The Gentleman’s Game
Soccer stars in town
Lacing up the boots and crossing the white line was a highlight of the week for many of the young men and boys of Cumberland. Emerging from the depths and darkness of the mine, and taking to the open field provided a much needed relief from the struggles of work.
Soccer provided an arena for the men to forge a sense of togetherness outside of the mine. Many individual pits had a team and would play against each other. Bonds of brotherhood formed and was a way many miners established themselves as natural community leaders.
Albert ‘Ginger’ Goodwin was an avid player. He played in attack as an inside forward. Believed to have been a good player, his involvement in soccer gained him popularity and respect amongst his peers.
The players together representing the #5 Mine United Soccer Team.
When it was all said and done, and the rivalries on the pitch had been settled, and the final whistle blown, teams would gather in the pub with a cold beer in hand. Heroics of the match were lamented, tales of horror from work shared, and in the case of Ginger Goodwin, ideas of socialism discussed.
