Sports & Culture

Sports are an important part of British culture. Televisions tuned to the sports channel can be found in almost every pub, where people come together to watch their favorite teams. Sports foster both social camaraderie as well as alcohol consumption. While watching a game, many order rounds of drinks to add to the lively atmosphere and tension that the game provokes. At sports games themselves, many spectators purchase beers and are often intoxicated throughout. Americans also participate in this social event and consume alcohol as well; however, the difference lies in the spirit of the English people when it comes to sports and how the consumption of alcohol is interwoven with the concept of sports. When I attended a soccer game in England, the audience contrasted to an American audience in several ways. First of all, in American culture booing is permitted; however, I noticed that many English spectators consider booing inappropriate and disrespectful towards the players. Secondly, the crowd was constantly involved in the game by exhibiting their support for their team. I began to understand how the British view sports and beer as one entity. It was natural to have a pint while watching a game. Sports serve as a unifier for the English people, where individuals come together to join in the excitement of the game whether it be gathered around a table at a pub, or shouting in the bleachers of a game.

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