One hundred years ago, the Football Pools began in Liverpool. For decades men and women have faithfully bought their ticket, and listened closely to the radio, shushing the kids in order to hear the winning numbers. Everyone knew someone who knew someone who had won the pools.
During World War Two, the Pools ticketing machinery was used for printing call-up papers and other war effort material.
Now Liverpool has another claim to fame; their cathedral. Designed by a twenty-two year old, it sports the widest arches of any cathedral in Europe, and is truly spectacular. Even the brick path leading to the front entrance is special, with bricks engraved with the names and messages of folk passed.
The cathedral is working hard to stay relevant, and as such is becoming known for embracing what interests and supports their community… concerts, light shows and more, whilst retaining their core faith.
To celebrate 100 years of the Pools, a football game was to be had. Previous national players, in a shortened pitch, and just five minutes each way. No running was to be had, nor the ball to go over waist height. It would be televised.
But where to host this game? In the cathedral, of course. The Dean, an amazingly down-to-earth woman with a great sense of fun, refereed.
And so it was that a group of highly-competitive football players held a game in Liverpool cathedral. The ball skills were still on show, there was a blood bin moment, and at least one red card.
Word is, the event will be in the Guinness book of records.
Oh, and Liverpool won…. on all levels.
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