FA 150th Anniversary: An Ode to Football
Watch Musa Okwonga's football-inspired poem dedicated to the game as the FA draw a close on the 150th anniversary celebrations.
The poem talks of the love of football, starting at grassroots and advancing through to professional level, capturing a range of emotions experienced by football fans along the way.
'Ode to Football' was commissioned by The FA and written by poet, author and sportswriter Okwonga and has been released in the same week that marks 150 years since the first game was played using the laws drafted by Ebenezer Cobb Morley in 1863.
Okwonga said: "Football is a passion for almost every person in this country and The FA's 150th year presents the perfect opportunity to honour this great game that we all love.
"The ode showcases how diverse the game has become since 1863. From the grassroots level to the professional game, from video games to the huge media spotlight, from mums washing kit to jumpers for goalposts.
"Hopefully the poem unites football fans everywhere to celebrate 150 years of football."
An array of famous faces feature in the video, led by England captain Steven Gerrard. It also features notable football names including Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, Theo Walcott and Sky Sports' Jim White. Celebrity football fans Ant and Dec, Dizzee Rascal, Amanda Holden, Nick Grimshaw and John Bishop have also delivered lines of the poem.
The ode features all the aspects of the game that players and fans experience week in, week out, with nods to legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly and the iconic Match of the Day theme tune.
The poem also brings to life the battles fought on the pitch, the fans cheering and waving scarves, and that moment a goal is scored. England legends Sir Geoff Hurst and Paul Gascoigne are the focus of specific lines.
FA Chairman Greg Dyke added: "After an incredible year of celebration that has particularly allowed us to highlight the great work The FA's army of grassroots heroes does throughout all levels of the game.
"The Ode to Football captures the essence of football. Whether that is the ups and downs of watching your team play, the simple pleasure of a kickabout in the park or cheering on England with all your mates.
"Football brings people together like nothing else. As we reach the end of our 150th anniversary year, it is great there will be a lasting tribute to the game's simple pleasures."
Video courtesy of FA.
