Post by #17 Admin on Oct 1, 2013 18:45:20 GMT
Football popularity in the UK is clearly growing. The NFL obviously acknowledged this, taking an initial gamble back in 2007 to hold an International Series at Wembley and committing to the fixture for the next few years. As a soccer season ticket holder I am loosing faith with the sport, which I won't go into on here. Football just seems to capture the imagination much more, it's physical human chess that is sometimes impossible to predict. I love how coaches (generally) and players (including the retired) are respected in a positive manner.
A number of things have amazed me over the last year or so about the game. Firstly how receptive everyone is on both sides of the Atlantic to the International series. I have spent a lot of time in the States, the folks in the US are very proud. It's always humbling to hear how highly football coaches and players speak about British hospitality, the fans and Wembley, especially as many of the NFL stadiums are state of the art. Add in the fact that home crowds in the US make plenty of noise and effort (costumes/tailgate parties) I think it's a huge compliment. I also like the idea that the US fans are coming around to the fact that the "Brits" have a good understanding of the game.
Secondly the NFL community in the UK is growing at a good rate. Twitter, podcasts and the internet give us the opportunity to connect with each other and share our football opinions in a nation where the sport is not understood or appreciated by everyone. I was recently diagnosed with depression and there were a number of things outside the support of family and friends which helped me through some difficult times, mainly cycling and NFL. The latter has been influential in keeping my spirits up. The ability to exchange views electronically at the click of a button is taken for granted by us all. In my opinion it's a necessity, football deserves to be talked about, after all where would we all be without it?
Keep tweeting and whatever your team you support good luck for the rest of the season (unless your a Raider ).
A number of things have amazed me over the last year or so about the game. Firstly how receptive everyone is on both sides of the Atlantic to the International series. I have spent a lot of time in the States, the folks in the US are very proud. It's always humbling to hear how highly football coaches and players speak about British hospitality, the fans and Wembley, especially as many of the NFL stadiums are state of the art. Add in the fact that home crowds in the US make plenty of noise and effort (costumes/tailgate parties) I think it's a huge compliment. I also like the idea that the US fans are coming around to the fact that the "Brits" have a good understanding of the game.
Secondly the NFL community in the UK is growing at a good rate. Twitter, podcasts and the internet give us the opportunity to connect with each other and share our football opinions in a nation where the sport is not understood or appreciated by everyone. I was recently diagnosed with depression and there were a number of things outside the support of family and friends which helped me through some difficult times, mainly cycling and NFL. The latter has been influential in keeping my spirits up. The ability to exchange views electronically at the click of a button is taken for granted by us all. In my opinion it's a necessity, football deserves to be talked about, after all where would we all be without it?
Keep tweeting and whatever your team you support good luck for the rest of the season (unless your a Raider ).