Denmark is a far cry from California and Ohio, but William Miller and JR Artozqui will be calling Copenhagen home for the better part of this year. Both have left familiar surroundings to spend the 2010 season with the Towers.

11 years of age and a sideline separate head coach William Miller and quarterback JR Artozqui, but other than that they are really not very different. Both love sports, both are single, both are pleasant and laidback guys and both love to talk. However, while JR is making his very first trip overseas, William already has two previous stops on his European football CV.

When sitting down with Milller and JR it quickly becomes apparent that you cannot spend time with them without talking sports. They love sports – football is a given, but also basketball, baseball and even swimming. In fact, William almost received a college scholarship in swimming. Being from sunny California JR likes to play a round of golf, whenever he gets the chance.

‘But if I were stuck on a deserted island with a TV with no remote I would want the TV tuned to college basketball’ JR explained ‘I love the upsets’. William, on the other hand, would be watching women’s soccer.

Copenhagen is popular

When asked what he likes about being in Copenhagen, William mentioned cultural diversity. JR quickly agreed and added that being from southern California he was used to being around people of all kinds of ethnicities.

This quickly turned the conversation onto the topic of food. “Remember that Syrian/Lebanese restaurant we went to the other day – never been to one of those before”. Still, when pressed, both admitted to missing the broad selection of food available at home. And the fact that you can get anything at any time of the day.

The English skills and helpfulness of Danes has impressed JR: “I asked two guys for directions to a place and they ended up walking me all the way to where I was going”.

JR emphasized that he likes the public transportation in Copenhagen very much. He rides the buses, trains and metro all the time, but also hopes to get a bike soon, now that spring is here.

Having praised the arts scene, cultural diversity, architecture, shopping options of Copenhagen and other things he likes about Copenhagen, William got down to what he really likes about the city: “The Danish women….!”

On the other hand neither JR nor William find Danes very good at small talk. At bars people don’t mind talking, but people seem to get uncomfortable if you try to talk to them in a bus or on the street, JR noted.

Who would’ve thought

One thing that strikes you is that as a person William does not seem much like a coach. A fact that isn’t lost on him: “I’m not a stereotypical football coach”. In fact William likes art and writes a bit of poetry. Another little known fact is that William is very interested in European fashion. He likes to stay updated on what is happening in the fashion world and dress accordingly.

JR wants to experience the jazz clubs and art museums of Copenhagen, but at heart he is a movie lover. Bruce Willis, Jim Carrey and Harrison Ford are favorites, but JR likes smaller, independent films such as “Sideways” as well.

Turning to food and drink once again William said that he really likes wine. “I don’t – I grew up in a Catholic family and had wine too often as a kid for mass” JR explained, but added that he loves beer – especially the Danish microbrews.

The future

The 23-year old JR plans to become a school teacher in the future, but saw football as a good way to see Europe before he commits to a career in teaching. He had offers from football teams in the CzechRepublic, Finland and Switzerland, but chose Denmark partly because he knew that most Danes are good at English. Provided that this season works out well, JR sees himself being in Copenhagen for at couple of seasons before it’s time to hang up his cleats.