We’ve all come across him. The failed footballer who is now attempting to live out his dreams through his son. Can be found standing ON the pitch barking instructions at his young lad — despite not having any official involvement in the running of the team.
Credit: Matthew Ashton/EMPICS Sport
2. The Soccer Mom
The brigade of mothers who show up rain, hail or shine packed with all the essentials including umbrellas, sandwiches wrapped in tin foil and flasks of tea.
Gives up countless hours of his time to train and manage his young proteges. Often seen getting irate over a decision made by that ‘incompetent so-and-so’ with the whistle. Gets his satisfaction from seeing former players going on to succeed in the game.
Washes the jerseys, marks the pitch, sticks up the nets and makes sure the medical bag is stocked with the essentials. He’s the first man in and the last one out the door.
Different from parents of the players, these are few and far between. Almost always from the community, they have a huge amount of pride in supporting their local team and are full of knowledge about every single player.
This individual isn’t hugely interested in what is going on but randomly stumbles upon the match on a Saturday afternoon in the local park and decides to stop for a couple of minutes before heading off on his merry way.
Credit: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
8. The Amateur Referee
Rarely moves from the centre circle and may be inclined to make the odd wrong call.
Former League of Ireland referee Declan Hanney (file photo). Credit: INPHO/Andrew Paton
9. And finally… The Pitch Invader
The end-to-end football is flowing when an uninvited guest decides to strut right through play without a care in the world. Hilarity generally ensues as several people attempt to chase down the cheeky mutt and escort it to the sidelines.
9 characters you’ll meet at a schoolboy soccer match
1. The Pushy Father
We’ve all come across him. The failed footballer who is now attempting to live out his dreams through his son. Can be found standing ON the pitch barking instructions at his young lad — despite not having any official involvement in the running of the team.
2. The Soccer Mom
The brigade of mothers who show up rain, hail or shine packed with all the essentials including umbrellas, sandwiches wrapped in tin foil and flasks of tea.
Credit: YouTube
3. The Manager
Gives up countless hours of his time to train and manage his young proteges. Often seen getting irate over a decision made by that ‘incompetent so-and-so’ with the whistle. Gets his satisfaction from seeing former players going on to succeed in the game.
4. The Dedicated Club Man
Washes the jerseys, marks the pitch, sticks up the nets and makes sure the medical bag is stocked with the essentials. He’s the first man in and the last one out the door.
5. The Die Hard Fan
Different from parents of the players, these are few and far between. Almost always from the community, they have a huge amount of pride in supporting their local team and are full of knowledge about every single player.
Credit: YouTube
7. The Casual Passer-By
This individual isn’t hugely interested in what is going on but randomly stumbles upon the match on a Saturday afternoon in the local park and decides to stop for a couple of minutes before heading off on his merry way.
8. The Amateur Referee
Rarely moves from the centre circle and may be inclined to make the odd wrong call.
Former League of Ireland referee Declan Hanney (file photo). Credit: INPHO/Andrew Paton
9. And finally… The Pitch Invader
The end-to-end football is flowing when an uninvited guest decides to strut right through play without a care in the world. Hilarity generally ensues as several people attempt to chase down the cheeky mutt and escort it to the sidelines.
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Grassroots Schoolboy Football