North American Sports Culture

I feel North American sports have a far better culture than we do in the UK. There's a good natured feel around sports, the clubs are respected as organisations and have such a togetherness with players and fans.

The projects to give something back to the community are carried out by clubs and players as a fundamental duty and service. Then there's the college system of a good education being a prerequisite to being able to play a high level of sport for most athletes. Something that is unfortunately sacrificed in the UK too often.

This collective spirit was clear to see from the celebrations in the NBA finals as Miami Heat won the championship at home. All the fans were given a white top to wear at the game to match the home colours, although many came wearing their own. Members of the board and leaders of the organisation were the first to accept the trophy and thank the team, staff and fans.

In the UK the team captain and team mates accept the trophy before the manager gets anywhere near it and those that keep the club ticking over are rarely seen as 'one of the team'. Therefore rather than empowerment towards a shared goal from top to bottom, the term 'player power' comes to the fore too often.

On the morning of Saturday 30th June I was rudely awoken at about 5am and could not go back to sleep. So I put the TV on and a Canadian Football League game was on, BC Lions vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers (American Football).

During the 4th quarter 'Geroy Simon' broke the record for receiving yardage, not touch downs or assists; but the total number of yards, of passes he caught (for a touchdown) in his career.

The game was stopped there and then with 10.03 mins left in the 4th quarter to celebrate the achievement, as Simon was congratulated by all players and fans. He was presented with a framed picture/certificate, the club owner made a speech, followed by the manager and finally the player; after which the game resumed.

Of course in British football we don't want the game to stop for something like this for a number of adequate reasons. But I wrote this piece to highlight the togetherness from top to bottom of sporting 'organisations' from across the pond. The owners are very much involved and part of the team, everyone is recognised and what people do is appreciated by all others.

I'm sure good and bad examples can be found on both sides. However the general philosophy, culture and respect appears to be much better aligned and mutual in North America. Where as in the UK the owners, managers, players and fans all seem to struggle with each other for the most part; and in the end the players take the lions share of the glory (unless you're name is John Terry - then you take all the credit).