How much have you played football

[GoatersLeftShin]

Played for my primary school, secondary school and sixth form. I played mainly in defence which I loved and also left midfield. I was very quick and I would be confident of being the fastest player on the pitch. One problem was being quick meant I didn't focus too much on my technique! I could tap it past most people and know I would beat them on pace.

Played at university then on Saturdays and got to the firsts in the Lancs Amateur league in a decent team. I played against plenty of people who'd been on the books of clubs and knew I could never have been a pro but could hold myself in the positions I knew.

However one day I was having a great game marking their best forward out of a game and he decided to do a "Vinnie Jones on Gazza" on me. I think he was just frustrated but I'd played against him a few times and he'd always been hard but fair. Within a month I was having an operation and out for nearly 18 months and every time I got back to fitness I'd injure myself again.

I lost a bit of my game and never recovered to the player I was. I still was rapid though and really enjoyed playing but I'd been spooked by it. I'd always been pretty fearless but that game affected me a bit. I got my own back on him in the game nearly breaking his leg a couple of minutes later.

I played till my late 30s and then played 5 a side with former players for a few years which I enjoyed. One day one of the lads said we should play in a league so joined the Bolton Vets league for a few years which was great - competitive but decent lads.

The last 2 games I played I saw one lad break his leg in front of me which knocked me sick and the week after I went into a tackle and a lad hit my leg late and I felt the shun bend way more than it should've. He didn't mean it he was just old and not as quick as he once was. Without shin pads I'd have broke my leg. We'd just had our son and that day I decided that was it.

I loved playing and maybe if I hadn't also enjoyed a beer and applied myself more I could've got to semi pro maybe. I also realised just how good pro players are and I can't imagine how good someone like Doku would be!

I learnt so much from playing football about life, people, respect etc. it's a magnificent game and I wish my son would play but he hates playing and prefers swimming, boxing and basketball. In a way though I'm glad he doesn't play as some of the things I've seen were horrendous, most not malicious but plenty of teeth gone, bones broken, concussions etc...

 

[nellyonthewing]

Played till I was 48 ,Lancs & Cheshire on Saturdays then pubs on Sunday until some twat tried breaking my leg at 5 aside training.
Highlight was playing for our Vets against a City 11 run by Frank Carrodus. Got a kick on the shin by King Colin and a suspected kidney punch from Tommy Booth. Almost scored but an ageing Harry Dowd leapt like a salmon to palm away my shot into the corner. What a day .

 

[Magicpole]

As you would imagine, I could kick a baw. Modesty prevents me going into detail, but, I could play.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

I'd take it up again but I fear walking football would be too quick for me!

 

[Paladin]

Played for my primary school, secondary school and sixth form. I played mainly in defence which I loved and also left midfield. I was very quick and I would be confident of being the fastest player on the pitch. One problem was being quick meant I didn't focus too much on my technique! I could tap it past most people and know I would beat them on pace.

Played at university then on Saturdays and got to the firsts in the Lancs Amateur league in a decent team. I played against plenty of people who'd been on the books of clubs and knew I could never have been a pro but could hold myself in the positions I knew.

However one day I was having a great game marking their best forward out of a game and he decided to do a "Vinnie Jones on Gazza" on me. I think he was just frustrated but I'd played against him a few times and he'd always been hard but fair. Within a month I was having an operation and out for nearly 18 months and every time I got back to fitness I'd injure myself again.

I lost a bit of my game and never recovered to the player I was. I still was rapid though and really enjoyed playing but I'd been spooked by it. I'd always been pretty fearless but that game affected me a bit. I got my own back on him in the game nearly breaking his leg a couple of minutes later.

I played till my late 30s and then played 5 a side with former players for a few years which I enjoyed. One day one of the lads said we should play in a league so joined the Bolton Vets league for a few years which was great - competitive but decent lads.

The last 2 games I played I saw one lad break his leg in front of me which knocked me sick and the week after I went into a tackle and a lad hit my leg late and I felt the shun bend way more than it should've. He didn't mean it he was just old and not as quick as he once was. Without shin pads I'd have broke my leg. We'd just had our son and that day I decided that was it.

I loved playing and maybe if I hadn't also enjoyed a beer and applied myself more I could've got to semi pro maybe. I also realised just how good pro players are and I can't imagine how good someone like Doku would be!

I learnt so much from playing football about life, people, respect etc. it's a magnificent game and I wish my son would play but he hates playing and prefers swimming, boxing and basketball. In a way though I'm glad he doesn't play as some of the things I've seen were horrendous, most not malicious but plenty of teeth gone, bones broken, concussions etc...

Nice story, with some similarities with my story (already detailed here).

I played a season for Whalley Range in the Lancs Amateur League top division, as centre half. It was a step up from Manchester parks leagues, but I did pretty well. Our player of the season was a lad called Ged Sheils by a mile, but I was pleased that he voted for me. A lad called Steve Power played on my left. I can't remember any other names though, although one is waiting to be recalled.

A couple of my Sunday lads encouraged me to trial for higher levels. I went for a trial at Crewe in the early 80s, and also Altrincham. I realised I wasn't quite at that level though.

I was great at heading the ball. I once headed the ball over the bar playing against Knutsford Town. I was just inside the opponents half, about 50 yards from goal. (There was no such thing as metres back in the 80s). It would have been some goal!

I once headed a corner clear, picked up the ball on the edge of our penalty area, dribbled past every remaining opponent, round the opposition goalie for one of my few goals.