeks ago, I spoke with @sakar_albrsa, a forward for Edgewater Castle, about their successful season this year. Both the men’s and women’s teams won their respective divisions. I attended the men’s final match in the MWPL Heartland Division, where their victory capped off an impressive campaign.

The league cup was on full display and ECFC also displayed some excellent merchandise, including Argyle scarves that will come in handy sooner than I’d like. They also produce some of the best commemorative match artwork of any club in Chicago ( @kadinmcgreevy) .

Also on display were the custom flags and pennants that Crossbar Syndicate had made for ECFC. The team had recently switched kit sponsorship to @lottosportus so they went to work repurposing the old designs. It was great to see the first project from months ago throughout the field and entrance.

In the end, I forgave Rookie the club mascot for mean-mugging me. ECFC won the game late, on a counter attack that felt perfect and Rookie was even cool with me taking a selfie with him and cup! Rooks Rooks Rooks indeed.

#EdgewaterCastleFC #CrossbarSyndicate #UpcycledGear #SoccerCommunity #ChicagoSoccer #MWPL #FootballArt #CornerFlags #Pennants #SoccerCulture by @sidewalk_fc

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a year ago

We are so obsessed with Olivia right now (and this jersey;) that we wanted to make this little number that looks as good on the street as it does on the touchline😂😍🔥 A gift for my baby girl who is now 8, I love you, dad!!! #oliviarodrigoguts #chicagofootyculture #girlsrule taken in Chicago, Illinois by @sidewalk_fc

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a year ago

* RAFFLE CLOSED * Huge shoutout to our incredible co-organizers and partners @latinooutdoors_chicago / @latinooutdoors for making this raffle collab happen w/ @___crossbar___ ✨🤯

Chicago! Do not miss this opportunity to win these dope custom kits from these Chicago based creatives, designers, and athletes.

We are raising funds for the global @climb.the.wall fundraiser with every single $ raised distributed to @wadiclimbingpalestine / @palestineredcrescent / @mecaforpeace.

$5-$15 or more is suggested to make a lasting impact on these organizations.

Check the link in @climbersforpalestine_chi bio for the donation link.

Winners will be announced at our meetup on Monday Jun 30, co-organized and hosted alongside our amazing team from @queersontherocks - @sendingincolor - @latinooutdoors_chicago - @climbbigchicago in partnership with our gym hosts @firstascentclimbing.

Thank you to all of our amazing donors! ❤️ taken in First Ascent Humboldt Park by @sidewalk_fc

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a year ago

I understand the privilege I enjoy as a white man walking the streets freely in old polyester with words of protest. I have spent 30 years working side by side with humans that have come here from places all over this planet for better opportunities and a better way of life. The two things most central to my life, soccer and food transcend any differences or barriers we have as humans when we play a game of footy or sit to break bread. WE ARE ALL HERE BECAUSE OUR IMMIGRANT ANCESTORS CAME HERE LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES AND A BETTER LIFE FOR THEIR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN!!! Be nice, do good, take only what you need, don’t be a fucking dick, have love and compassion for others, we are all from the same race, the human race taken in Payless ShoeSource #2291 by @sidewalk_fc

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a year ago