Glow

I am massive football fan, have supported Arsenal since I was knee high and, although very much an armchair supporter, I love it.  

With Euro 2012 in full swing and football on the TV every day I am currently living the dream.  I genuinely love nothing more when England are playing than getting the whole family around the TV.  We have a few beers and then continue to scream in both frustration and delight  for the entire match.

Granted, my daughter sits with a bemused expression.   Roman & Mattias  scream when I scream, enjoying being able to make that amount of noise without being told off.   Connor doesn't make a sound as he is so laid back he is horizontal and Arlo looks around the room wide eyed but appearing to love the commotion.   It brings a real sense of unity.  I love it.

There is no doubt, national sporting events bring people together.  Even if you don't particularly like the sport.  I became a cricket fanatic when England won the Ashes.  I had never watched it before or since, but I was a cricket expert for the whole time we were winning...  When England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003 I was, again, a fanatical supporter when, to be honest, I loathe the game and have absolutely no idea what is going on.

We are a country crazed with unity when events such as these occur.  I was overwhelmed with how many people turned out for the Queens Jubilee recently.  I was chatting with my mum about it and whilst watching the Jubilee concert on TV we remarked how in all that rain, we couldn't have been arsed to go to London and participate.  Good job that not everyone feels like we do.  The turn out was spectacular.  The sense of unity, amazing.  All for our Queen.  All for being British.

We are celebrating the Olympics in London this year.  And as much as the tax payer has hemorrhaged money to provide this, it will unite our country and make the world a happier place, even if only for a short while.

In a country wracked with financial crisis, unemployment and stark living conditions we still manage to become "one" and enjoy the hell out of a "do" in that great British tradition.


So, tonight, as England face the Ukraine, and wierdly "Roo" mania goes through the roof, get behind our boys.  Even if you hate footie.  Just try it.

Because, like me, it just might give you a little warm glow...