By: EFL CEO Phil Murton
WHILE I work in Aussie rules and played it for a large part of my life, I love all sports and like many of you no doubt, had been absorbed by the FIFA World Cup.
Having spent the year travelling in 1998 and being in a couple of countries while their teams played in the World Cup in France, I saw first hand the passion and excitement this competition brings to nations where soccer is their main sport.
As our own Socceroos have forged their own path on the world stage, I’ve enjoyed the ride. Aloisi’s penalty, Tim Cahill’s regular heroics, Kewell, Viduka, no matter the sport you love you can appreciate talent, hard work and sacrifice on the world stage.
Despite Ronaldo’s hat-trick free kick, England’s winning form and (as a massive Spurs fan) Harry Kane’s golden boot run, it’s some things that happened on the pitch that caught my attention at the World Cup. And I hope it’s a legacy that catches on across sport.
Japan vs Belgium was one of the great games of the World Cup. Seeing them regularly as part of the Socceroos’ Asian adventures, we all know Japan are a quality team with a terrific attitude. 2-0 up late in World Cup knockout game against one of the tournament favourites, with the likes of Hazard, Lukaku, Fellaini, Du Bruyn and Dembele against them, an unlikely victory was in Japan’s grasp. But three late goals including one in the last play of the game stole victory from them in the cruellest of circumstances only sport can provide.
How did the Japanese, players officials and spectators, react in this moment of extreme disappointment?
In images that went around the world, the players and staff left the change rooms clean and spotless, even leaving a note, written in Russian, saying thank you.
This is how Japan left the changing room after losing vs. Belgium. Spotless and with a ‘thank you’ note in Russian. Pure class. ? pic.twitter.com/CGj7a1iiXy — ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 3, 2018
In the stands the spectators cleaned up their area. The Japanese are known as a respectful nation, but this made headlines. Why was it such a surprise? Isn’t it the kind of behaviour we all should show?
They haven’t been the only ones. Many spectators from competing Asian and African countries have been seen cleaning up their areas after the game, win, lose or draw.
We’ve seen similar before. The most successful sporting team in the world, the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team, are famous for their policy of “sweeping the sheds”.
In a remarkably honest self-assessment, former star captain Richie McCaw recognised that arrogance had played a part in their downfall at the 2007 World Cup and that he and the coaching staff had failed in their leadership.
Richie McCaw lifts the 2011 Rugby World Cup. PICTURE: Getty Images
It gained prominence with a book called Legacy, written by James Kerr, who lived with the All Blacks trying to analyse what their culture was about.
The concept’s pretty simple. It’s largely about taking responsibility for your own actions and not having any sense of entitlement. As a result, the All Blacks players took control of cleaning the rooms after games, amongst other cultural and behavioural changes.
We saw it locally with Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin, backpack on his back, cleaning up rubbish as he was almost the last to leave following a big Friday night final last year.
I know from my time in local footy at times it was always “someone else’s problem”. Especially in the disappointment of a loss. Looking back at times I was probably as much at fault as anyone. Banging muddy boots in the changerooms expecting someone else to clean it up. Leaving tape in the showers.
I know during our finals series when we manage the venue with the host clubs, rooms are often left in an average state, usually the losers’ rooms. After a long day hosting, cleaning up someone else’s mess is the last thing people want to, nor should have to do.
I spoke with a club volunteer recently who told me how the club captain went to the guy who usually cleans the social rooms and told him not to worry, he’ll get a group of players to do it. He said the reaction of the gentleman was priceless, not only for the chop out on that night but it showed that the club’s on-field leader recognised the value of what he does every week. Small things and actions make a big difference.
Maybe “Sweeping the Sheds” could catch on in the EFL. What a terrific message it would send by playing groups to the volunteers of all clubs of how they are valued and the respect for which they are held.
If you see it, take a photo and post on social media with the hashtag #eflsweepthesheds, and we’ll like, share and retweet.
See you at the footy.