Absolute Boarginners: Commentary Box Edition

If I were to go back in time and write my past self a list of things that he’d need to know before his first ever experience of commentating on live football, right at the top of the list, in big bold letters, would be: wear two thick pairs of socks. Because on a day where absolutely everything else went right, wondering how many toes you’d lose to frostbite during extra time was not ideal. But the bitter cold of a wintery January afternoon was warmed up immensely by not only a breath-taking game of football, but an all-around enjoyable experience.

So much credit for that has to go to the wonderful people at Leamington Football Club. From the parking, to the pre-match burger, to setting up our equipment, all the way through to our post-match interview with the manager, everyone we spoke to endeavoured to give us a warm welcome, and make us feel like part of the club.

Despite playing opposition two tiers above them, the home side were dominant for large spells of the game.

Leamington felt like a dream place to make our debut as commentators, as on the pitch, we were treated to a sensational game of football, as the Brakes put on an excellent display in their FA Trophy match against Altrincham. Despite playing opposition two tiers above them (as Leamington play their football in the Southern League, the 7th Division of English football), the home side were dominant for large spells of the game, despite falling behind early on. And when they took the match to extra time in its dying embers, the overwhelming feeling was one of excitement for another half hour, rather than wondering if we’d have any functional limbs left by the end of it.

Although Leamington were desperately unlucky to lose in extra time on the day, the future looks bright, both for the club and our relationship with it. On the pitch, there were clear signs of improvement and if Leamington play this well every week, a return to the Conference North or higher seems inevitable. Moreover, off the pitch, the fans clearly care about the club and as a result, there were lots of little, beautiful moments scattered throughout the day. When the full time whistle blew, all the Brakes fans behind the goal stood up and walked to the other end of the pitch, so that they could once again cheer from the end that their team was shooting at. You wouldn’t get that at Old Trafford.

Not only did Leamington treat us to a wonderful game of football, and hopefully there will be more of them to come, but they welcomed us in as one of their own.

If you’d told me six months ago that I’d be handed the opportunity to test out my commentating skills, Match of the Day style, at a live football match, I’d have laughed it off as impossible. So when the opportunity arose, it was one I simply had to grab with both hands and I’m very glad I did. Not only did Leamington treat us to a wonderful game of football, and hopefully there will be more of them to come, but they welcomed us in as one of their own.

This was my first experience commentating on live football, and based on this display, I can’t wait to go back for more.