Blimey - Calm Down

Well the season is well under way. The pressure is on, whether it is Premiership or Grassroots. I'm not just talking about the pressure of playing, though that can get hot under the collar;

I referee'd at weekend. Two teams renowned for being overly enthusiastic!!! Though pleasantly suprised that they concentrated on the job at hand. They played really well, and their teamwork was excellent. On team had only 10 men for the first 30 minutes, and did so well to keep the opposition to 1-1.

As opposed to that. Last week I ran the line. 8 cautions, 3 reds and a rather heated fight later, I was knackered. What's all that about - Calm Down.I am competitive, but I know when far is too far. It's a game, get over the 'Football Rage'. I sometimes look at the Footballers in question, and wonder what they would say to their own Children if they acted the same?

Like I said - The pressure is on!!!

People watch a match, they cheer or they jeer, then they go home. They forget that it isn't just the players on the pitch that are under pressure - no matter what league. In fact the grassroots I would say are under immense pressure, in fact I think that even some of the players walk away not realising what people are doing on their behalf in the background;

Financially they are down to the bone. they have to fulfill FA rules and regulations, they need to pay for grounds,lights,food, kit wash, officials, programs etc. That money has to come from somewhere, whether sponsorship, charity matches, football cards or quiz nights. Of course there are things that can be done, maybe a website with advertisement etc, but someone has to give up their time to do this.

I've been watching 'Class of 92, out of their league'. I think it's great for showing those local Salford heroes who give up there time, who support their club through sun, rain and snow. Who are passionate  about giving the footballers the best facilities, the best support, and the best club.

Those back office helpers are at every club. They need our support and our thanks for doing a fantastic job. The Salford Heroes may now be the pin-ups for those people, and your own people may still be very much invisible to you, but the Salford Guy's have at least now heightened the awareness that the club cannot function without them