Soccer-the art of the possible in a horrible world
Soccer, more than anything else (and especially politics) represents the art of the possible in a world that is changing for the worse. It is the vehicle for individual and community self discovery, an expression of the uniqueness of both and, an adventure for the tireless soul. Soccer is more than just a game-it is a way of living with others.
1. Soccer unites people of different sects, opinions and, countries into a common interest using a common language.
2. As a sport, soccer requires-and teaches- diligence, discipline, focus and, courage through fair play and team building. Ajax FC, through its youth program academies in 32 underdeveloped countries is but one example of how a soccer club can be a force for building social capital, especially where so much has been left undeveloped. A measure of this academy's success is the number of youth who move onto being leaders in their respective communities and responsible citizens in their respective countries.
3. Those who best master these characteristics in turn, become role models for others to follow. Consider the example of Rooney, the elite and all-England striker, who has been praised for his contribution to charities, his role as a father and husband, and as a community leader.
4. Identity politics-especially that used by Donald Trump in his run for the Presidency, is a force for division by race, ethnicity, gender and , religion. Soccer has used identity politics, too-but in a constructive manner.
Barcelona FC has branded itself as more than just a club. It uses its excellence on the field to make people aware of issues confronting children, and advertising the work of UNICEF, branding that name on its jerseys for the world to see.
Glasgow Celtic celticfc.net has been force for the economic and social rejuvenation of central Glasgow.
Hearts Thistle sportanddev.org have focused its attention on improving the health status of men (in its fan base). The middle aged and those approaching senior status tend to over weight, diabetes and heart disease. Hearts has established "boot camps" reaching out to this population using diet and exercise as the means to improve the quality of life. By extension, if this program is successful, this area will see a gradual decline in cancer, heart disease and diabetes-reducing health care costs and likely improving work efficiency.
Wanderers FC is noteworthy for its ability to engage an other wise disengaged community-disengaged from voting , from social life. When the club fell into economic crisis, lost its primary financial backer, community members stepped forward and took over the management of the club. It is now a community club with a community board of directors, elected annually, accountable to those who have taken out a membership in the Club.
Each club, has in its own unique way, energized their respective communities.
5. Health care is an expensive proposition and a drain on government budgets-at the very least. It is often unnecessary where good prevention programmes are used. Hearts Thistle FC has partnered with the local health authority as noted above to reduce heart disease, cancer and diabetes amongst its core fan base.
The role of sport in fostering healthy lifestyles is well researched. What is not so well researched is the importance of sport in general and soccer in particular in community rejuvenation after disaster. NGO's like Right to Play righttoplay.com and Coaches across Continents coachesacrosscontinents.org are examples of how sport might be used to foster resilience within communities in conflict zones or struck by natural disaster.
Nigeria's "Search and Groom" and Ghana's SOS Children's Villages programs build local social capital.
Leipzig FC and FC Bayern Munchen fcbayern.com/en/news/# has recognized the challenge posed to Germany of the flood of refugees from the middle east coming into the country. To help integrate these refugees into the fabric of that society, this club has introduced soccer programs and academies which unite locals and new arrivals. Through this same principle, to build a sense of well being amongst people who are displaced-and aren't likely going anywhere soon, Zaater (refugee) Camp in Jordan is using soccer as a means to redirect the energy of youth into a positive endeavour. Time will tell what other resilience programs will be added to this camp to help youth cope with displacement.
6. Personal disaster can be mitigated through soccer, integrated the aggrieved and marginalized into society, giving them a sense of purpose and a feeling of hope. Such is the Homeless Soccer Movement homelessworldcup.org and streetsoccerworld streetsoccerworld.org. Soccer's universal appeal, emphasis on fair play, focus on wellness and, team building has enhanced the sport's ability to make societies aware of a range of social issues from : child exploitation, to income inequality, to gender bias, to income inequality and social exclusion.
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