Summer offers a pause in the daily rhythm of life. The school year ends, home life shifts, and the weather often changes. For many, summer is also a break from football—a sport that dominates much of the year. But even in this off-season, the Olympics capture my attention, drawing me into sports I seldom follow, like BMX or synchronized diving.
Every four years, I become a temporary fan of these sports, diving into the excitement they bring. It’s a brief but intense passion, filling the void left by football. Yet, I often question the impact of my deep attachment to football. The Olympics offer a distraction, but they also make me wonder if life would be simpler if I invested my energy in less consuming sports.
This summer, I found myself troubled by news of far-right riots in Southport, reminiscent of football hooliganism from the 1980s. A false claim about an asylum seeker sparked violence, leaving me angered. However, the way communities came together in response gave me hope and pride, reflecting the true spirit of our country.
In times of turmoil, we all search for meaning—a narrative that offers coherence and hope. Politicians play a crucial role in enforcing the law and providing a vision for the future. Stability and hope are essential to navigate the challenges we face, while fear and chaos only worsen the situation.
Sport, too, plays a significant role in our search for meaning. Viktor Frankl, in his book Man’s Search for Meaning, argues that the primary drive in life is not pleasure or power, but the pursuit of meaning. This resonates in the world of sports, where athletes dedicate their lives to achieving moments of glory, providing spectators with a sense of possibility and connection.
These narratives of triumph and defeat offer us a canvas to project our hopes and dreams. Whether it’s the Olympics or the start of a new football season, sport gives us a way to find meaning in our lives.
But beyond the grand achievements of elite athletes, sport also brings joy in smaller victories. Moments like Botswana’s national holiday to celebrate Letsile Tebogo’s 200m win, or Cindy Ngamba’s historic boxing medal for the Refugee Olympic Team, showcase the lighter side of sports. Even in tense situations, like the women’s beach volleyball final, a simple song can bring smiles and unite the crowd in a moment of shared joy.
As the new football season begins, it’s an opportunity to create new narratives and find meaning in the shared experience of sport. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that sport is supposed to be fun—a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Supporting Responsible Football Coverage
As the football season kicks off, there’s no shortage of excitement—from record signings to unexpected twists. But this season, 11 out of 20 Premier League teams will feature betting firms as their main front-of-shirt sponsor.
While you can follow every moment of the season in the Guardian’s football coverage, you won’t find any gambling ads on our website, app, newspaper, newsletters, or podcasts. In June 2023, the Guardian took a stand against betting advertisements, becoming the only major media organization to do so.
This decision came at a financial cost, but it was the right one. We believe in responsible journalism and are committed to providing coverage that reflects this. Our sports content is open to all, and with your support, we can continue to produce high-quality, responsible journalism for everyone.
