The people making a difference: the football coach bringing generations together

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To sort (something/ someone) out

Highlight

An issue

To join in

To put up with someone/ something

(To make) a speech

To recruit (someone)

Whereas

A treat

To invite (someone) over

Referee

To have your eye on (something/ someone)

To make someone’s day/ week etc.

To drop out (of something)

To come up to someone

(I’m) not gonna lie

Don’t get me wrong

To get the hang of it

A burden

Intrigued

A bloke

A lad

To carry out (something)

To blow the whistle

To grumble/ Grumble

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1.      How did Niyah Campbell become involved in walking football?

2.      What happened when the 12-week study came to an end, and why?

3.      What motivates Niyah to keep the walking football going?

4.      Niyah is now a ‘Guardian angel’, meaning that the Guardian newspaper arranged for him to have a ‘treat’ for his good work in the community. What was his treat?

5.      ‘Unlike Niyah, I definitely would have quit the programme after the 12-week study had come to an end.’ Is this true for you?

6.      ‘I’d hate to take up walking football. Let’s be honest, it’s impossible to enjoy sport once you’re older than 30.’ Is this true for you?

7.      ‘I know somebody who could be a ‘Guardian angel’ and deserves a reward for their good work in the community.’ Is this true for you?

8.      ‘Sport is the best way of bringing people together – better than food, music, alcohol, work or anything else.’ Do you agree?

9.      ‘Children should be forced to do sport, even if they hate it.’ Do you agree?

10.    ‘Unlike Niyah, I very rarely spend time with people of different ages, political opinions and ethnic groups.’ Is this true for you?

11.    ‘Football is like a religion in my country… no other sport comes close.’ Is this true for you?

12.    ‘I wrote an interesting dissertation and carried out lots of interesting research while I was at university.’ Is this true for you?

13.    ‘I’d make an excellent football referee.’ Is this true for you?

14.    ‘After the age of 30, it’s basically impossible to learn any new skills.’ Do you agree?

15.    ‘I love being a member of a sports team and socialising with my teammates after games.’ Is this true for you?