SPORTS
There are many things
you’ll miss from home, but surely nothing more than your teams. To ease the
pain of separation from the sports pages and the TV, we suggest checking out
some British sport.
SOCCER
First off, DON’T call it “soccer” if you’re talking to a Brit – it’s
“FOOTBALL” over here, or “the beautiful game”. The English and the
Scots, in particular, live, eat and breathe footie. If you’re over here during
an international tournament, you’ll witness first-hand the media-sponsored
frenzy that grips the entire country. But it’s the domestic scene that
provides millions of people with their entertainment on a Saturday afternoon,
and which dominates every pub conversation in the land. It’s almost impossible
to describe the way people feel about their football over here.
London has several football league sides, from the consistently excellent
(Arsenal), to the glamorous (Chelsea), to the waning (Wimbledon) to the
ridiculous (Milwall). The clubs currently playing in the Premiership –
professional football’s top league – are Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham
Hotspur, West Ham and Charlton Athletic. There are dozens more battling in the
lower divisions. Such is football’s popularity than even away from the media
spotlight of the Premiership, players can earn up to £20000 a week. Not that
this compares to the wages and transfer fees in mainland Europe…
Going down the pub to watch a game on a big screen (Sundays, or weeknights –
no games are shown live on Saturday) is a good taster of the English experience.
Everyone arrives well before kick-off and spouts bullshit analysis for an hour.
Rounds of drinks are lined up to decrease the possibility of being at the bar
and missing some crucial action. The match starts with everyone watching
intently. And they get noisier and noisier until someone scores and everyone
starts shouting. Sometimes, not
everyone in the pub will be supporting the same team. Then you can watch the
victorious fans goading the losers with taunts and one-fingered salutes, as the
defeated stare gloomily into their pints. If it’s an important match you’ll
definitely get swept up in the atmosphere.
But, if you’re looking for atmosphere, there’s no substitute for going to a
match. Tickets for Premiership games can be difficult to get hold of, but when
you want to give it a go, call up the bookings line ASAP, as tickets go on sale
two months in advance for league fixtures.
Booking line numbers:
Arsenal FC: 020 7413 3366
Chelsea FC: 020 7386 7799
Tottenham Hotspur FC: 08700 112222
West Ham FC: 020 8548 2700
Charlton Athletic FC: 020 8333 4010
Wimbledon FC: 020 7413 3383
Queen’s Park Rangers: 020 7344 9494
Of course, there are loads more teams in and around London, and all over the
country (including the mighty Manchester United). Don’t limit yourself to
League fixtures either; it may be easier to get tickets for one of the knockout
competitions, such as the world-famous FA Cup.
English football has had a reputation for violence and hooliganism in the past
– sadly, it has not been wholly undeserved. But the situation has improved
vastly over the last decade, and it is certainly no reason not to go to a match.
The atmosphere is intense, but the most aggression you’re likely to witness
will be in the chants – traditional and improvised – that opposing fans sing
at each other.
If you fancy wowing the natives with your own Harry Kewell-like skills then
there are plenty of opportunities to play a bit of “soccer”. Ask at your
local pub – many run Sunday amateur sides, or will know one that does. Have a
look at the SportsBoard in “Time Out” magazine too. Alternatively, just nip
down the park with a ball and a couple of mates - someone will ask you to join
in with a game.
CRICKET
Cricket doesn’t happen in the winter months, thanks to the lovely English
weather. The international season kicks off in May, with matches being held at
major grounds around the country, such as the Oval and Lords (In London),
Edgbaston in Birmingham, and Old Trafford in Manchester. The country cricket
starts in May too, with league matches every week. Lots of travellers attend
matches – they’re a great excuse to spend a lazy day in the sun, perhaps
even while watching your home team.
RUGBY
Rugby is almost as well-supported as soccer in the UK, though it enjoys a lower
profile. London has several big-spending rugby union sides – London Irish,
Wasps, Saracens and Harlequins are all major players, and tickets usually cost
under £20. The international scene centres around the Six Nations Tournament
(the four home nations, France and Italy). England games played at Twickenham
are difficult to get tickets for, so watch them from the pub. There are always
other international fixtures, often involving Southern Hemisphere nations.
Travellers may well enjoy the “home from home” atmosphere that such fixtures
provide, even those who normally wouldn’t care less about sport. Rugby League
is far more prevalent in the North of England than in London, but the London
Broncos are a fairly big side. As with soccer, there are plenty of opportunities
for a willing amateur to get involved in park sides. Post a message on our
boards asking if anyone is looking to get a side together, or ask at the pub –
it’s a fount of knowledge!
