Don't Let The Jerks Keep You off The Soccer Field!

by Bryce Canyon
(Berkeley, CA, USA)

I was a player all through high school but didn't play on a college team. I did participate in intramural’s and generally had a great time. But one game ruined the enjoyment of soccer for me.

Our team was a hang loose team with fairly skilled players; we had made it to the semi-finals of the most competitive division and wound up playing a highly organized team of frat boys.

These guys were totally unsportsmanlike, fouling in a dirty cynical way and just being real jerks. I recall stealing the ball from a fellow and he chased me down from behind calling me something really inappropriate and hurling other obscenities. Anytime we were out of earshot of the ref, this sort of thing was going on.

They we're pulling little cheats (stepping on your foot, holding you, etc.) every chance they got. We wound up losing to them in penalty kicks. It left such a bitter taste in my mouth I didn't play soccer for 10 years after.

I've gone back finally and regret not playing more, my skills have dropped and most people are extremely sportsmanlike! So don't let a bunch of jerks ruin the game for you, most players are great on the pitch.