Recently I was speaking to an ex-teammate who had just bought a house. He had been to numerous opens and auctions but hadn’t found the right place. That is, until the day he was driving with his wife to look at yet another inspection and as they turned into the street they were looking for, they were forced to stop. Not because of an accident or a tree falling down, but because there was a group of ten kids on the road playing a game of footy. Looking at his wife he said “I don’t care what the house is like, we are living in this street.”

Where has the traditional game of footy on the road gone!?

Growing up I lived in a street shaped like a horseshoe, hence the only traffic we got was from the neighbours. It was a perfect setting for a game of street footy. Most nights after school most of the kids from the street would gather outside our house to play. The rules were simple enough. It was a half-court game, where there was only the one goal which was the opening of our driveway. The ball had to be taken past the first light pole (sorry South Australians, stobie pole) before it could be brought into your forward line.

We had some terrific seasons, with some of the all time greatest grand finals. Like any great game it had to evolve, so we put in place a few important rules. The older players were to only use their opposite foot to kick with, while the taller players could not play in the ruck. It was all about making the competition equal and fair, without using a draft or salary cap.

Anyway, I no longer see these games. Do they still exist? I hope that they do but if they don’t everybody can make a difference and start one up. It is not hard – just get together a group of kids from the same neighbourhood, and as soon as everybody gets home from school it is game on.

We are all fighting a battle against obesity, and childhood obesity is a real shame. The more kids get out in the fresh air and run around the better their chances of staying healthy and fit.

Just like my ex-teammate I look forward to being stopped by street footy games in the future. Who knows I may even get out and join in.

mahns

PS If you do play send us some photos and stories – email@portadelaidefc.com.au