The John Griff Column: Setting the example for others to aspire to
The last few weeks have given us all a series of examples of team play – the bringing together of people with a shared goal (pun intended) or vision, working together to achieve together, what are the standout moments and where are the learning lessons for those observing and who might be inspired?
Perhaps the biggest example is the World Cup tournament. England might not have brought home the Jules Remay trophy and the hurt will go on until at least 2030, but the way in which the team conducted themselves – and particularly played out their games against Norway and France were, for me, exemplars of the spirit of the game. Harry Kane might have arrived in the United States as England’s perceived unifying hero, but in a week where England lost one of its greatest footballing heroes in Kevin Keegan, by the end of the tournament Jude Bellingham had at least drawn level in terms of accolades. Just as did Norway, France and other teams, England played with fairness and conviction, even when things didn’t seem to be going their way. Thomas Tuchel took criticism from many, but he retains the FA’s confidence – in turn, we should support a developing squad that will no doubt carry the future hopes of the nation. Sadly, the game of football was not best served in the final between Argentina and Spain – the 1-0 scoreline paled in comparison to the previous night’s 6-4 goal fest and the actions of Argentina in particular proved cynical, contrived, pugilistic and repugnant both during and immediately afterwards. Brawling by overpaid prima donna brats after a game they never deserved to win on merit made for the kind of spectacle that I hope FIFA will look closely at, as well as at itself after claims of political interference off the pitch. In 2030 when the World Cup returns, let’s hope that Spain and Portugal between can truly claim to have hosted the fairest, most exciting tournament when the referee’s whistle sounds for the final time.
Beyond football though, there have been other excellent performances and much for us to learn from. Darren Lehmann’s Steelbacks roared to success for the third time last Saturday, winning the Vitality Blast tournament by beating first Somerset and then Hampshire at Edgbaston on finals day – narrowly so on both occasions by use of bat and ball, supported by some wonderfully acrobatic fielding. My former colleague Andrew Radd’s sense of relief and pride was palpable in his radio commentary, conveying a sense of local pride in a job done excellently by the players out on the pitch. Lets not forget the opposing sides who went into their games with just as much expectation and hope in themselves. Next year they’ll all do it again – through which the game will benefit.
It’s not just in sport that we’ve seen examples of excellence in the way they’ve been conducted. A week ago the Northants Life Business Awards were announced at the Chester House Estate near Rushden. 340 attendees arrived, fully intending to enjoy themselves and cheer on not only their own teams but an entire courtyard of business people. Dressed as though for a society wedding or garden party and enjoying a balmy, noisy, exuberant atmosphere, they celebrated the 21 award winners, which included a Special Recognition Award for Jeyes of Earls Barton. Family run and delivering to the nation as well as the local community for over 140 years, the applause was both warm and respectful. Billy Lockett, one of the county’s most notable current musicians, arrived on stage to perform – and then sprang the surprise of the night as hitherto unseen Britain’s Got Talent finalists, Northants Sings Out, emerged to perform with him as well as by themselves. From teamworking both on and off the stage, the event delivered fantastically – raising the bar for itself and challenging others to do likewise.
As the Commonwealth Games now proceed until Sunday, more team performances at the highest level will emerge – even if the sport itself is a largely solo challenge. Whatever the results say, the way in which any challenge is accepted and undertaken is as important as its outcome. Long after it’s ceased – be it in sport, the arts, politics or community, the conduct of the protagonists will be at least as important. It should be a positive example for others to aspire to and achieve.
Play the game, play up. And bring it home.