Timing was perfect. The 2022 FIFA World Cup was being played in Qatar. It was starting just as my son’s first season of AYSO was concluding. My son loved playing soccer and showed a true passion for it. I figured I would introduce him to the World Cup. Before we watched any games, I explained to my son what the World Cup was. He was intrigued about the “best” players from around the world playing in one tournament. He wanted to know who the “best” player was and what team he played for. I told him about Lionel Messi. The first game we watched together was Netherlands vs. Argentina. It was a thriller. My son was hooked.
It may have been a combination of the talent, the crowd, and the atmosphere. Sitting next to my son and watching the games was amazing. Each game we watched, I felt we were bonding. I will never forget how he was glued to the TV during the World Cup final between Argentina and France. It was amazing to watch him go through the ups and downs of a hard-fought match. He was witnessing great life lessons: (1) winning is hard, (2) anything can happen in sports, and (3) the best never gives up. My son was so disappointed when Mbappé brought the French back into the game – even though my son became a huge fan of Mbappé. He still asks me if certain players are faster than Mbappé.
After the World Cup finished, my son wanted to watch more soccer. I recalled that customers of Comcast had free access to the Peacock streaming app. I learned the app contained an entire sports category devoted to the Premier League. In December of 2022, we started watching the Premier League games and highlights. Both him and I became obsessed with soccer.
In the past, I found watching soccer on TV a bit slow. However, the Premier League is on another level. The best athletes in the world play in the Premier League. The games are exciting and unpredictable. The games are intense. The game is fast. Just watch one game and you will see the level the players are performing at.
During the second half of the 2022 – 2023 season, my son and I had the privilege of watching Manchester City chase down, catch up to, and surpass Arsenal to win the Premier League. My son became invested in the rankings of all 20 teams. He started to learn the team names and wanted to know where the stadium of each team was located. I was amazed by some of his questions. It was difficult to explain why Chelsea had paid so much money to obtain some of the best players in Europe, but could not score goals. I was amused at his reaction, when I tried to explain why Chelsea’s Graham Potter got fired. It was entertaining to see my son’s concern about the Wolves potentially being relegated from the Premier League.
We had the pleasure to watch Manchester City win the coveted Treble – Man City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. The 2022 – 2023 Manchester City team has now gone down in history as one of the greatest teams in history. Manchester City holds a special place in my heart. The team will always remind me of the first season my son and I spent watching the Premier League.
Yes, the Premier League is special. Not just based on how entertaining it is. It has played a part in helping me bond with my son. I felt a sense of pride witnessing my son’s eagerness to understand the nuances and personal dynamics of the sport. Waking up Saturday mornings and watching a match with my son right next to me was a weekly gift. This will forever be special to me. I am looking forward to the start of the next season.
Hopefully, one day I can make the trip with the family and see a game in person. If you get a chance, give the Premier League a shot. You may be surprised just how much you like. It may be a great way to bond with your kids.