First Down

Lesson objectives

1. To understand the benefits a team activity can bring to people’s lives
2. To reflect on the role of sport in our lives
3. To recognise the importance of enjoying what we do without feeling pressured to win or perform

Coach Crys Sacco leads his charges in American football to score goals, win championships, and, most importantly, play as a team. He wants the players to support each other and forget their problems at home for a while. “We all have different backgrounds, different stories, but when we get together on the field, we are all the same. We wanna play football, make big things,” says Liz, captain of the first all-girl team in American football. Her father is addicted to alcohol, and when he is drunk he is often aggressive. The football team is a refuge for her and gives her a chance to vent her pent-up emotions. It’s the same for Giselle, for whom the team represents the first time when being overweight is a real advantage. JD, a guard, is plagued by anxiety and depression stemming from gender identity issues. So the girls play out their daily struggles together on the field and in their private lives.

 Tato lekce je k dispozici i v české verzi.