The Meaning of Football

By Will Tinsley

T hroughout history philosophers have asked the question “what is the meaning of life?” But for me there’s a more important question to be pondered. What is the meaning of football? The reason it’s so popular. Why are so many people completely infatuated by it? I can’t pretend I’m the one and only expert, but I do have a few ideas. Even in its infancy as the new growing sport, football firmly cemented its roots in local communities up and down England and the rest of the United Kingdom. It quickly evolved to become the epicenter in many of these communities, helping to bring together friends and families with each generation passing it on to the next. Many of the early teams were formed by workers and their friends, supplying a brief escape from a life of working long hours to support their families. For a lot of people this has continued to the present day, with the start of the season or an important game being the highlight of the week. Is the meaning of football to bring a break from the monotony of the working week? Or is there more to it than that?

I grew up as a fan of West Bromwich Albion, as did my dad and his dad before him. But the first team I watched in the flesh was my local team, AFC Telford United. A team born out of the ashes of the original Telford United, which ceased to exist in the summer of 2004. This team was created by the people, for the people. Locals came together and raised the funds for a fan owned team The council even bought the stadium and leased it back to the club for practically nothing, and the fans turned up to support them even though they had to restart in a much lower division than they were used to. So, is this the meaning of football, the community spirit?

When I moved to Canada I didn’t know anybody apart from my girlfriend and her family. Football changed this. Through following York United I’ve met people who I can call my friends. These friends come from variety of backgrounds, from different corners of the world, but all of us were brought together by one thing, football.

This beautiful game has offered us an opportunity to share and discuss our interests and passions but most importantly it has allowed us to create memories. Whether it’s meeting up for few beers before kickoff, marching to the stadium with smoke bombs and flags in hand or catching a bus to Hamilton for the clubs first playoff game These are the times we will look back on with joy as we grow older. Is friendship the meaning of football?

Personally, I believe that football exists for all these things and more. It creates a common ground between people from different cultures and backgrounds. It brings people together and creates bonds that will last a lifetime. Everybody collectively sharing the rollercoaster of emotions for those 90 minutes each matchday. So, what is the meaning of football? I’m not entirely sure. An easier question would be what is the meaning of life? And the answer to that would be football.

Some�mes in our lives

We all have pain

We all have sorrow

But if we are wise

We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me

When you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

Please swallow your pride

If I have things you need to borrow

For no one can fill

Those of your needs that you won't let show

You just call on me brother when you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

Lean on me

When you're not strong

And I'll be your friend

I'll help you carry on...

For it won't be long

Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on

You just call on me brother

When you need a hand

We all need somebody to lean on

I just might have a problem that you'll understand

We all need somebody to lean on

If there is a load you have to bear

That you can't carry

I'm right up the road

I'll share your load

If you just call me

-Lean on me

By Bill Withers