Men's Network Euro 2020 Cup social 

Around 25 men and boys gathered for the football event of the year: the Euro 2020 cup final between England and Italy.

It had to be done. England last carried away the cup 55 years ago, so it was a momentous occasion. Following all of the trauma of the last year, it was also a great unifying moment for the country.

But it was also a great chance for us to meet face-to-face at The Heartbeat Centre in Camberwell, which was soon to be our new home for live service. We bonded over games, snacks before settling in to watch.



This was a high-stakes match. When England scored in the first two minutes we were ecstatic. Even Pastor Denis got up and did a victory lap, and some of the boys did the traditional shirt-over-the-head routine. 

At half-time, we were hopeful that the England team would take home the Euro 2020 cup, and the men talked strategy over patties and drinks.

When it came to the penalty kicks all eyes were on Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka as they bravely stood up. It was a sad loss for the team, and for us.

But what followed was worse.

Turning fire on the lads, who were prepared to risk it all to bring joy to the nation, was a shameful own goal. Racial hatred is always ugly when it rears its head. We know where its roots lie and we stand firmly against it as a church.

In spite of this, what those who came along seemed to value most was the chance for in-person contact with a group of like-minded men. Milton, one of the attendees, put it well:

'It was so good and refreshing to, once again, freely fellowship with a band of equally excited brothers hoping England would win - but not sold on it, as our heavenly hope supersedes everything.'

Our next Men's Network Social will be on Saturday 11 September. For details of our upcoming meet-ups go to our Men's Network page or email us at info@micah.org.uk.

Photo Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka credit: PA