Sunday 27 September
FOMO, the fear of missing out, is not something that I can honestly say I have ever suffered from. As a name, it’s a fairly new phenomenon. But today, I have come seriously close.
I refereed two youth football matches again today, they were excellent actually, two of the best games I have ever done. Under 15’s A League, the technical quality was right up there and I had to be at my best too. I don’t think I did too bad. The wind played a part, the drizzle came in waves and the pitch was slightly softer than the very same baked one form last week.
Every weekend that comes and goes, I fear that it may be the last for organised youth football. As Coronavirus spreads again there is a realistic chance that congregations of parents and players, unmasked, up and down the country, will be a gamble that the authorities may prefer not to take.
And it is true that, whilst we are meant to be observing the rule of six nationwide, there were many more than that within two metres of each other on the touchline at both games. I don’t blame them, they come to support their sons and daughters and forget about the world for an hour or two.
But the risk of not having this weekly, family outlet is potentially just as great. The mental ‘good’ being outdoors does is immeasurable. The youngsters are playing a team sport, laughing, being together, doing something positive, learning to socialise. Challenging themselves to be better footballers, friends, comrades and citizens. I fear them missing out on that again. I fear missing out on being part of that again.
I also had a pang of walking FOMO today too. The Gentleman’s Film and Leisure Club went walking again in Norfolk. More of that coastal path and there were some amazing pictures sent through.
I wish I had been there but I also loved doing the football thing. I guess I am just lucky to have a range of things to be a part of. We shared an online glass or two with wonderful friends living in Scotland last night. And we had a beautiful walk with a beautiful friend yesterday morning. Our thoughts are with our friends who have experienced the loss of a loved one today. And my mind drifted downstream to our great friends in Herefordshire this evening whilst we watched the Mortimer and Whitehouse fishing programme on the telly.
So, I guess I do suffer from a bout of FOMO every now and then. But rather than of events its of people. And if the restrictions become even harsher (again) it’s going to be a challenging winter.
The Bald Birder 