Living History

The Impossible Dream: Part 2

Spud never forgot his father’s unusual comment, especially during the following few years when his interest in girls nearly equalled his interest in soccer. His weekends were filled with his junior competition games on Saturdays and his support of girl schoolfriends’ games which were played on Sundays.

“It’s a great way to hug the chics,” the boys on the side-line agreed. Where else could we whistle them, comfort them when they lose and kiss them when they win?”

Spud’s soccer career was developing well with his selection on the district’s Under 15 representative team but was short-lived when he realised that ‘rep’ players were not allowed to play in their local junior competition as well. His love for playing soccer was sacrificed because even if he was not selected from the bench to play the ‘rep match’ he was not permitted to play elsewhere. For a fit energetic teenager, that rule did not seem fair to Spud, so he quit the rep team after only a year.

“Spud, you’ve spoilt your chance to realise your dream,” his ambitious mother was devastated.

“Mum, I want to play soccer, not watch it,” was all it took to give his mother a reality check.

“Well, it’s probably time you gave more attention to your studies. If you are so keen to get into a Sport Science degree course at University, you’ll need all the study time you can muster.”

“I’ll be playing soccer as well.”

#

After signing up for his university classes, Spud went to the sport administration table and signed up to play for the recreation soccer team, as well as offering to coach another team.

“Spud, congratulations you have been selected onto the uni’s top team and we will be contesting the intervarsity-games at the end of the season,” one of the students approached him.

“Fantastic!” Spud was pleased.

“You mightn’t be so enthusiastic about the next bit of news, though.”

“What’s that?” Spud was curious.

“You’ve been chosen to coach the girls’ team.”

“Yeah? That’s great…isn’t it?”

“There’s a few toughies among them, they are not all long hair and finger nails, you know.”

“Hey, girls are girls. I’ll manage. Hope you guys will come and watch sometimes.”

“Let us know if they are worth our effort.”

“Wooh there, come on be fair. Girls into sport should be admired.”

#

The next five years passed quickly for Spud who graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Movement and his memory of having the prized Intervarsity soccer cup trophy chained to his wrist for safety, on the team’s return from the National University Games.

“I’m not sure which was the most important event from Spud’s uni days,” his mother mentioned one day when looking at the photo album, “graduating or this soccer triumph.”

“Our son has only ever wanted to play soccer. I can see that university was a means to an end–somehow,” Spud’s father responded.

“Did you know that he is planning a trip to France for the World Cup next year?” Spud’s mother confided.

“Why? Australia’s not in it.”

“He said that when his soccer playing didn’t reach the heights he’d hoped, the next best thing would be to attend a World Cup.”

“Where’s he going to get the money?”

“Work for it. And he wants money for his birthday instead of a present plus he has some savings.”

“I guess we can help with the birthday gift.”

Continue to The Impossible Dream: Part 3

Colleen, Lakewood, New South Wales

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