2012 London Olympics: Men’s Football Tournament

It is hard to believe that it was back in July 2005 – yes seven year ago – that it was announced that London was to host the 2012 Olympic Games. It seemed a long way off, a distant dream, but here we are, an Olympics in my country, in my lifetime. Like any major event, it has divided opinion and the run-up to the start has had it moments. Me – well, I just wanted to be able to get to an event, irrespective of what it was – to say that I’d been to an Olympics, to experience it, to feel part of it.

So not for me beach volleyball, table-tennis or archery, but instead my truelove – football. I am genuinely excited that I find myself in possession of two pairs of tickets for the “Men’s Olympic Football Tournament”. My first trip will be to St James’ Park in Newcastle (Thursday 26 July) for the Group B fixtures, which will be a double-bill of games, with Mexico v South Korea followed by Gabon v Switzerland. Then on 04 August it is a trip to Old Trafford in Manchester to see the first Quarter-Final. The tickets were only £20 each, so in the context of Premier League prices it’s a bargain! I’ve been impressed with the information that accompanied the tickets, in terms of maps of the stadiums, directions and some facts about the history of Olympic football.

Let’s hope that the organisation on the day goes smoothly, the weather stays fine and there is some inspirational play on the pitch. Let the Games commence!