Passion for Real Sociedad reaches San Francisco

The highlight of the second day of Real Sociedad's LaLiga World tour around the United States was a visit to San Francisco's Basque Cultural Center (BCC) which is dedicated to sport and Basque culture. Every day it welcomes people from all generations with a key link uniting them: love and nostalgia for the Basque country.

A Real Sociedad delegation made up of club advisors Mikel Ubarrechena, Joseba Ibarburu, Jesus Ruiz and Nekane Soria as well as a group of around 10 players including Asier Illarramendi and Markel Bergara took part in the event alongside La Real supporters. "Coming so far and for there to be people with the same roots as you and this beautiful fronton is very special for us," said Bergara after the visit.

The Basque Cultural Center, which was founded in 1982, welcomes hundreds of diners to its restaurant on a daily basis and also contains a stunning indoor fronton for playing Basque pelota. "We're very proud to have the Real Sociedad players here with us. Everyone who comes here feels at home and is also pleasantly surprised by the fronton," said Ricardo San Mames, a BCC member. The fronton was the backdrop for the event and, unsurprisingly, the Real Sociedad players did not turn down the chance to showcase their skills.