Football’s brilliant for some father and son bonding…
My young son has, over the past few years, develop an interest in football. I would go as far to say that Celtic (and football in general) has become a passion of his. He is keen to demonstrate his knowledge of current players, not only from Celtic but, from clubs across every league imaginable.
Without doubt, his knowledge of current players exceeds that of his auld da.
At the start of the season I bought him EA SPORTS FC 2024 (previous FIFA) for his games console, and we spend many (at times frustrating) hours playing. A wee bit of father-son bonding over a sport we both love.
Ultimately, he gets to choose who we sign, while I baulk at the over-inflated prices in the simulation marketplace and attempt to talk him round to my (more frugal) approach. “It’s not real money dad, so calm down.”
So, if his signings perform well, he takes great delight in reminding me of his eye for a player and insists he is praised for his scouting prowess! If they flop, then they are moved on quietly and with minimal fuss (to save face in front of his dad).
Of course, he doesn’t get it all his own way, and there are times I cannot resist trying to steer him in the direction of a player that I think will make our team better. There are even times where I’ll make signings without his knowledge or “approval.” If he voices displeasure at this, then I remind him that I bought the game and I’m his dad, so ultimately I get to decide. Pull rank, if you like.
Despite our differences of opinion on these matters, it’s still great fun, and only a game after all.
That’s the whole point…..it’s just a game.
I mean, in what version of reality would we ever find ourselves in this position in the real world?!
Now, could anyone imagine letting us loose on a real football club!!?? Father and son playing out the scenario above, with tens of thousands of supporters spending real money on season tickets and, countless thousands worldwide, whose passion and life revolve around that football club?
Just imagine that happening…
Paul Maguire
THE CELTIC STAR’S WINTER SALE IS NOW ON! GET A MASSIVE 50% OFF ALL BOOKS AT CELTICSTARBOOKS.COM/SHOP…
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You are so right about the bonding. I live on the other side of the world and all my kids were born here. However the Football especially Celtic has always been something that keeps us bonded. Particularly the boys although my daughter keeps her eye on games too.
My kids are all adults now and only one remains in Aotearoa but Celtic is still a way of keeping in touch. For example on Cup Final day last May I had texts from my daughter in London and my son in Sydney from the places they were watching the game.
Like your son one of my boys has a great knowledge of football and despite the distance he is well versed in Scottish Football matters. In the last 2 seasons he has flown up from Sydney for a few days to get to Champions League games.
Many years ago when my son was very young and computer games were very much in their infancy he acquired a Football Manager type game. He explained to me he was managing Celtic and was buying players. I asked him what the budget was but had to explain to him what that meant. He replied that money didn’t matter – he could spend as much as he liked. Wow I said and asked him who he had signed. He replied Mixu Paatalainen!
Excellent article, as a da myself I loved driving up from leeds with my bhoy for games, getting two season tickets was the best money I ever spent.
And now I’ll congratulate you on putting the focus on the lawwells as it should be with January window about to close and our manager still waiting for the four quality players he thought he was promised, Celtic da lawwell says nooooooooo
Anyone who thinks Man City employ numpties is a numptie themselves IMO , Hail hail .