By a Fan, to the Fans

MADRID, SPAIN – Spain fans watch the UEFA EURO 2012 final match between Spain and Italy on a giant outdoor screen on Paseo de la Castellana.

What makes you a fan of XYZ team?

Answer this before reading any further.

Preventing and scoring goal is only a part of work in football for any team. Off the pitch, the idea should be, and in most cases is, to make as much money as possible. Without money, no team can function. And where does a team generates money from? Sponsors, media rights, et cetera. Oh, and the most important source – the fans, i.e., you and me.

Yes, it is we who, in a way, pay the team. Imagine if there were no fans. What would happen to the team? For whom would they play for? There would be empty stadiums, no media coverage and no one to purchase the merchandise that the players of the team endorse. Probably, such a team would face difficulties similar to what Hockey India is facing at the moment.

We want our team to win, to win big. Whatever the result may be, usually, we can’t control our emotions. We wait for the whole week for our respective team’s match and the moment the kick-off whistle is blown, we forget all our worries, our pending assignment, our overdue bills, our examination that begins the very next day, everything.

We cry when our favourite player gets injured, when our team loses an important match because of a poor referee decision, and also when we’re out of the competition. One loss can make us feel depressed, while, one win can make us ecstatic. Our team winning a match, or say, a league, won’t make any impact on our lives, we won’t get any fame or glory, and it won’t earn us any money (unless, of course, we win bets).

What is the reason?

This reason is nothing but affection, commitment, dedication and true love. It’s not the team that makes us what we are, but we, the fans, who make them whatever they are or can be. But that doesn’t mean that they owe us anything. Remember, they make us proud, and, at times, are the reason behind our smile. It’s okay if someone asks you about your favourite movie and you answer them saying that it keeps on changing. But it’s not at all okay if someone asks you about your favourite team and you come up with the same answer.

What I’m trying to say is that we, i.e., the team and the fans, are mutually dependent. We can’t do without each other. You don’t have to buy your team’s jersey to prove that you’re a true fan and neither do you have to buy your team’s season ticket. Being loyal to your team is what counts at the end of the day. Don’t just say that you’re a big fan of so and so team, mean it.

P.S. – If you’re team is going through a really bad phase, sing “We shall overcome”. You’re welcome.