Over the last few years soccer has taken the centre stage in almost every country, some elite players are earning a fortune. One can see Churches, Temples, Mosques and other religious places are less than quarter full whereas socccer matches bring in thousands of spectators. Everybody wants to be Pele, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, George Best, Maradona or Zinedin Zedan so that they can earn a fortune and to lead a glamourous life style. Think of the old adage 'If you do not study or educate yourself you will be left at the bottom of social ladder'. Although it is still true in some extent, when young kids see their soccer Idols driving a Ferrari, Porche, Rolls or Mercedes without any output from their brain cells, it creates a negative and unreachable situation. Young kids playing truants and dream of being superstars.
As time goes by, their aspirations come to a dead end. In some cases this leads to drug taking smoking, drinking and other substance misuse which may cause more social unrest.
As time goes by, their aspirations come to a dead end. In some cases this leads to drug taking smoking, drinking and other substance misuse which may cause more social unrest.
But football is a beautiful game. It pays superstars handsomely, as they bring in gate receipts and revenue from TV and satellite advertising. The clubs can pay them from their vastly increased income.
We cannot condemn the games whether it is soccer, tennis, cricket or golf. Parents, at the outset, tell their children what is achievable and what is not. But if their kids are talented or showing some kind of special interest, they should be encouraged.
We cannot condemn the games whether it is soccer, tennis, cricket or golf. Parents, at the outset, tell their children what is achievable and what is not. But if their kids are talented or showing some kind of special interest, they should be encouraged.
I watch the game regularly and enjoy the excitement, the skill, the passings and movements of the players but I never watch a game if I have other more important things to do. I think people who watch matches or games should do so in their leisure.
Some young people know more about Rooney, Robson, Ronaldo or Thiery Henry than about their school homework.
Owing to cutbacks by local councils, swimming pools, libraries, football, tennis and other sports facilities suffer - and we cannot create superstars of tomorrow. Look at Wimbledon, it is one of the four classic events in the annual sporting calendar but we have not found another Fred Perry since 1936 - although Andy Murray may be the answer to our prayers!
1 comment:
Football suffers from the good things that we like and the bad things that we abhor. Global TV means that instant play can be viewed by all and the replays argued over at length. Football is also cheap, all one needs is a ball and 23 persons one of whom is the referee. A boon to sport in a poor country. The game is accessible to all and needs no equipment. Now,this bonanza needs to be exploited. The rich get richer, invest in stadia, clothes, agents, coaches, the list is endless. Finally there are the players. They have a short and enviable life--perhaps. let us not begrudge them their moment on the global TV screen.
Post a Comment