Kids’ football has a wonderfully compelling sub-culture all of its own. The grassroots of the beautiful game are where the hard yards are put in – and where the camaraderie and comic can become interchangeable.
Andrew Christophers found himself on the touchline of kids’ football for 25 years. And what a journey those 25 years turned out to be. Funny at times, tragic at others, but never dull or boring. Thrilling, devastating, rewarding, demanding, and above all, just utterly compelling.
This book is packed full of stories from the touchline, juxtaposing the significant with the trivial. The sense of belonging, the emotion and the over-investment. The gaffers, the players and personalities. Permission to dream vs heartache and pain. Match reporting, men behaving badly and boys on tour.
This is a light-hearted read for anyone with an interest in football or team sports, at whatever level they are played. Re-live the shared values and memorable experiences, and enjoy the ups, downs and all-round entertainment – both on and off the pitch.
Andrew Christophers spent 25 years on a touchline, following his older son Jack with Hampton Rangers for 12 years, and his younger son Will with NPL Youth for 13 years. He is also the author of Starting Up & Scaling Up a Human-First Business, the story of the first 25 years of his business, Brand Genetics. Andrew lives in Hampton near London, and is married to Helen, with three grown-up children and two grandchildren.
