I have chosen to wander into territory for which I am no expert, but I have to go all the same.   A STAR GONE OUT   ANOTHER FIELD OF PLAY   Barbara Gloudon is a journalist, playwright and commentator. Send comments to the Observer or gloudonb@ yahoo.com

   I speak of football…not the kind which our ‘Merican friends play, dressed in heavy armour, reminiscent of knights of old and all that storybook stuff. I venture into the arena which the Europeans used to present as soccer, until the football word and world overwhelmed them. The name might have been changed by a new generation, enabling global interest.

   Football is everywhere. Millions are made and millions have been lost in the development and promotion of the game. Praises have been sung and criticisms made to ensure honesty in whatever is said and done.

   I’m sure many of us have heard Granny seh something about, “If ah egg, wi inna de red.” Well, Granny, football and athletics make up “the big egg” today — football and more football just like more athletics. That’s exactly what we are doing; getting a piece of the action everywhere. In her days, Granny would not even dream that her offspring could be travelling by air with the frequency surpassing her jackass carrying load to market. Today, young men are making money to take them from school days onwards. Old-timers may not get it, but the new generation understands it full well. They head now for the field, not only to make the dollars, but to see their names in the headlight —•and who knows, give them a turn on the red carpet which can bring in a heavy pay packet, the likes of which Granny could never dream of.

   Schoolboy soccer, football — whatever you want to call it — is received with high ambition.

   I grew up in a home with two brothers who from an early age caught football fever, which was blazing even then. Each brother had his own moments of fame, often as a centre forward, scoring numerous goals, and also representing the country on the national team in tournaments abroad. Recruitment of schoolboy players has been overcome by the level it has reached today. Players had to be strong in the past and in today’s present. The players must work to reach the level of the giants of the day. Both my brothers were products of St George’s College. The youngest brother captained the Manning Cup team and also represented the national senior team. The older made his contribution in these areas also, as well as overseas opportunities on the national team.

   On the wider field, Americans used to have a good laugh about this “football” business. They knew “football” as pledging alliance to the heavy armour of their style of the game. They found satisfaction by teaching their little girls, as well as boys, in kindergarten to play soccer and, in time, dabble with the imported word “football”. Little by little the scene changed everywhere. It could be what influenced our schoolboy football to become such a major development, which is growing faster and faster. The impression is sometimes given that, in school, a shot sent full speed to the back of the net means more than academic achievement. Is that really so? One day we should argue it.

   By the age of 19, and just leaving school, Brother One was recruited to a team which was at one time a formidable foe against the very school for which he played. And now he found himself on their team. His former schoolmates were not amused. He used to deliver the power kick, testing the goal and winning. How dare he defect? Traitor!

   In time it was seen as just all in the game. He recalls now and the friendships continue. “Old boys” never forget the old school bonds. Talk might be cheap, but friendships are forever, continuing even to this day from young boys to old boys.

   Watching from the sidelines now, fellowship still goes with the game, with the school cheer still bringing a bit of misty eyes; I’m told, and there is no easing up, once the referee blows the whistle.

   Mutual respect and friendship remain a part of the school-inspired game. Brother One continues to take great interest in the growth of his school’s strength in the games of today and celebrates the fact that football is not confined to the city, but has spread instead from Morant Bay to Negril and in-between. Football fields are in every district and town across the nation.

   Media coverage has also given a new lift to young players who hope for overseas possibilities and not surrender to despair. A football scholarship, like those in athletics, can make many youngsters live in a state of hope.

   The question is often heard, without malice, what really are the benefits of dreaming? Is every “football star” able to take the prize in the academic arena which can ensure their future? Is too much influence being placed on the physical instead of the cerebral? It is not often one hears how when the schooldays — complete with adulation — are over, not everyone who were idols in the game, left qualified enough to gain entry into the world of work and benefits to live a good life. The questions which follow speak of appropriate balance from the classroom years.

   How many stars of the past are barely making ends meet today? Did some of the stars, while shining on the football field, neglected to understand that time does not stand still. Can football alone earnings feed a family? You have to be equipped for the future. One day we should discuss this some more.

   No offence meant. Are parents and guardians doing enough to ensure a balanced education for their sons? Is the balance even between sports and study? Has this been tested?

   Today, the nation mourns the loss of a gifted football player, a bright shining light to his family — both at school and home. Everyone mourns the loss of this golden child. The question is asked with amazement, how could it be? He was in the prime of life. What happened? No one ever understands fully why the light should go out so soon for one so young and so special. How could a player like that leave the field, just like that?

   Words of comfort are many, but sincere though they be, they will not be able to bring back a young star. The game will go on, but the memories will not end, we hope. To the parents, we say: Stand strong, the thoughts of others are with you. Call upon your strength. There are many looking on who care for you. That might sound insufficient, but it is said with sincerity.

   It is said every picture tells a story. True! Jamaica Observer photographer Garfield Robinson had his eyes and his lens well focused when he attended a Maverley/ Hughenden football match the other day. A strong, young player on the field, who had scored winning goals, moved towards the wire fence. From out among the spectators, a lovely girl made her way nearer to the fence, and so did the goal-scorer.

   Despite a tap on the shoulder from a teammate, the young Rodico scored a new goal. Nothing could separate him from the love of his son’s mother. They met by the fence and a tender kiss was exchanged, the image captured in the camera’s lens. Even the most cynical could see. Yes, good can come out of Nazareth, and Maverley too!

   POST SCRIPT: I have been asked to bring this up by someone who says he means no offence, but he feels impelled to ask: Are we putting too much pressure on our young athletics people of whom we expect a great deal and, in the course of things, could be pushing them too hard? Overburdened though we may be, let’s ensure that we protect our children as best we can. I say this with respect and prayers. Yours truly, Mr Football.