Football and Englishmen

I discovered that I have never really written about my University football team. Strange, but I think that it has been one of those things that has influenced me quite a bit during the last year. All the things that come with it: Englishmen, team spirit, professional coaching, dedication etc. I’ll try to elaborate on them a little bit.

Firstly, the Varsity game (local rivalry between University of Sussex and Brighton) was held yesterday in Eastbourne. Brighton, who were the favorites of the game, won it by 2 goals to 0. I must note that I didn't play- I haven't really got back my form after the operation. Well, anyway, we lost, but actually I think we really should have won. It was just one of these days, when we couldn’t score. I think we had about 4 chances of scoring, but we didn't- something like the Valencia vs. Arsenal game.

Secondly, I’d like to mention a couple of words about our coach George Parris (an ex West Ham star). I started playing football when I was 10 and I have played in the second, third and fourth division in Estonia, but I haven't encountered coaching like that. I guess the football culture aspect comes into play here- the game can really be seen on a different level. More like a game of chess or something like that, always covering different angles and thinking at least three steps ahead. Nothing like in Estonia, where they just roll the ball and tell you to run after it and kick it. Stupid, don’t you think? Anyway, I wish George all the best in his coaching career and hope that he’ll make it in the big game- coaching for a Premiership team.

And then there is something about trust, team spirit and Englishmen. I do not know why, but it’s very hard to put it into words. If you have seen the movie Constant Gardener, then maybe you can picture/imagine the feeling I’m tying to pass on. I must say that sometimes I am/was really confused and impressed at the same time. The fact of doing ones duty and not complaining about it, is somewhat special. I haven’t seen it to that extent in Estonia and I guess I never will. Strange, but I think Estonians are somewhat more egoistic in all the things they do.