Soccer Players in Washington Park

¶ … Soccer players in Washington Park

My observation centered on soccer players in Washington Park who got together usually in the evenings. Soccer involves a lot of running around and can be associated with individuals who have a decent level of physical fitness. However the evening games that I observed were not practice sessions for any soccer leagues. They were more of a way to relax after work and brought together people from different fields of life to socialize while pursuing their passion for the game. The aim of my study is to try and understand the importance of soccer in their lives. It throws some light on their opinions about its societal impact as well.

Methodology and Research Questions: Prior to performing any interviews, I had established some hypotheses about soccer games held in Washington Park. I believed that individuals who got together to play there usually do so to stay in shape or prepare for some games held at the local level. I hypothesized that since most people have work or school to attend, they use the evenings to play. They are mostly passionate about the game and want to stay connected with likeminded individuals. I also hypothesized that these games did not involve any sort of prize which could make it competitive in nature and are more casual in nature.

Compilation of Research: I recorded my observations for a soccer game held between 5 and 7 pm on Friday, May 13th. The teams gathered, decided on a referee, set up the goalposts and tossed a coin to start the game. The teams (divided into red and yellow players) were mostly composed of Hispanics, middle easterners and some Americans. Most of the twenty players were playing in a friendly manner rather than aggressively. The same three people seemed to be scoring goals who were being congratulated, even by members of the opponent team. The game was won by the red team 4 to 3, who were pretty happy since the last game was won by the yellow team. They were planning another game to see which team could register the third win. After the game, the team members hung around for some time discussing topics such as business and politics, before leaving.

Interview 1: On being asked about the reason for playing soccer, the first person (Person A) told me how soccer had just been a part of his life ever since childhood. Just playing it regularly made him start loving it eventually. He preferred an outdoor field to an indoor area. In his opinion, outdoor soccer allows more freedom of movement. On being asked about his favorite time to play, he said that the dusk hours right before sunset gets the best out of his soccer potential. He mentioned how his career in school or work does have an effect of his soccer skills. Stressful days push him to try harder at the game as a way of feeling better. He estimated that staying connected to soccer (or any sport in general) would definitely keep one from getting distracted into becoming drug addicts of alcoholics. He said that athletes cannot be more likely to be involved in drugs or alcohol. On being questioned on possible future developments in the sport, he emphasized on how technology was not used enough. He did believe that the trend of soccer hasn't caught up enough in the U.S., like in other countries. This was possibly due to the lack of media support that other games like American football or basketball get.

Interview 2: The second person (Person B) stated the early advent of soccer in his life to be the reason for his association with the sport. Having started as early as 5, it has blended into his lifestyle. The form of soccer he preferred was outdoor, but unfavorable weather conditions has made him get used to indoor soccer. He preferred the afternoon to go out and play. He said that this was when he felt most energetic physically. Person B. was currently in school and said that assignments and homework do come in the way of playing soccer every day. He managed his time by completing most of his school work in the weekdays and save the weekends for soccer. On being asked about whether he thought that soccer can prevent the youth from being prey to drug addiction and alcohol, he agreed. His idea of how such evils become a part of someone's life was the way they utilized their free time. If constructive hobbies or physical activities such as soccer did not fill that void effectively, drugs and alcohol will. He believed athletes are more prone to drink alcohol than going for drugs. This is due to the fact that drinking is not illegal like most drugs which can potentially end their careers if discovered. On being asked about possible future developments in soccer, he said that most aspects of the game are perfect, however the referees need to be more stricter towards players complaining all the time. Person B. had strong opinions on how soccer in the U.S. differs from other countries. He said that Americans seem to prefer more contact in their sports like American football. Soccer is more about efficient tackling of the ball and dealing with the skills of their opponents rather than brute strength. This does vary based on the level of the game, such as premier league which involves strength compared to others which rely on speed and agility.

Interview 3: The third person (Person C) liked playing soccer as it provided him with a way to release his stress. He had known the aspects of game for quite a while and did not want to let it go. On being asked about location preference, Person C. was not concerned whether he played indoors or outdoors. Playing outside in nice weather just improves the mood. When I asked him the time of the day he favored, person B. said that he hated playing when the weather is hot. It reduces his overall efficiency and makes it hard to breathe. Person C. said that school and work did not intrude in his soccer schedule. He was a good manager of time and finding a few hours for soccer was easy, given that work or school did not clash. On facing the question of whether soccer keeps the youth away from drugs and alcohol, he said that it depends on their personality. It can certainly keep them away from experimenting with drugs but might tempt them to try some if performing at a professional level with high expectations. However the punishments of getting caught does make most athletes stay away from resorting from such habits. According to him athletes do tend to drift away from a sober life, especially if they get famous. Since they have access to all the material things they want, drugs are seen as a way of enjoyment. On being asked about the possible changes in the sport, he thought that soccer is pretty good the way it currently stands. He did believe that soccer hasn't made a significant impact in the U.S. Other countries have kids playing it in the streets, a large fan following for championships and soccer commercials on television.

Interview 4: The fourth person (Person D) viewed soccer as a creative outlet where things such as a nice pass, clever tackle and good shot keeps him mentally and physically healthy. He liked playing soccer as it boosted his self-confidence and kept him in high spirits. He believed that playing outdoors is better with respect to building endurance and skills. Person D. did not have any specific restrictions on the time to play soccer. However he believed that spring and summer were the best, especially after mild rainfall. As far as school and work was concerned, he used soccer as way to develop a competitive attitude while releasing him from academic stress. High workload cut down the number of soccer games at the most. On being asked the question about drug and alcohol addiction, he believed that sports isn't enough just by itself. Adequate moral support from friends and relations are equally important in keeping individuals from such temptations. He believed that athletes getting addicted usually follow the trends being set by their idols. They do that to escape peer pressure and fit in with others. He believed that soccer can be improved in several ways. FIFA needs to follow a more transparent and less corrupt approach. The increased use of technology on an international scale, focus on marketing the game in non-European countries and actions against things like play acting are some ways. Person D. pointed out quite a few differences between soccer being played in the U.S. from other countries. Most countries have their players continue soccer till they reach the highest level unlike U.S. where only the dedicated ones play, that too up to the medium-high level. Soccer seems to have gained more popularity among women in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world.