New film documents life of West Ham, Timbers soccer legend Clyde Best

Clyde Best became one of England’s first Black soccer superstars when he played for West Ham United from 1968 to 1976. Best scored 58 goals in his 218 appearances as a striker for West Ham. He later  went on to play for the Portland Timbers from 1977 to 1981, helping build the foundation for professional soccer in the U.S.    The documentary “Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story” showcases Best’s life and career, including the racism he had to contend with on and off the pitch. The film will play at the Aladdin Theater on June 4 and 5, followed by a Q&A with Best and other interviewees in the film.    Clyde Best joins us for a conversation ahead of those screenings.