#thechieftainssc

The Chieftains SC Story.

So is the natural progression of most things in life - always moving forward. What a depressing and backwards place society would be otherwise.

Having been raised in 90s in North America, it is unusual for football to have had as large an impact as it has had on our lives. Our families are football fans, our close friends are football crazed too. Summer months consisted of playing in tournaments, training with various local clubs, and with our eyes glued to television screens, taking in the latest editions of the World Cup or European Championships. Winter consisted of waking up bright and early on the weekends to catch the action from the various European Leagues. Evenings were spent playing and training in domes scattered across the city. This was our passion and we dedicated ourselves to it so as we were always progressing, so as we were always moving forwards.

Getting older, we began to understand the negative aspects of football. Match fixing, racism, and the importance of economic power in furthering political agendas became increasingly frustrating. Growing up in the 90s, it was a privilege to observe  “real ballers” such as Roberto Baggio, Riquelme, Rui Costa, and Jari Litmanen. We realize that this may be somewhat of a biased opinion, but, we truly believe that the 90s was a golden age for football. While the quality of play has probably since increased, the skills, passion, and loyalty of those players, clubs, and supporters were second to none.

Europe went all gung-ho on stamping out football casual culture and while I do not agree with the violence it represents, few will argue that that sub culture is a big part of why football is so attractive. To stamp this out of the game (as forcibly and to the degree that it was) is a step in the wrong direction. Casuals create the unforgettable atmospheres for which football is so renowned. Germany seems to have gotten it right though. The Germans, to an extent, embraced this movement (minus the violence and neo-Nazism of course) and they now boast the best supported league in Europe with spectacular tifos and standing sections to boot.

At the local grass roots level, the game seems to be losing its appeal too. While participation levels are higher than ever for the youths, at more senior levels, it is one big cluster f**k. More often than not, the local leagues consist of individuals who play to expel their weekly frustrations on others in the form of reckless challenges, and clashes with official and coaches alike. This is not what we represent. The Chieftains SC are a collection of like minded football fanatics. We are chiefs and leaders in our own right, who want to make a positive impact on the local football scene.  

We want to recapture the allure of football culture, we want to honour the sporting heroes of our youth. This blog will attempt to tell those stories, make connections to the modern game, and pay credit where it is due. This is an attempt to re-appreciate all things football, from the local grass roots level to the professional game, from the latest boots and kits to football inspired streetwear and heritage pieces. Football is for everyone and this blog will characterize this by staying true to its roots and always moving forwards with its craft.