street football in the ghettos

In many districts of south America, youths and children gather to live their dream of
playing big one day. They often gather for the love of the game, fun and
entertainment, show their skills and go home, in Africa it is different.
Their is a strong sentimental attachment to the club one supports. Be it in the
Premiership, LaLiga, Seria A, etc. Names are given to sets of 4 or more players, who
compete with another side to win the game. There is little or no officiating, as the
gravest offenses are cautioned. Interesting aspects of a typical encounter, includes
the manner sides are chosen, and players shared or selected.

Sometimes the games go with betting. Each player puts in a small amount of money
to assert that his side shall win. The purse is then handed over to a neutral party. The
match as it is commonly called, then starts. Duration varies but is normal to end after
every 20 minutes. The victorious side wins the purse, and distributes the money
among her players, the holder may also collect a commission!.

African children and youths, even students are not left out of the global fans
syndrome, it is normal to witness loud arguments in street corners, and match
viewing centres between a couple of youths, You'd be surprised to learn that the
topic was some English Premiership related topic. Some possess an incredible
knowledge of football history and can go back with detailed analysis of events in the
world of football as far back as you want to know, this is indeed spectacular.
Viewing matches is made easier by several viewing centres that provide the service
for a fee. Youths throng these places to watch live matches from all over the world.
The viewing centres are mostly owned and operated by the youths who see an
opportunity in the business. These services are made possible with special
Cable/Satellite receiver dishes and decoders mounted on the rooftops.

Some also have earned themselves a name. In most neighborhoods, names such as
E'too, Raul, Walcott etc are rampant. This is both a status thing and an indication that
the person concerned is football friendly. The match viewing centres are also dubbed
names after known stadia in England etc, San Siro, Goodison Park, Old Trafford.

In the future where things are better placed to favour the civic interest of the youth,
one may suggest that such institutions as are responsible for youth development and
welfare can consider the task of creating crime free neighborhoods, by encouraging
activities that keep youths engaged. Match viewing centres should receive upgrading.
government may also organize mini tournaments, to sustain the drive of these class
of indegenes of the society. A happy youth, is one friendly with the society that
supports his interests.

The bigger picture may involve Premiership based Clubs bringing their pre season
tours to Africa. When Manchester United visited Nigeria on a 2008 summer pre
season tour, the rave only was enough for local stations to make enough income to
last them several months. The average football youth who witnessed them play
against local teams, were trilled by the opportunity of watching their teams play live!.
More pre season tours should come to Africa, boost footballing in the continent. The
Stars of African origin that play in England were the products of street football. What
can they do to help?

It stands to reason that the youths of Africa need a better future. In a land plagued by
poverty, disease and unsecured livelihood and mismanagement of scarce resources
by the authorities, one should look more on to ways to avail himself a better living. By
exploiting talents and skills, assuming the opportunity, is created, one can go a long
way in making a sustainable living through sports.

International, Regional and Stakeholder groups are strongly invited to look in this
direction, with regard to the efforts at finding a better solution to life for man,in
Africa.

Tipsyangell

www.3gsports.blogspot.com