04-20-2021, 09:07 AM
Half a dozen of you, with an old caser, would go over the Rec/park, put the jackets or jumpers down, pick the sides and start playing, then some more lads would come, "we'll have him, yoe can have him," and a couple of hours later, it was about 15 a side, the score was 42-42, and it was "next goal the winner" and "that dae goo in, it blinkin did", 11 year olds against 15/16 year olds, and not being frightened. Sometimes, usually Sunday afternoons, when the Old Swan turned out, at about 2.15, we'd get a few half-pissed blokes, join in, falling down and all sorts, and that was how we learned to play and look after yourself. Now of course, its age groups, full kits, all the gear, dads living it through their sons/ daughters, and good luck to them, but imo, that's why South America, and Africa are producing so many good natural players, brought up still playing in the streets. ....... Here endeth the lesson 