“Ted Lasso ”Star Brendan Hunt Is Putting Together a Dog Soccer Team and Every Pup Has a Chance to Join (Exclusive)

**Brendan Hunt Partners with Purina Beggin’ for Canine Soccer Campaign**

Brendan Hunt, the beloved star of the hit series *Ted Lasso*, is currently collaborating with Purina Beggin’ to promote a novel initiative that showcases the playful side of dog ownership. As the official dog treat partner of U.S. Soccer, Purina Beggin’ is launching the Beggin’ XI campaign. This initiative invites dog owners to enter their pets into a contest aimed at creating a dream team of canine soccer enthusiasts.

The Beggin’ XI is an exciting opportunity for dog owners across the nation. Participants can submit photos of their dogs demonstrating their skills or showcasing their team spirit in honour of U.S. Soccer. The campaign, which runs until May 17, promises to award one lucky “Top Dog” the chance to attend a live U.S. Soccer match, while all entrants—regardless of whether they win—will receive a complimentary bag of treats. This aspect of the competition speaks to Hunt’s fondness for giving every participant recognition.

According to Hunt, he is looking for certain qualities in the canine competitors. When asked what it takes for a dog to earn a spot on the Beggin’ XI, he remarked that demonstrating speed or strength through a photograph would be beneficial. Unlike video submissions, which could favour professional trainers, Hunt believes that the photographic format allows pet owners of all backgrounds to participate more equally.

Reflecting on his own experiences with dogs, Hunt shared that although he currently lives with an 18-year-old cat who won’t permit him to adopt a canine companion, he fondly recalls growing up with dogs. His time working on the *Ted Lasso* set also allowed him to spend a day surrounded by a group of playful puppies, further reinforcing his affection for dogs.

Hunt is a firm proponent of the idea that soccer is an ideal sport for dogs. He explained, “Dogs just love running and chasing the ball,” and expressed that unlike sports that require dogs to pick up an object, soccer’s straightforward rules and constant movement resonate with canine instincts. His enthusiasm for the game shines through as he describes how the nature of soccer suits dogs perfectly.

Interestingly, Hunt’s passion for soccer did not arise during his childhood or from his time working on *Ted Lasso*. Instead, he credits his love for the sport to a life-changing move to Amsterdam in 1999, where he pursued a career in comedy. During his time in the Netherlands, he became captivated by soccer, declaring he transformed into a “zealot” for the sport. Hunt recalls returning to the United States, eager to share his newfound passion with friends and family.

After 27 years of adoration for soccer, Hunt has been fortunate enough to work on *Ted Lasso*, a series that has only heightened his appreciation for the beautiful game. The upcoming fourth season promises to explore new dimensions of the sport, as Hunt’s character, Coach Beard, and Ted Lasso, played by Jason Sudeikis, will now coach a women’s team, expanding the show’s narrative and thematic focus.

Hunt’s camaraderie with Sudeikis is evident in his comments about their working relationship. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with a close friend, noting that their shared experiences on set make the work feel less like a job and more like a rewarding adventure.

As excitement builds around the forthcoming season of *Ted Lasso*, set to premiere on AppleTV+ on August 5, it is clear that Brendan Hunt’s involvement in the Beggin’ XI campaign reflects his broader love for sports, dogs, and community. Through these endeavours, he continues to inspire dog owners and soccer fans alike, bridging the gap between the world of sports and the joy that pets bring to our lives.