Soccer was never of interest to me, in spite of the fact that my younger great niece excels at it, until Ted Lasso. Great series, starting again next month.
Hilarious. This reminds me of a classic description of American football by Andy Griffith, called "What it was was football". It's in the same vein as this satire and still enjoyable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfMEC58rhRc
Soccer is the most widely played athletic game IN THE WORLD! The athletic stamina and precision to use only one's feet to get that ball past the goalie takes amazing talent. Frankly, this wife of a rabid soccer player since high school (where we met) has entertained me and keep my husband in great shape for over 50 years.
Completely agree, Diane. For four years I was a color commentary for UC Davis women's and men's soccer on ESPN+ and I must have mentioned 10 times a game what incredible shape these men and women have to be in to constantly be running up and down a large patch of grass. I think it's one of the most grueling sports, along with high-level championship tennis singles and NBA basketball. Would like to see where these players are in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
Yes indeed, Diane. It is the most popular sport in the world.
But today people saw absolutely nothing happen for 2 hours. That's not much different than watching a complete marathon race -- which is a little over 2 hours of watching men (or women) run, and run, and run. Not much ever happens, but they certainly do run.
I am much older than any AYSO-type organizations. I do not believe that the athletic department at my high school owned a soccer ball! I certainly never saw one in my four years in the gym and on the playing fields --- and I was a three-year varsity athlete.
In junior high school during PE they'd occasionally pull out a soccer ball and we'd go play a game on the big grassy field between what was then Davis High and what is now King High. The field is still there. The high school used to play football there on Friday afternoons because it didn't have lights. We'd go 6-on-6, not knowing a single rule or position and we'd be absolutely gassed at the end of it. We didn't do it every day or I probably wouldn't be able to walk now. I don't think we even had goalies and I'm pretty sure the goal was very makeshift.
In 6th grade, Mr. Stofle made us take our kickball “ups” with our “off foot” all Fall. In the Spring he showed us a film on soccer…then took us out to the big field to play.
Like you, we had little-to-no clue what we were doing (except the one kid from England, and the one from Denmark). Almost everyone still used their dominant foot…we were sweaty and winded—and loved every minute of it ⚽️💁🏻♂️
You should keep writing your column yourself, a lot better!
You're making me laugh, Andre.
I welcome all opinions here.
I thoroughly enjoyed Richard's piece.
Being not as good as the legendary Bob is a position I can feel quite comfortable with!
Soccer was never of interest to me, in spite of the fact that my younger great niece excels at it, until Ted Lasso. Great series, starting again next month.
Ted made a halftime appearance. Everyone loves Ted.
Hilarious. This reminds me of a classic description of American football by Andy Griffith, called "What it was was football". It's in the same vein as this satire and still enjoyable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfMEC58rhRc
I miss Ol' Andy and Barney and Opie and Aunt Bee. Great show. Great Mayberry memories, John.
Yet here in America we have a sport called football where only a couple of "special" players actually touch the ball with their foot.
The rest of the world calls it anti-soccer, Michael.
Soccer is the most widely played athletic game IN THE WORLD! The athletic stamina and precision to use only one's feet to get that ball past the goalie takes amazing talent. Frankly, this wife of a rabid soccer player since high school (where we met) has entertained me and keep my husband in great shape for over 50 years.
Completely agree, Diane. For four years I was a color commentary for UC Davis women's and men's soccer on ESPN+ and I must have mentioned 10 times a game what incredible shape these men and women have to be in to constantly be running up and down a large patch of grass. I think it's one of the most grueling sports, along with high-level championship tennis singles and NBA basketball. Would like to see where these players are in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
Yes indeed, Diane. It is the most popular sport in the world.
But today people saw absolutely nothing happen for 2 hours. That's not much different than watching a complete marathon race -- which is a little over 2 hours of watching men (or women) run, and run, and run. Not much ever happens, but they certainly do run.
…. Sigh ……
Hmmm…unfortunately, I think Mr. Kleeburg may have been introduced to soccer via an AYSO U6 preseason game…🤔💭
I am much older than any AYSO-type organizations. I do not believe that the athletic department at my high school owned a soccer ball! I certainly never saw one in my four years in the gym and on the playing fields --- and I was a three-year varsity athlete.
In junior high school during PE they'd occasionally pull out a soccer ball and we'd go play a game on the big grassy field between what was then Davis High and what is now King High. The field is still there. The high school used to play football there on Friday afternoons because it didn't have lights. We'd go 6-on-6, not knowing a single rule or position and we'd be absolutely gassed at the end of it. We didn't do it every day or I probably wouldn't be able to walk now. I don't think we even had goalies and I'm pretty sure the goal was very makeshift.
In 6th grade, Mr. Stofle made us take our kickball “ups” with our “off foot” all Fall. In the Spring he showed us a film on soccer…then took us out to the big field to play.
Like you, we had little-to-no clue what we were doing (except the one kid from England, and the one from Denmark). Almost everyone still used their dominant foot…we were sweaty and winded—and loved every minute of it ⚽️💁🏻♂️
When my kiids were playing third-grade AYSO on Saturday mornings I called it Magnet Ball. 22 kids surrounding one ball that rarely moved.
💯
The man who wrote this seems to be a fool. I was hoping this was satire, but I think not.
Fool?! I have been called a lot worse. Satire? Certainly not.