The Endless Impact of Sport

Lifestyle, Soccer

Posted by R-Dawg, May 6, 2008 - 8:58 am

I decided to catch a film at the Tribeca Film Festival this year.  Given this was my first time attending a movie at the fest, I wanted to watch something which I felt was the essence of Tribeca- an independent documentary.  Kicking It fulfilled my requirements: a showing on a weekend night, an independent documentary, and one involving one of my favorite sports- soccer.

 The 98-minute film follows members of seven [of the 48] soccer teams that went to South Africa for the fifth annual Homeless World Cup.   Yep, you read it right- a soccer world cup involving teams from around the world made up of strictly homeless people (a wild guess would be that it was overshadowed by the 2006 FIFA World Cup taking place around the same time). 

I was stunned that I had never heard of this world cup, nevermind the South African one being the fifth iteration.  Viewers experience the trials and tribulations of numerous individuals: the 29-year old Kenyan hoping for a professional scout to show up; the 19-year-old American proving the homelessness and abuse exist in even the most modern of societies; the young Afghani goalkeeper experiencing ‘Western culture’ for the first time; the tough Irishman trying to ‘kick’ his drug habit; the 62-year old Spaniard who killed off a burgeoning Real Madrid career via missteps in life; and the teamwork-oriented Russians determined that the only way to highlight their plight in their homeland is via a top three finish.

All of these people are bound together by one simple event: a medium-sized ball being kicked through a goal.  The realization that such a simple concept can change the lives of millions is mind-boggling.  The uplifting documentary left me with more than just a feel-good moment or two; it will constantly serve as a reminder of those who are not as fortunate as us, and of the influence of sport in all walks of life.

 ”Kicking It” is a tear-jerker, but it is a must-see for anyone, let alone a sports nut.  It proves that sport provides many opportunities for kids and adults alike: instilling discipline, enhancing teamwork, achieving trust amongst peers, and- for those incredibly blessed ones- a lucrative career.  It has also offered a way out for those in dire straits.  My comments may be cheesy and cliche, however, I felt it was important to note that we are lucky individuals who get to write about- and often witness- events which make us the ardent sports fans that we are.  “Kicking It” is a testament that there are issues around the world that go beyond the glitz and glamor of the FIFA World Cup, the NBA Playoffs, the World Series, and the Super Bowl; sports can be a powerful catalyst for change in unimaginable and diverse ways.  ESPN bought the rights to the documentary prior to its screening- don’t miss it.