AS THE World Cup approaches, now would be a good time to read We Call it Soccer, a new book by Jerrad Peters (Studio Publications). It is a guide for fans who might still be a bit confused about the vagaries of the game.

The book has a wealth of details about  many different aspects of soccer, laid out in an easy-to-consult fashion.

Local fans will appreciate a reference to B.C. by sportscaster James Sharman of The Score Television Network, who says: “I really believe Vancouver has the potential to emerge as one of the top [soccer] cities.”

Peters also explores soccer and faith, in several ways. Vatican City, he writes, has 16 soccer clubs which compete for the Clericus Cup. They are evidently known for “notoriously loud and competitive” games.

His profile of the Church of Maradona (one of Argentina’s most revered players)"notes that worshippers “are permitted to smoke and drink beer during the proceedings.”

At one point in the service, “an altar boy raises a soccer ball adorned with a crown of thorns.”

The mass also honours Maradona’s “miracles,” such as his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England in 1986.

Continue article >>

The author assures us the church is “rather tongue-in-cheek.”

Regarding devout Christian player Kaká, Peters says he has a good shot a being remembered as a “best-of-his-generation” player. Having already won a World Cup and a pair of Confederation Cups, he “could perform at the highest level for another six years.”

And for more on Kaká, try Toward the Goal: The Kaká Story, by Jeremy V. Jones (ZonderKidz, 2010).                           – DFD

June 2010