Friars’ Passions – 1 Fever Pitch
As any decent north-Londoner I have been a life-long supporter of Arsenal football club. My brothers and I were taken to Highbury from an early age by our father. Whilst the football played during the George Graham era was neither exciting nor beautiful, I developed a love not only for the Gunners but for football itself. Watching a slick, silky and attacking side (as encouraged by Monsieur Wenger!) is exhilarating and at its best awe-inspiring. On the other side a conservative and defensive game can be intriguing as you wait for a spark to break the tension. There is also the hard-tackling, route one game which, whilst ugly, is a guilty pleasure. During ninety minutes I can unleash the full spectrum of emotions: from indignation to adulation, melancholy to nostalgia, happiness to thankfulness.
Football however, is more than twenty-two men running around with a ball. Its history, development and global reach have resulted in a culture that is diverse, surreal and interesting. Reading about how the Tyne-Wear rivalry has its roots in the English civil war, hearing about the typical Scottish third-division experience, or watching a film about the American soccer league in the 1970’s can be fascinating.
Since joining the Order, I have not been able to go to as many live matches as before but in the digital media age I can still get my fix. There are times when the bell for office is ringing and I am shouting at the referee to blow time whilst preparing to sprint to the church! But my interest in football has been very fruitful since I became a friar. Most importantly it has, at times, allowed me to find initial neutral common ground with people who feel isolated from the Church. This has at times led eventually to talking about the Gospel. Football has also provoked many animated, yet fraternal, discussions with my brethren. My time in the order has also matured my footballing character. I will even now sit down with S***s fans.
