Soccer Passion in Men

I have observed with keen interest in recent years the level of passion exhibited by men of all ages , status, color et al for soccer. Though I admit being a soccer fan, but cant find my place amongst the myriad of men who seems to live for soccer viz-a-viz their respective club sides. It is a common trend to observe loyalists of a particular club using items and symbols associated with there clubs to identify themselves in public especially following a winning encounter with an opposing side. Sometimes, patriots goes as far as betting with cash or kind to support there club’s victory ahead of a match. No wonder, sports especially soccer has been identified as a ‘tool’ for national and international integration.

Why cant similar or more passion be shown to those you live for, to those you work for, to those you love so much than for soccer,  that which just satisfies your craving for entertainment and adds little or no value to your welfare and those of your family? by Solomon Johnson

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Soccer tournament such as UEFA, PREMIERSHIP, LA LIGA amongst others has made soccer a very lucrative and sought after profession especially amongst the youths. Reason why young men are either signing up a contract deal with one local soccer club or are often seen on the streets and fields of play showcasing there talents in soccer to the sheer admiration of onlookers. Many a youth would even forgo personal comfort such as food just to satisfy there burning desire and passion for soccer.

Until recently though, one questions keeps lingering on my mind;” is there a scientific or biological reason for such passion in men? My knowledge in science mostly from publications read, reveals that some behavioural patterns in humans especially men in the context of this piece is often connected to the functionality of a particular cell or cells neurons in the brain as with other traits usually observed in men such as ‘EGO’ and ‘domination’. What else could explain in vivid and pratical terms the rate of commitment shown by an average man for soccer. It controls and influence as if with a supernatural force.

At this juncture however, another question deserves our attention from the foregoing:” can such passion as for soccer be displayed in other areas of life? I raised this second question because other important aspects of life that deserves similar or more level of passion are often treated non-challantly by an average man. Dates and times of play are often not forgotten by club loyalist. Some may even sacrifice religious and other serious commitment just to be on sit at the right time before the commencement of a match. Can such zeal also reflect on the importance attached to keeping to time on other affairs of life such as business, family, religion and so on.

As an employee for instance, how much passion do you have for your present job? Granted, some may admit not doing as work what they actually love doing. Meanwhile, it’s the present job that makes you earn a living. Your job enables you pay your bills on rent, electricity, water, waste disposal, education amd even makes you save for your future. Imagine yourself without the  job you claim not to love that still makes you do the aforementioned.  It is better imagined than experienced. Ought you not develop the same if not more level of passion for the job than you do for soccer which just satisfy your innate need for recreation?

As a family head or member, are you known to express such passionate drive for your soccer club as to your family? Some men would not like any form of distraction from there wives or children while there eyes are glued to the T.V screen. Others would rather prevent the former by hanging out in a restaurant or bar with friends to watch there favorite club match/es at the expense of there family’s attention if needed at that moment. Why cant similar or more passion be shown to those you live for, to those you work for, to those you love so much than for soccer that just satisfy your craving for entertainment and add little or no value to your welfare and those of your family?

Finally, I crave the indulgence of the youths, especially my contemporaries in developing economies of the world. The wealth of knowledge or information at the disposal of many youths on soccer can earn them if am permitted to state a ‘first class degree’ or ‘masters’ degree status. I watch most times with utmost dismay how indepth and analytical most youth are informed on players/coaches history and those of there clubs. Such youths are often times observed in groups discussing and sometimes arguing on the above for hours. This trend could go on for months  if not years, with such youths not adding any material value to themselves. This is not to say that taking time off to discuss on soccer is in itself bad, rather, the rate at which this ugly phenomenon is growing has been a cause of concern to me. I wish the tide of event will soon change bringing about youths who will develop much more passion for there future by productively engaging themselves in academics or learning a skill whilst striking a balance hitherto. It pains my soul to see how out of ignorance, fellow youths waste away precious time that could be used productively to develop themselves and the country. I beckon on all youths home and abroad reading this piece to be an agent of change in there respective corridors of existence. Going forward, let’s channel the requisite passion NOT for soccer, but for our development.