Soccer Nation

Back in July 1966 when The Beatles had a number one hit with Paperback Writer, when America was getting dug into the jungles of Vietnam, the English were celebrating being hosts of the international sporting event, soccer’s World Cup. It was the first and only year the English won. Geoff Hurst’s hat trick propelled the home side to victory against West Germany. Final score:
England 4 – West Germany 2. The English have been akin to Toronto’s hapless Maple Leafs ever since – never quite able to pass muster to win the matches that count.

England’s brief shining moment on the international football stage has been eclipsed. Brazil, Italy and Germany continue to be dominant forces but it is only a matter of time before previously unknown soccer nations control the midfields, outflank and outplay their adversaries.

New powerhouses from Africa, Asia and yes, even Canada are emerging and will continue to build strength over the next couple of generations. Some of the shift is already underway particularly in Africa and Asia where there are new contenders holding their own and exporting some of their best to play in top leagues in Europe and the Americas. Just look at England’s Premier League with Park from Manchester United, Drogba from Chelsea and Zakora from Tottenham Hotspurs.

I was a young boy when England triumphed at Wembley Stadium. I had my first taste of organized soccer in 1967. My teammates and I donned jerseys for the inaugural year of a league comprised of about a dozen teams in North York, Toronto, Canada. It was the best of times for a 10-year-old kicking a ball around a field.

Our Swedish coach, Mr. Petersen, instilled us with his love of the game. We had a good year, a very good year. The Bayview Bulldogs, as we were called, won it all. As it turned out, it was the pinnacle of my athletic career – at least up to now.

We boys rampaged through the next season too. Our play won us a berth in the finals where we went down to a resounding defeat. I still remember the lightening bolt emotional impact of the loss. My best buddy wasn’t able to contain his disappointment and broke down in tears on the field. Cockiness had helped to undo us that day and I remember consoling myself that evening with a few quiet tears cried into my pillow.

Now, after 40 years of organized amateur soccer in Canada we are hosting a FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Although our lads are not burning up the pitches, this tournament continues to build on our soccer credo. In Montréal in excess of 50,000 attended matches at the big “O”. In addition to the fan support, the federal government contributed more than $4 million to assist with the staging of the event. CBC as part of its overall FIFA U-20 promotion has designated July 8 as Soccer Day in Canada.

So what have we got going for us as a future soccer powerhouse? For starters, there’s the phenomenal popularity of the game – over 700,000 registered players under the age of 18 based on 2004 estimates. Let’s all make a little noise in support of our soccer girls and boys.

Another great asset is Canada’s immigrant population originating from the four corners of the globe. Many of them bring a passionate love of the game with them that is infused in their children like a fine herbal tea. Just remember the spontaneous public celebrations in Toronto following Italy’s World Cup victories. We must be one of the few countries in the world that can rightfully boast having significant expatriate communities representing every World Cup nation adding a positive charge to an already exciting sporting event.

A sleeper secret ingredient is the intangible and immeasurable impacts of the soccer moms and dads across the nation. Their time, effort, encouragement and love help to develop the skills, stamina and strength that could just collectively take us over the top and make us champions of the world. It’s not going to be in the next couple of years but I think we’ve got the right ingredients.

Of course there’s the kids who play for the love of the game. My daughter counted herself among the hundreds of thousands of registered players for years and enjoyed the opportunity to hang with peers and friends while keeping fit. I got the biggest charge coaching her one summer. The experience helped me bring my priorities into sharper focus, re-inject more fun into an overcrowded professional life.

Now I have a 22-month-old son tearing up and down our hallway playing his version of the game – kicky ball. He’s already been at it for six months. I hope his passion and excitement will continue for years to come and maybe by the time he’s in his teens Canada will be a force to contend with.

Let’s all root for the Canadian lads this evening as they go up against the competition from Congo. Regardless of the outcome, we just need to keep plugging away. Next time we’re hosts, maybe it will be for the big one, the best of the best, the show watched by hundreds of millions around the globe.