Pele at birthday party of Vanderlei Luxemburgo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Monday 4th February 2013Dr. Rory Miller “Football and Society in South America”Liverpool University historian, Dr Rory Miller, described how in South America, “Football is a passion of the people” which began when the British went to South America to build railways and other engineering projects using local labour. The natural recreational activity was to kick a ball and soon Social Clubs were formed and friendly games took place at first amateur and later professional level. The players and supporters were expressing their identity while displaying local pride. The style of football was most distinctive. In 1891 the first professional league was formed in Argentin,a only 2 years after the English Football Association.The government soon became involved, building huge stadii. Politicians basked in reflected glory. There were, however, enormous economic pressures and many star players were exported, sending money home. Corruption of players, referees and agents amongst the football hierarchy, together with violence and hooliganism are creating huge problems for South American football. The passion of the people appears to be out of control and the fact that, as is so often the case, football is a window of society, gives us cause to reflect.A fascinating lecture
Historical Association Bolton Branch 