The power of football

Christmas day is here. To all of you who celebrate Christmas I wish you a very merry one and I hope that you have a great day. To all of you who don’t celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a good December 25th as well!

Peace

At a time such as this it is worth remembering just what a power for peace and good, football is. In a world of famine, fear and violence. In a world of hatred and jealousy, football is one of very few things that can unite us all.

Take this simple football site. I write things about world football from my home in Southern England. The few hardy readers come from all over the globe. Many of you disagree with much of what I write and many of you disagree with each other. It is rare for anyone to agree on matters about the clubs we actually support. You can attack me or my family, but don’t criticise my football team!!

Love

Despite our differences of opinion on the game and our different backgrounds, lives and cultures, we all agree on one thing. We love football.

So at this festive time of year we should never under play the importance of the game. Some strange people say they can’t understand why people get so excited by watching twenty-two grown men (or women) chasing a ball around a field. Well, whilst not quite agreeing with the famous Bill Shankley quote about football being more important than life and death, the game is so much more than just a game.

Joy

It gives us excitement, frustration, joy, anger and despair. In fact, you name an emotion and football can, and does, produce it.

It also has the unique and incredibly important ability to transcend politics and arguments and loathing to bring the people of the world together.

Football is an important piece of all of our lives and long may it continue.

To football fans everywhere, have a wonderful day.