One of my favourite weekend activities is an individual one but it can also be a group activity. I am a football spectator every weekend during the football season. It usually starts at least by the middle of August and continues until the end of June. I am not just any bystander, but an avid spectator because I am a mother watching my son’s football matches. This might not seem like much of a weekend activity, but it is an important one which I have now accepted, embraced and thoroughly enjoy. I look forward to going to matches. It has become a ritual.
Football match - May 2022
I have been doing this activity for about 12 years now. A few of us on the sidelines, have been together that long. We are the die-hards of the team and have the umbrella to prove it. Umbrella you ask? Yes, as the weather is not always agreeable in our neck of the wood, one year we were gifted red and black umbrella – the club colors. Upon opening the umbrella, on one section, there are some discreetly written words in white which reads “Come rain or shine – always there for my child!”
My activity starts early Saturday mornings – the timing depends on whether it is an at-home or away match. My mode of transport depends on the location. Sometimes I walk, cycle or go by car. If it’s an away match, the day starts early. Sometimes my car is full of my son’s fellow team members - sometimes it is only my son. Whatever it may be I am almost always present – 99% of the time anyway.
I am never alone but fortunately or unfortunately, some parents change annually when boys are scouted away or stop playing. However, if real bonds are made – we still meet on or away from the football pitch. There are no rules or expectations - except when a parent offers to take the players to an away-match - if plans change there ought to be timely communicated.
In a twist of roles, it my son’s participation that determines my activity. There is no trainer or official rules and guidelines to monitor us parent to ensure that we perform well. Being there is what matters. However, there are unwritten rules of decorum which should be inherent, but not for everyone. Some sons will either be embarrassed or elated that their parents are on the sidelines. Coaching from the sidelines is one thing but spontaneously entering the football pitch is a bit too much. That will never be appreciated. I have seen it happen but thank goodness that occurs seldomly. However, being vocal to the referee or trainer when their expertise did not match that of the parent – occurs more often. I have witnessed a parent or 2 being reprimanded and the match halted due to unfit behavior. Not the best example - even from a passionate parent.
Despite unpredictable behaviors, emotions on the sidelines are valid and necessary! Squeals of joy, screams, cheers and even sighs of disappointment - are all needed. I am not a cheering parent but I will admit to screaming in excitement. I enjoy a good match and unexpected, skillful and amazing goals. My son claims to be able to distinguish my scream from the others. No complaints thus far however.
Passionate and supportive spectators are essential for all matches and the team members. They enliven the setting and create a vibrant atmosphere. Can you imagine a match where there is no sound from the spectators? I must say that some spectators shouting and impertinence, can be motivating for the boys. The support when the match is good and the boys are winning is always easy. However, when the boys are losing, silence would be deafening if there aren’t loud spectators cheering them on and encouraging the team.
I have seen so many matches – I feel I've now seen it all.
Games where:
-the match was exciting, fun and electrifying;
-the tension was high and simply nail-biting;
-the match was uninspiring, poorly refereed and boring;
-there was kicking, pushing, pulling and foul play;
-dreaded penalties changed the course of the match;
-the other side was better and the team played badly.
I have witnessed the exhilaration, joy and thrill of victory and also the tears, sadness and agony of defeat. We the sideliners were there to encourage and support no matter the circumstance. Whether the match ended with commiserations or congratulations – I love being there for my son and his team. I realise that every weekend, I thoroughly enjoy this sportive game, which I now love to observe - from the sidelines.
@galenkp's Weekend Engagement Concept. I chose: