Family defined by an ever growing sense of Football unity

Article by Claire Ellis   -  Images courtesy of Claire Ellis and gw-images.com

 

 

Family is defined by Oxford English Dictionary as - "A group of people related by blood or marriage."

 

However, in life, as with so many other things, it is far more complicated than this. Who do you consider your family? What do they mean to you? If you think carefully about it, many of your arguments would fall down against the standard OED definition.

 

Being involved in and watching as much sport as I do, the dynamics between team members always intrigues me. I love sport and get involved in as much as I can. This almost always takes the form of a team or group activity. The camaraderie and connection between members of a sports team, despite the inevitable conflicts, are clearly evident. As part of that team, you give your all, blood, sweat and tears week in week out to support, protect and be there for the other people in your team. As with all families, you have your petty spats and each member has their own personality, protective big brother, mother hen forever fussing over you, annoying little sister who has more energy than sense and that strange oddball uncle with a filthy sense of humour! But there is a special bond which links you through thick and thin.

 

Although this is not a phenomenon exclusive to sports teams (it is very evident within schools too from my experience) it certainly seems to be an outstanding feature of strong, successful teams. Manchester United's Class of '92 culminating in their famous treble win, the immense success of Team GB at the London Olympics and the 1995 South African World Cup rugby team. They were more than just a group of players working towards the same thing, their connection and bond was unbreakable (bar the odd football boot to the head), they fought for every yard, every pass, with every ounce of effort for each other. It is not only seen on the world stage but on each waterlogged quagmire of a Sunday league pitch, on the dusty basketball courts in the park and on the sandy and bloodstained AstroTurf pitches in each secondary school across the country.  

 

Since having started to play American Football 6 months ago I have been privileged to experience first-hand the incredible and incomparable bonds which develop between players and coaches alike in this unique and unrelenting game. These are relationships which are hard to describe and another level to the connections I have experienced in other sports teams. Inevitably, you very quickly get to know your team when you spend so much time in physical contact with them. Whether tackling, blocking, snapping or (as much of the time) just giving each other a massive cuddle or slap round the helmet, you soon become intimately familiar with people you may only have known a few short weeks.

 

But there is something which runs so much deeper than the physical aspect of the game. Every time you step onto the field whether at practice or in a game you develop a greater respect for yourself, those you play alongside and those who pace the side line. In a game where each position has their very specific role to play, you have to learn to implicitly trust your team. Whether it’s to be in the right place at the right time, make a successful block, place the ball where you need it or make the right call from the side line, you have to trust everyone to do their job for team success.

 

American Football is the ultimate team sport. Mentally, emotionally and physically. There are times when you find yourself drained and exhausted, brought heavily to the floor for the umpteenth time. Times when you’re just not sure whether you can get back up again. But then someone taps you on the shoulder, holds out a hand and pulls you onto your feet. A heartfelt “Good Job” and somehow you’re up and running again.

 

In my experience, this support and connection extends beyond the field too. Your teammates become the people you turn to when you’re having a bad day because somehow they know how to help. There will be laughter and joy, tears and tantrums, epic arguments followed by hilarious team bonding, heartbreak and elation. When you experience all these emotions as a team you can’t fail but bond in a complete and unique way. 

 

I am lucky enough to have found myself one of these incredible teams. An incredible group of players and coaches who all share a passion for the sport we play, and a warm and welcoming consideration for everyone who, like me, randomly finds themselves stumbling blindly into the team. A group of people, different ages, different abilities, different lives. A team. A passion. A family.

 

Family is not defined by your birth. Family is defined by your life, the way you live it and the people that you live it with be it in sport or any other social group. I have untold amounts of time and love for my Football Family, I wouldn’t change them for the world.