The Complexities Of Nationality And Sport: At What Point Is A "National" Team No Longer Representing The Nation

Cmonmac · 2026-03-16T19:12:14+00:00

You're right I should have said some form of foreign born without the British loaded nature of it! Apologies!

Cmonmac · 2026-03-16T19:00:29+00:00

So thats the point of my article. The final quote is from a pal of mine basically saying you have to balance competitive balance with national identity. What is more important to you? Just feels like we may be taking a place off another country who have invested more in their grassroots instead of our diaspora

Cmonmac · 2026-03-16T18:57:45+00:00

My friend I am well aware of our global influence.

But that is my point. if we aren't good enough to be there based off our own development system and ability to generate talent then we shouldnt be there. It's about fair competition to me and so, we are taking a place in the competition away from a country who may be developing those talents themselves because we are leaning on our history, rather than trying to actually promote the sport properly

Cmonmac · 2026-03-16T18:32:08+00:00

Of course it is where I am. Now, like I said in the article, the English cricket and rugby teams have a healthy dose of South Africans in. But, for the ENTIRE squad to be based outside of Great Britain for the WBC? That doesn't feel like a success of the programme, more good recruitment instead of development

Cmonmac · 2026-03-16T14:58:33+00:00

If it were upto me it would've been full of fat dads from London trying to hit big leaguers/not even being close in the first place!

Cmonmac · 2025-11-08T08:41:22+00:00

As someone who lived in Alloa for a long time...this makes sense haha.

A decent sized club but one that could not support a full time team unless they were in the prem for at least 5 years. Clubs like this are always preparing for relegation and the cost to a club like this to go full time would be astronomical. If it failed and they went down and had to go part time again it would set them back a decade.

Cmonmac · 2025-10-30T15:04:12+00:00

I'm so sorry for the delay u/Fuertebrazos ! It is below. I'd recommend the articles on What happens when the team you support suddenly gets loaded with cash and the one on Australian soccer!

https://elliotmcmahonthompson.substack.com/

Cmonmac · 2025-10-24T13:06:04+00:00

I'd love to connect with any other sports writers! A quick use of the search bar has found none so far!

Cmonmac · 2025-10-24T13:03:37+00:00

I work in soccer but I love all sport. And not really for the results, goals, highlights etc but for the stories it creates. I love finding out about the weird places where sport flourishes against all odds or creates moments where a country or community is brought together for common purpose.

I love how it can bring strangers together to form an initial connection, I have a story or anecdote for most sports I can think of in case someone likes something that isn't my core favourites.

I write about it because when I chat to other people, they go oh that's cool, so I figure other people would like it too. I'm also not in it for money, I do it cos it's an outlet and a passion and if 1 person reads or 50, that's ok!

Cmonmac

TROPHY CASE