It’s an expensive hobby”. Words that can only come from a person who will never truly understand our sport. It is true that we (players) sink our time, cash, efforts and hearts into this sport. But anyone who has ever ground it out on a Sunday with their team; come off the field soaked with sweat, worn down but feeling like a god; knows that it will NEVER be bout the money. How could it be?
“You get paid to play,” more often than not translates to “You get to play for free,” for this sport’s professional players. Still, the majority of players would kill for a spot on a Pro roster. To fly to events and play the game they love for a cheering crowd. Getting to do what you love is sweeter than any paycheck.
“The Island of Misfit Toys,” could describe a paintball field on any given Sunday. The typical team, is nothing but typical. Teams are made up of players young and old, fat and thin, male and female. There isn’t, as far as I can tell, a cookie cutter player for our sport. It is, like many sports, a band of brothers. Some call it a boy’s club, but girls play too. Family, coming together every weekend, doing what they do best.
So the next time a by stander or co-worker tries to understand how you can “throw your money away on a silly hobby,” calmly reply, “You can’t put a price on it,” Because the people you meet, the things you get to do, the immense joy you experience… well, they just wouldn’t understand.
Love the game
(Taken from Mervyn Leong's FB Page)
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