The Sporting Lens Through My Eyes

We gave our flag to these Japanese supporters whilst leaving the stadium after our semi-final defeat to South Africa the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Out of my three passions, sport has always been the front runner. Since I was six, rugby had me hooked. I played for my local team every weekend for roughly 12 years! And school only broadened my horizon into football and the simple joy of just running around with your friends.

This might sound like a common script for many UK kids, but there was something about sport that resonated with me on a deeper level, a connection I felt more profoundly than my peers. Perhaps it was this early passion, coupled with a bit of natural talent, that set me on my sporting journey, representing my primary school across various disciplines and usually coming out on top. But this isn't a boast—rather, it's the start of a lifelong love affair with sport.

As years added on, the playing field expanded, and the realisation that I wasn't the best at everything began to set in. This humbling realisation didn't dampen my spirits; instead, it funnelled my focus towards rugby and football, sports where my abilities truly shone, leading me to play at high levels. My engagement with sport evolved alongside my growth, from playing to becoming an avid fan, supporting my teams at major tournaments and revelling in the highest levels of competition. This is what being passionate about sport means to me, a sentiment that has stayed with me into adulthood, prompting me to share my thoughts and experiences through writing.

Moreover, the sporting industry is vast and by no means limited to just playing and watching. This is something I am interested in tapping into. And it all starts here! Allow me to share my own sporting background along with a few stories.

Player

Rugby was my standout sport, a game I noy only loved but excelled in, contrasting with football, where my skills were notable but perhaps not as pronounced. In rugby, I felt as though at times the match was being played out in 0.5x speed. I had a combination of speed and awareness that allowed me to sidestep, run, kick past my opponents. I even loved tackling despite my lean stature.

Football was a great runner-up. I was good. I used to score powerful headers most games as a striker and we had a ridiculously good team. For a small town in the Cotswold, we produced a special team. So much so, it felt pretty obvious at the time that at least one would end up a professional.

That turned out correct, with another 3 becoming academy level players, myself included. My journey took me through the academy levels for both sports, with Swindon Town FC offering a taste of football's competitive edge and Gloucester Rugby challenging me in rugby during those pivotal teenage years. I enjoyed using my skills as a Fly-Half with kicking, running, passing etc. That said, in some ways, rugby was more challenging because you were amongst a lot of players in different sizes, due to different levels of growth spurts. Whereas, Football was a lot more 'hair-down and enjoy it' feeling. Overall, it was great time to be loving sports.

Decision Time

There came a time, though, when my trial period was coming up at Swindon. I had received a contract to continue with the academy, but my two sports would clash when it came to dates and journeys. So, in the end, a decision had to be made. Do I pursue Rugby or Football?

A good question but a hard question. One I remember that faced a lot of deliberation with my family and others because it was two sports I loved a lot. I had an ultimate goal of becoming a professional or at the very least doing my best. Factors were weighed up:

• Which do I enjoy most?

• Which am I better at?

• What gives me most chance for success?

• Time spent?

• Dedication required?

The list went on, and as contracts and commitments demanded a choice between the two, rugby won my heart. Ultimately, it was much simpler decision at a young age because it was my number 1.

Additionally, I was extremely talented, despite my ectomorph shape and a much more naturally gifted player than I was at football. Therefore, it felt as though it was the best decision all round.

With hindsight, as a person who didn't make it professional in rugby, was it a mistake?

I think not. My physique didn't help, but I don't believe it was the determining factor that prevented me from going pro. Simply put, I just wasn't as good nor dedicated as you needed to be. That's the honest answer.

Would I have had a better chance at football because of my size? Perhaps. I was good at football and had I opted for football and played it consistently, maybe I would have developed to a level that would now see me at a higher standard. But being realistic is key.

This is an experience that is familiar with a lot of young sporty teenagers growing up. For me, I was naturally gifted at rugby; I wasn't naturally gifted at football. When you see the pros of today play, they are incredibly muscular and gifted. It would be a hard ask.

That said, during my time in that exception local team, I played together with a friend that is doing brilliantly at Bristol City FC. He became a professional and now plays in a league just one below the Premier League. He was a great player in our team but never immediately stood out. There were better players but he worked hard, grafted, got the pieces of luck required and has now made himself a mainstay in the first team.

When I watch him, I see certain characteristics in myself. He always works hard and does the little stuff well. Nothing fancy, just solid. I was never a glitzy player with skills and fancy boots - I just played. And I see the same with him, which is admirable and enjoyable to watch.

My decision, shaped by passion and practicality, never felt like a mistake, even as professional faded. It was a choice that honoured my true calling, despite the what-ifs that linger.

Today, it's great to play Rugby and Football sporadically. I get to play rugby with my dad which is a hell of an experience. I get to play 5 a side football and enjoy the fun of football at that level. Street football-esque. Outside of these two main sports, I dabbled into other sports playing when younger. Cricket, Tennis, I ski etc. All fun but the main two were the key part of my playing and watching. The playing side kickstarted my passion of sport and watch as it develops.

Fan

Sport wasn't just about playing; it was also about being part of something greater. From witnessing Wales' ups and downs in rugby to supporting Arsenal through its tumultuous journey, my fan experiences have been as rich and varied as my time on the field.

I was very fortunate to be amongst it all at a very young age. Having a sporty Dad meant that we would be down at the Millennium watching Wales play every year. I was privileged enough to watch Wales play rugby at a young age. And not just any stadium, but the Millennium Stadium, which is highly regarded as the greatest rugby stadium in the world. Therefore, from day 1, I really had that "wow" feeling.

It made me want to play on this pitch one day. I was hooked and absorbed. It's what made me want to play and watch sport all the time. Football was no different. I followed the key players like Gerrard and Lampard, Henry that define an era. These were key influences that made me want to talk about sport all the time, as a hobby and a profession.

My first big experience as a fan came at the Rugby World Cup 2007, hosted by France. I was 10. Due to my fathers working relationship with the Wales Rugby Union, due to supplying and installing fitness and gym equipment, we had the luxury of staying in the team hotel. We witnessed the ultimate highs and very much the complete lows.

Whilst these memories are enough to stay, what was most lasting impression was the manner in which we left the tournament. A shock exit in the group stages. It caused a tsunami onslaught and the coach was shortly after sacked. As dramatic as it was, it was a brilliant experience at a young age.

With my love of travel, I have made it my effort to see sporting events when I go away. I have seen the British and Irish Lions play on Tour in New Zealand in 2017 as I travelled around NZ. It was a special experience. I managed to get a ticket for the first test through my Dad's working relationship with background team management. Once again, highlighting how lucky I have been but also how closely my connection has been with sporting teams, players and coaches. We lost but it was amazing to be there regardless.

Other examples including being in Australia for the Rugby 7s, going to watch the F1 in Belgium, Australia, Silverstone and Spain. My love for sport and travel is showcased here. These amazing experiences over the years have heightened my love for sport by seeing the best sporting occasions.

Most recently, for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 (back in France), I was driving and living in a van with my Dad, watching all Wales games across the country! We watched us win every game in our group and then experienced the heartbreak of losing the QF in Marseille to Argentina.

These are the stories and heartbreaks of a fan. I am a lifelong Arsenal fan thanks to my grandparents. Always supported and followed through real rough times in this era. The Wenger days. But now, we are on the up. I recently saw us play and win 5-0 against Crystal Palace. The love of watching your team, which I don't get them to see often was a great experience. Fan stories will continue and grow.

Work

My proximity to the sporting world extended beyond the stands and the field, thanks to my dad's career in sports fitness. This connection offered unique opportunities to engage with sports on a professional level, from installing gym equipment for top football clubs to meeting the athletes I admired. These experiences didn't just fuel my passion; they provided a backdrop for understanding the industry's breadth, from the physical to the strategic and the emotional.

He worked for big companies such as Keiser and supplied equipment to professional teams including the Welsh Rugby Union, Liverpool and Man Utd FC, and more. It also extends more recently to players at these clubs, installing bespoke home gyms.

As a by-product, I have been lucky enough to join in on these jobs. Whether it be watching on, helping or building the equipment, I was in and amongst the environment of professional sport and got to meet professional sportspeople. I have met and spoken to the people I idolised growing up. It is surreal but exciting. It makes these fantasies come alive, whilst also remaining professional to ensure the job is done correctly.

This work is what also helps us travel and watch sport abroad. Whether it be watching Wales in the Rugby World Cup in France because of a gym installation at Annecy FC, or watching the Golf after kitting up a PGA golfers home. These are all luxuries but stem from our love of playing and watching sport.

I got be in the environment from a young age and as such have many stories and thoughts that I want to share for others to hear or for me to log as a portfolio at the very least. This is what it comes down to now. I have played, watched, seen, spoken to and met the sporting world, all at just an age of 26.

Summary

One again, none of this is to show off. I am sharing the reasons why sport is one of my main passions. I enjoy writing as well as the sporting industry in terms of the punditry and analysis. VAR in football is clearly a heated topic. How it affects the game is something I am keen to discuss as is referee influence. Players are always rude and aggressive, has VAR been introduced properly when you compare it to TMO of rugby?. Good discussions are to be had.

Moreover, football helps drive poorly developed nations. I am observant of Argentina with my passion and following of finance through my passion of Bitcoin. Argentina is a struggling nation with over 100% inflation. They are a nation in dire straits yet their love for football and particularly Lionel Messi completely changes the perspective of life and outlook. Positivity and love of sport despite economic turmoil.

These are crossovers that I want to discuss in this website. My three passions have a lot of similarities when it comes to freedom but also culture and finance, travel, sport. I am watching sports all of the time. Sky Sports, YouTube, Twitter are all great place to stay up to date. Fun games such as Fantasy Premier League and Six Nations Predictor.

I stay in tune and follow it all. I went to see Arsenal play this year, I have friends who follow, we chat and I'm always looking to hear new perspectives. I'm the person who is watching long after the game has finished on TV to hear the analysis and perspectives of certain pundits. I enjoy the analysis, pre match and post.

These are topics I like to discuss and am happy to have a different opinion from the traditional football fan stance on certain things such as "the game is being ruined" yet they want referees to make less mistakes. They want their cake and to eat it etc. These topics are interesting and blog worthy. That's what is great about sport - the fan insight, perspective, opinions etc.

As I stand at the intersection of passion and profession, my journey through sports—from the muddy fields of rugby to the echoing stadiums of football and beyond—shapes my perspective and fuels my writing. This blog is more than a personal portfolio; it's a testament to a life shaped by sport, an invitation to explore the intricate dance of games played, watched, and analysed.

Through my lens, I'll bring you stories from the heart of sports, insights wrapped in personal narratives, and discussions on the evolving landscape of games we love. Stay tuned for deep dives into the sporting calendar, team analyses, and reflections on what makes sports a universal language.

Which sport is your favourite?

• Rugby
• Football
• Other

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