This is a profile of a sport in terms of how it metamorphoses teenagers into formidable young men. Football or soccer, depending on which part of the world one resides, is by far the most famous sport on the planet Earth. The appeal is its simplicity–can be played by anyone anywhere in the world. Football has produced most famous sporting stars, though it is a team endeavour. To appreciate the dynamics of this vigorous sport, I talk to ‘lads’ who are not just passionate about it, but have adopted it as a way of life. In this complex world with so many countervailing choices, at least they are sure of one thing: their love of soccer. And it does them good.
Emotional engagement is integral to playing any sport well. Rivals become friends when not playing. And players have a language of their own, they bond quickly. Sparsh reminisces, “the coach would randomly pick players to form a team. Sometimes you’re playing with strangers, yet make a cohesive team. Football binds people together–connects them and makes them friends."
In most cases, I have known their fathers from times before they were born. And it's heartening to see how their choices have shaped them. Soccer has not just given them chiselled physiques but also a strong mind and positive outlook to life.
“When I play there’s nothing in my mind. My response is intuitive,” says Avik Batra, 14 years old, who has been playing soccer half his life. His elder brother, Aditya, an avid footballer himself, introduced him to the sport.
Avik’s favourite player is Luka Modrić who’s considered as the greatest midfielder of all time. Not the usual, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. “I like Luka because he’s a midfielder like me–we play from the same position,” he interjects. Luka is famed for constructing dazzling tiki-taka moves, an attacking midfielder though operating centrally has the freedom to drift around the pitch, and, therefore, has multiple roles, a creative responsibility. “A midfielder holds the team together,” he explains.
Avik is a very good player and he knows that. He is the captain of the school team and has participated in many national level competitions. Last week he was in Trivandrum to participate in the U-17 CISCE Nationals. His team won Bronze medal.
Avik attributes his leadership quality to playing football. The ability to inspire a group of players towards a common goal is easier said and done. Avik leads by example. To lead it is important you excel in your specific role. “I have taken the team out of stressful situations," he says.
Advait Bahuguna will turn 13 in a few days. A skinny boy with iron will, he leads a parallel life hooked on to what’s happening in the world of football. Already a soccer star of his school, he trains daily despite the gruelling schooling. He has the support of his family, and for him there’s no looking back.
“I’m a better athlete because of football. I’m a good football player because I'm an athlete,” he says. He does well in athletics too, for it helps him to be a better footballer. This is an interesting insight coming from a lad on the cusp of being a teenager, for athleticism is not just about physique or speed, it is also about stamina, strength and finesse—is what sets certain players apart. Nimble–footed, they run like a gazelle.
Football has made Advait mentally strong, he knows you’re on your own, and your action speaks louder than words. And if you play badly, criticism comes his way as swiftly as he runs. “Criticism motivates me to play better. I score more goals,” says Advait. He has done well at various competitions and is a prodigy.
He's categorical when it comes to various aspects of the sport. Ronaldo is his favourite player, not Messi. I probe, why Ronaldo? “Shot power and his game sense is better,” he says without slightest hesitation. I was reminded of what Ronaldo famously said, “I learned all about life with a ball at my feet.”
Advait is on the same path. His passion will shape his future. “Since football is not very popular in India, I may want to go abroad and play with the best,” he adds. That’s a distinct possibility because his parents are open to the idea, “follow your passion, and we will support you along the way,” says Vikas, his father, a journalist.
Sparsh Sadh is 21 years old in the final year of college in Mumbai. He has been playing soccer ever since he remembers, and thanks his brother who initiated him to the sport. Brothers are good for soccer. A skinny fellow, football has transformed him into a dashing young man. He plays left wing striker and has travelled places to play–like Dubai. Thanks to his playing acumen, was shortlisted for the national camp.
“To play is an emotional experience for me,” he says in a level tone, and adds, “all emotions come to the fore on the football pitch.” He plays aggressively. Brawn! He pursues the ball like a predator hunts. “I hate losing. You’re ready to do everything possible to score a goal. There’s josh,” he says.
Emotional engagement is integral to playing any sport well. Rivals become friends when not playing. And players have a language of their own, they bond quickly. Sparsh reminisces, “the coach would randomly pick players to form a team. Sometimes you’re playing with strangers, yet make a cohesive team. Football binds people together–connects them and makes them friends."
Anmol is 23 years old, a resident of Gurugram has a full-time job. Despite, football remains an integral part of his life. He plays under lights over weekends, that is his way to relax and deal with the complexities of a demanding job. “I look forward to weekends because I play football," he says.
In urban settings, where space to play is scanty, football under lights on an Astroturf is a good innovation. They pay Rs. 1400 for an hour, it comes to about a hundred per head. An hour is never sufficient, invariably an extension of time is sought. These bunch of players are his school and college mates, sometimes colleagues, cousins join in.
This intensity of playing football helps Anmol deal with various irritants that life has to offer on a platter, especially after he has started working. Perhaps, a soccer match with colleagues in the middle of the week will help streamline processes. Weekend rendezvous with soccer is so chic for a young lad residing in a metropolis, is against the usual trend to party, get wasted and crib about the upcoming Monday morning.
Messi is his favourite player, and Ronaldo the second favourite. This is the most celebrated rivalry in the history of football, both have inspired each other to improve and play better, in the process, a whole generation as well. “Why? “I prod further. “Messi is short and stocky, fast and furious,” he says. “Had Ronaldo been shorter, you’d prefer him?” “No. Messi is fast, and unpredictable. He comes up with something new all the time,” retorts Anmol.
Play as big as you dream, and life will be good. As Lou Holtz said, 'no one has ever drowned in sweat.'
Very well put. It brings out the fact that some metro youths do value and indulge in the healthy physical sports over online gaming or partying in disco/clubs. Even the working ones too. The love of sports and joys of a physical sports has the ability to attract even older people and convert them to these youngsters. Very pertinent!