Steve goes around world in 80 games
AFOOTBALL fanatic is touring the world, using the power of the sport to connect with people and discover new cultures.
Steve McCluskie, 48, is blogging about a series of kickabouts in exotic locations in his project called ‘Around the World in 80 Games’.
Liverpool fan Steve, who is originally from Stacksteads and now lives on Beechwood Avenue in Ramsbottom, came up with the idea after becoming disillusioned with the state of world football at the highest level, including widespread corruption and also rising ticket prices for fans.
He said: “There was also the influence of television money on the game - matches being moved, for example. I felt people were being excluded from their own game. I wanted to rediscover my love of football. For me, it was all about going back to my days as a kid in the park. I love travelling and meeting new people so thought I could combine the two.”
Steve’s son, Danny, 21, is a qualified football coach and is currently on an adventure of his own in Australia. With his son away, Steve packed a ball and a couple of jumpers to use as goalposts and set off - aiming to play as many games from locations all over the world.
He has so far completed 27 games in 14 countries across four continents from the beaches of Vietnam to Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. He even visited the ‘Jungle’ refugee camp in Calais.
He explained: “I went there to volunteer and I took the opportunity of playing a game whilst there. It’s very sad and very humbling. It was nice to bring a moment of happiness and respite. The trip has turned into more than just a kickabout. I’ve met some incredible people. I’m planning on writing a book about the journey and about the stories of the people I’ve met along the way.”
Steve says it is not too hard to start a game, usually only a matter of minutes. He takes a letter, explaining what he is doing, that is translated into the language of the country he is visiting and just approaches or waves over random people just like he used to in the park when he was younger.
He said: “It only took two minutes to start a game in Medallin, Columbia, even though I was probably most nervous there because of the city’s gang problem.”
Steve is planning on creating a stage show from his experiences, but still plans to visit India, Africa and the Middle East before finishing off at Stacksteads recreation ground.
Steve’s journey has been self-funded - using money he received when he was made redundant from a drug and alcohol recovery service, where he worked. He is looking for sponsorship to fund further trips, to complete the remainder of his 80 games. He has set up a Justgiving page using the name of his blog: ‘atw80g’.