World Cup fever is clearly gripping Mid Cheshire as England’s adventure continues to capture the imagination.
Everywhere I have been in Winsford, Middlewich, and Northwich, these past few weeks, at some point, the conversation has turned to what is happening over the pond and whether Thomas Tuchel’s men can emulate the Lionesses’ success at recent European Championships by bringing the trophy home.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who found staying up to watch the thrilling Round of 16 win against Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning a real effort, but it was nothing compared to the shift put in by the lads who were playing.
I can only imagine how immensely proud all their family and friends, old schoolteachers, grassroots coaches and teammates must have felt watching on.
We often overlook just how long the journey is for the men and women who go on to represent the Three Lions and Lionesses at the highest level with such distinction.
Every one of those players will have started their journey to the World Cup at a local grassroots club in childhood before being scouted by professional clubs.
It makes me reflect that while the World Cup reaches its final stages, simultaneously and closer to home our local junior clubs will be gearing up for pre-season, with youngsters across our towns no doubt inspired by what they are seeing on the global stage.
Every weekend throughout the season, hundreds of youngsters across Mid Cheshire pull on their boots to represent teams such as Hartford Juniors, Northwich Victoria, Middlewich Town and Winsford United, to name just a few local clubs.
We must remember that these opportunities to play are only made possible by dedicated volunteers, coaches, referees and committee members who give up their evenings and weekends to keep clubs running. Without them, it simply would not happen.
So best of luck to our Three Lions in the quarter-final against Norway this weekend.
Whatever happens, I hope this tournament inspires even more young people across Mid Cheshire to get involved in football.
And who knows? With hard work, dedication and the support of local clubs and volunteers, perhaps one day we will see a player from Mid Cheshire representing England on the world’s biggest stage.
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