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Ode to Football~The Video
Musa Okwonga and The Football Association
The FA commissioned ode to commemorate its 150th anniversary

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Editor’s note:
This poem has been released today by The Football Association of England, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the FA.

The poem is published here with permission from all parties.

Press release from the FA:

Ode to Football Marks 150 Years of the Game

– Steven Gerrard, Ant and Dec, Arsene Wenger, Amanda Holden and Olly Murs feature in video of FA poem –

As a year of celebration draws to an end, The Football Association has today released an Ode to Football to commemorate its 150th anniversary. The poem talks of the nation’s love for the game, from a grassroots through to elite level and captures the emotions experienced by football fans around the country.

The poem is being released in the week that marks 150 years since the first game was played using the laws drafted by Ebenezer Cobb Morley in 1863.

Entitled ‘This is Football’, Ode to Football was commissioned by The FA and written by poet, author and sportswriter Musa Okwonga. A host of famous faces have shown their support by appearing in a video of the ode. Led by England captain Steven Gerrard, the video also features other notable football names including 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.

With nods to legendary Liverpool manager Bill Shankly and the iconic Match of the Day theme tune, taking home your team’s laundry and playing online tournaments, the ode features all the aspects of the game that players and fans experience week in, week out. 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.

Musa Okwonga, poet and author of Ode to Football, 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.”

Greg Dyke, Chairman of The FA said:
“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.”

To find out more about The Ode to Football, please visit www.TheFA.com

To find out more about events in The Football Association’s 150th year, and to get involved in football, visit www.TheFA.com and follow @FA.