As strange as it may seem, for me the result of the Achieve together football matches are not important. Organising this event is not just about the football, it’s about getting people together, with a shared interest, a focus and a desire to have fun.
Attendance at, and participation in, events like this are not simply about the event itself. It’s about the anticipation, the planning, the travel, and the mixture of emotions that go along with that.
For myself and the others I travelled with in a mini-bus, this included us getting up and setting off early from South London. The journey included a lot of laughs, banter, music and talk about tactics. I imagine the other travellers had similar experiences, perhaps with the odd nap along the way.
At Cwmbran Stadium, the number of Welsh people who came along to either play or spectate was incredible. Those who came to spectate had sorted their picnics, their flags to wave, their face paint and really made a difference to the atmosphere by cheering on their teams.
Quality of relationships
The teams stood to attention for their respective national anthems, with real national pride. Both matches were played with a friendly, good-hearted rivalry, respectful of everyone.
What struck me most from this experience was that sense of fun and togetherness, the quality of the relationships and interactions between people supported and their supporters was a joy to observe. There was complete equity on and off the pitch, total respect and good humour.
The journey home for me was quieter, with everyone tired yet happy and content, reflecting on the experiences and a sense of pride. No doubt there were others that struggled with aching muscles for days after, as I did – but wonderful memories of a great day, and that feeling of togetherness and belonging.
One piece of feedback I have had since was from a manager who said (of two men who did not play, but were spectators) ‘…both had the best day and it was so lovely to see them so happy’. She added, “It is days like yesterday that actually make me reflect on why I wanted to get into support work and make a career out of it.”
Events like this may seem to some people to be too much bother, be too far away, not of interest. Like I say, it wasn’t so much about the football or the outcome of the matches, it’s all about the anticipation, the planning, the journey we go on with people and a desire to ensure people have memorable moments in their lives to feel a part of something, to feel satisfied and proud. After all, life is about living!
