Wednesday 24 February 2010

F is for …

Alphabe-Thursday

…Football!! And for you lovely people who will read this across the Atlantic, I mean the game played with a round ball that you call soccer!

When I was growing up (way back in the 60s) I didn’t know much about football – there were a few clubs that I heard of but to no great effect. In my teenage years I started to ‘support’ Arsenal Football Club  - probably because they had some pin-up players. I had absolutely no knowledge whatsoever of the game. Arsenal are a North London team – not too far away from where I grew up and they are still, apart from Ipswich, my favourite club.

I went through a few years of not really caring much about football until number 2 son started showing an interest in playing. He was only about four years old when he started to play – he would go across to the local playing field with the bigger boys and really get stuck in. Then he joined Cub Scouts and started playing every Saturday morning. Of course he needed to be taken to the games and after a while he started to complain that I didn’t stay with him to watch. So I started to stay – come rain (lots of it) and shine (not much of it) I stood on the touchline every Saturday through out the season.

As he got older he joined a ‘proper’ team and showed real promise. That was until all of the other boys grew to twice his size but he stated the same size. The bigger the others got, the less chance he got to play and the more disillusioned he became. He finally gave up about age 15 when his spirit was broken after a particularly awful match.

Even though he no longer played, he still wanted to watch matches when Ipswich played at home and, because he couldn’t find anybody to go with him, I volunteered. I think we have been going along to almost every home game now for about eight seasons – generally it has been very enjoyable. Except for this season which has been diabolical. Freezing cold, not scoring many goals and drawing far too many games. The question currently hanging in the air is ‘do we renew our season tickets next year’. We’re undecided. But I know I’ll miss it. I wish it was an easy decision to make. Bother. What’ll I do if I don’t go to watch? Oh questions, questions….

Check out the other Alphabe-Thursday offerings over at Jenny's blog!

19 comments:

  1. I do admire the tenacity of those mums on the touchline on a Saturday when I walk past them on the way to the Heath. Funny, I had this funny feeling that you were going to post this. Am I psychic?
    Jx

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  2. The true football :). It is the mother's role to stand and cheer, give nourishment and comfort. It's difficult too when things are hard for them. Sounds like the time together going to the matches is precious, even though the team isn't always doing well.

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  3. This was a fun post Heather. Cait was in marching band all through high school, so we attended every single football game for 4 years, not to mention countless competitions and exhibitions. When she went off to college, we were at a loss as to what to do on Friday nights! Kathy

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  4. I remember when my kids were kids, taking them to soccer games with my little folding stool and cheering them on.

    Great F!!

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  5. It takes a lot of FAITH to let 'em go play FOOTBALL! Great F post!!! Happy Alphabe-Thursday!

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  6. My 8 year old wants to play Football, he is Fearless!~ I am not ready for that yet, we will stick to Soccer for Now:)

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  7. I am so relieved my son is not into football lol

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  8. "Stand and cheer for the Panthers,
    Stand and cheer for the team!
    The pride of both Carolina's,
    The city of the queen,
    CAROLINA!"

    I'm a big NFL fan. Unfortunately, I do not know any team soccer songs to quote! (stopping by from Jenny Matlock's place)

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  9. i think i would much rather watch than play...those boys can be rough!

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  10. I don't know much about your football, but I love me some Futbol Americano! :)

    I enjoyed your post!

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  11. I adore watching children play sports. They are so bright and determined and intent on the goal...any goal...

    Thank you for this F un post!

    A+

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  12. I love football (the soccer kind) ... I played then later did the team mom thin, my dd played, the whole extended family played, coached or was involved in the club in some manner ... must be that scottish/english heritage kicking in. It is a great game!

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  13. so glad you love football :D

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  14. It's always so fun to go and root for a team. I think you should give it a go for one more year and then see LOL.

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  15. Go ahead...it will be fun. You'll probably have regrets if you don't.

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  16. It is hard when our kids grow up/out of a sport/activity, because we parents have built part of our social life around it. When my daughter stopped dancing I went through withdrawal. Eventually found other things to spend my time on.

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  17. football ... I would have never thought of that one, but then I'm not very athletic LOL! :)

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  18. To answer your question, I found you through Alphabe-thursday.

    I still have no idea about football; I watch some time, with friends, but just couldn't relate..

    Great post!

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  19. I love football, the real football! it is so cool that you and your son go to games together!

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