Why People in the UK Fanatically Pursue Football Teams

British people, as a rule, are not deeply religious. Religion isn't seriously discussed, and attendance at religious services is infrequent. In a nation of approximately 65 million, only about 2 million regularly attend church for events such as weddings, funerals, and christenings.

But there looms a significant movement away from the conventional forms of community and identity, such as religion. Instead, these conventions are being replaced with a new, equally fervent passion that finds its outlet in the realm of football. Football, as an organizational and communal affair, has become a modern bastion of communal identity and connection.

The Decline of Religious Conformity

The decline in religious adherence in the UK is well-documented, and with it, the collective groundwork for structured community and social identity has shifted. As people distance themselves from tradition and formal belief, a new form of communal identification has emerged. For many men, this outlet has proven to be their football team. The weekly pilgrimage to the stadium, adherence to rules, singing, and shouting has become a very communal experience. Football, much like religion once did, offers a communal narrative that people can be part of.

A Testimony of Passion and Dedication

When I was 19, I knew the names of the first 11 players for every Premier League team. My passion for football was all-consuming. Even today, some men maintain this level of commitment and connection to the sport for their entire lives. Witnessing England's run to the final of a major tournament, I saw firsthand the immense fervor that can be stirred up and sustained by a sport.

Beyond the UK: A Global Phenomenon

While the English fervor for football can be seen as typical, it is far from unique. The experience of visiting a stadium in the UK is nothing compared to the throngs of supporters in countries like Turkey, Argentina, Egypt, or Serbia. The atmosphere in recent Premier League games, with their raucous crowds, can barely compete with the Seattle Seahawks' passionate fanbase. Indian cricket matches, especially those concluding with a late winner, can be even more raucous in their enthusiasm.

Why People Get Worked Up About Football

The communal and shared experience of watching football is a defining feature. Spectators often refer to their team as "we," indicating a sense of collective belonging. This shared experience can involve a diverse range of activities, from focused analysis of players' movements, to admiring moments of skill and even humor, to simply singing along to familiar songs. Despite the myriad ways people engage with the game, the core emotion is that of solidarity and shared purpose.

Football, much like religion, serves as a community builder. People clamor to be part of the narrative, the story that unfolds on the field. It is a form of escapism and community in a world that can often feel absurd and meaningless. As a reader, this emotional ties to the sport are what make it such a compelling, if ultimately pointless, pursuit.

As a famous goalkeeper once quipped, 'It is futile, but I imagine Sisyphus was happy.' It is in this spirit of absurdity and joy that we continue to support our teams, regardless of the grandeur or triviality of the outcomes.