Goals, Glory Years and Values which Define us.
After selling matchday programmes for several years at the Madejski Stadium, I’m still often associated with football. Former customers will nostalgically recall “glory years” when there was security, we played in the premiership and the stadium was full.
Although Reading Interfaith Group (founded 1985) is not as old as our football club (founded 1871) we are one of the longest established groups of its kind in the country. As part of our evolutionary process, we have gradually become quite unusual. Reading Interfaith Group is not a group of easily recognised faith leaders, although by coincidence, some of us are. In the context of our group, we do not promote particular views or favour mainstream religions. Our role is about providing a service for the whole community. As we are committed to inclusion, it’s not appropriate to put any kind of obstacle in the way.
From my time working at the Madejski I recall how everyone talked to everyone else regardless of their role in the club. It was also evident how much the Reading fans disliked snobbery. Players who were “too full of themselves” could take some time to fit in. Friendly jokes at all levels were common. On one ocassion, after hearing that one of the Reading players was greedy about scoring goals I volunteered to claim them all, hoping this might encourage him to score more! This was not a fixed term contract because I am still unscrupulously getting a great deal of joy from other people’s success.
Although goals matter, they are not always possible. Values however matter more because they are entirely a matter of choice. This distinction seemed particularly relevant last weekend as I watched the London Marathon. After my accident and with one leg elevated, I had achieved a step count of zero since 24th February and told it will take about a year to recover. Despite the good intentions of celebrities who imply everything is possible for those who really try, our skills and the challenges we undertake are different. I recall with some relief that during my time at Reading Football Club no one ever blamed me personally when the team did not win!
Despite everything that has gone on around the pitch, it is still possible to maintain high expectations from those able to play football on our behalf. In the past I could observe that goalkeepers focus, defenders are brave, wingers fast, midfielders show imaginative and strikers are just supposed to have fun! As our wonderful community is also diverse, we contribute in different ways and all have a part to play.
Although Liverpool FC won the Premier League, Reading fans have also had a very successful season. With loyalty courage and persistence, they have campaigned to change to the governance of all British football clubs through law. Instinctively we understand that our football club and the community it represents is worth so much more than what money can buy.
The ability provide a safe environment in which everyone can feel valued is fundamental to success. You cannot hope to inspire any kind of team without it. I am proud of Reading’s manager who has always taken time and trouble to connect with Reading fans. Those of us who have been at the stadium for some time know him rather well! Faith in our values provides accountability, motivation and even the ability to win matches. Despite our different backgrounds, and the challenges we face right now, we all have a considerable amount in common!
Sarah Griffin