Reflections on Argentina
Looking back on the IGLFA 2007 World Championships in
Argentina two months later, how would I sum up our experience? In one word successful.
At the start, Gez, our coach, got us all together and encouraged us to set some goals for the tournament. We set ourselves a range of challenges, from winning matches, to being one squad together even though we had two teams, to enjoying ourselves and having fun.
On the pitch, to have one team get to the second division final, albeit they narrowly lost, playing in the Titan’s biggest match ever in front of a fair crowd of players and locals (not to mention some very nervous Titans from the other team), was something those that took part would never have dreamed of. And let’s not forget that the other Titans team were only a goal away from heading into the first division. That one team knocked the other out on the quarter final seemed to be our destiny.
But that the final meant so much was a culmination of what went before. That legendary Titans spirit roared as never before. Everyone gave their all, and to see players time and again sinking to the ground from the exhaustion of the gruelling schedule, only to get back up for one more burst down the wing, or one more track back and tackle, was quite touching. Both teams were there shouting for (or was it abuse at) the other when they weren’t playing in a match themselves, and the other London teams, Stonewall and Leftfooters were there for us, and us for them, too, creating a real bond between London’s “original three”.
Off the field we were eating, drinking and being merry – bonding of a different kind – in a shared exploration of one of the Americas’ greatest cities. I’m sure we have our own memories to take with us for years to come. The enthusiasm and pride with which Buenos Aires’ populace, and the continent’s media, embraced the competition was nothing short of exceptional. I’m convinced that the number of TV clips and photos splashed across front pages of papers that seemed to feature Titans was no coincidence; our enthusiasm and spirit showed through for all to see.
So, two months on, some of our core Argentina players have left the club, we’re scrapping for points in the league again, and we’re already talking about London 2008. But the success of Argentina will always be remembered:
MSN Video (it’s the bit of the clip after the advert for a certain mobile telephone network)