Languishing at the back

OK - back to the s**t at sports issue....

I've already mentioned that there were, luckily, one or two teacher's at our school who weren't the architypal gym teacher nazis.  There was one or two (striding around in their very short shorts, whatever the weather, their office fun of fawning girls) but they weren't the entirety.

Mr R took pains to encourage and praise effort as well as success and I'll always remember him for that (as well as his terrible history classes - but never mind).

Football was a joke for me.  I was 'encouraged' onto the junior school team as well as the cubscout (and scout) team.  And I was terrible!  No co-ordination.  No skill and risk-taking bravery.  Truly terrible.  I was much more keen to be the sub than be on the team.  My Dad always used to come and support me.  Poor Man.  Must have been so embarassed.  I particularly remember by brother pasting mud onto me at half time to make it look as if I'd seen some action.

And, of course, our school majored on football.  When you've got three games slots a week you're going, therefore, to end up doing a lot of football.

And cross-country running (languishing at the back).  And cricket (cowering in the nets).  And rounders (surprisingly good).  And long jump (ditto - occasionally).  And trampolining (OK once - the second time, disasterous).  And gymnastics (can't touch my toes - still can't).

And golf was my Dad's game.  God I tried.  Lessons.  Going around the nine hole course on my own whilst my Dad did his 18.  Caddying.  The pitch and putt at weekeneds with S.  The occasionally surprising, soaring shot on a golfing holiday in Scotland.

As we got older we were allowed more choices as to what sports we could 'specialise' in. I, with all the other "C Team"ers, chose Hockey - out of sight at the other end of the school's site.  G and I later chose squash (the court without the viewing gallery).  I thought I got rather good at that.  Until I played someone who wasn't G.

It just wasn't for me.  Didn't bring out a competitive spirit or a passion or a sense of potential collective achievement.  I appreciate, of course, the importance of good health and letting off steam.  I recognise the fact that presenting kids with the opportunities with which to make future, informed, choices is important.

I was getting on the tube the other day after having gone to the theatre, on my own.  I was blissfully happy after having had a life-enriching experience that connected with me on so many levels.  The tube was irritatingly packed.  With football fans on their way back from a match.  I wanted to ask one of them - "why?"  "what is it about the way that you've spent your evening?"  "how could it possibly be better than the way i've spent mine?"

I didn't of course.  I respect their passions and their choices.  I guess.