What’s in a name? If you're in Brentford, South Dakota, the answer is everything.
The small town in the United States with a population of just 99 shares a name with Premier League club Brentford, whose London home lies 4,173 miles away.
On the opening day of the 2021/22 season that distance meant nothing as the town's residents gathered at a local bar to support their transatlantic "twin" playing host to the mighty Arsenal.
And the South Dakotans, proudly dressed in Brentford kits and scarves, had cause for huge celebrations as, in their first Premier League match, the Bees won 2-0.
West London to the Midwest 🔴⚪
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 13, 2021
We will be feeling your support wherever you are watching in from!#BrentfordFC #BREARS https://t.co/cBKLtMjtT8 pic.twitter.com/n4xD4ka8Br
"It is so nice to be able to do something positive and come together to celebrate the only other Brentford in the world," Meagan Williams, a resident of Brentford SD, told NBC.
"Our community feels a sense of connection to Brentford in the United Kingdom.
"Having a few community members visit the 'other' Brentford and having had a visitor from Brentford, UK, come to our small town, we feel a sense of kinship to a place that is 4,173 miles away."
Go Brentford Bees! Watching & cheering all the way from our small town! @NBCSportsSoccer @JPW_NBCSports @BrentfordFC pic.twitter.com/H6FwBaDy38
— Joclyn Haven (@joclyn_haven) August 13, 2021
Brentford SD owes its name to two English immigrant railroad workers, who suggested honouring their hometown.
Throughout this season NBC Sports are looking to showcase other American places with the same name as those in the UK, or who have connections or have embraced the Premier League and its clubs.
If you are in the US and want to get your town involved, simply send a DM to @NBCSportsSoccer on Twitter or send a tweet using the hashtag #MyPLMorning!
