‘Culture’ at Goldsmiths is defined through its vibrant and creative innovation it gifts. As an institution, Goldsmiths is renowned for its prolific arts, media, and humanity departments – but Goldsmiths is so much more than that.
Located at the heart of New Cross, the university offers a friendly and intimate campus that reflects onto its tight knit community and social environment. Goldsmiths has its socio-political and interdepartmental politics. However, the general feel of the university is that it harbours a place of acceptance and communal belonging. This ‘culture’ is seen throughout every corner of the university, including its student clubs. Sports at Goldsmiths isn’t a priority in comparison to other universities. At times its given little relevance and partaking can have its challenges, but there is no denying that there is a strong sense of comradeship within our teams. Goldsmiths Men’s Football Club is no exception to this.
As my second year at Goldsmiths comes to an end, I look back at the progress we have made through our sporting achievements and personal relationships. Our members have become extremely close and there is a strong social life outside the actual sport. This is partially attributed to the influence of a few individuals that have pushed for Goldsmiths FC to be a space where everyone is welcome.
Matthew Wareham, 25, is a longstanding member of the football team and has seen a lot of change over his 4-year stint at Goldsmiths FC. Starting his studies during 2019, Matthew has experienced university football through a pandemic, seen many faces come and go and now completes his final season wearing a Golds shirt. Through personal relationship and an interview, it has become evident, through his actions and words, that Matthew Wareham is an integral part of the football team, even extending his role as ‘just another player’ to a temporary ‘caretaker’ manager.
Over the last couple years, Goldsmiths FC has seen two managerial spells come to an unsuccessful and unfulfilling end. The issues regarding the departures were faced with mixed emotions from the group. Having been one of few people that endured the managerial shift, Matthew Wareham reflects on the lack of proper ‘culture’ when the previous managers were present Halfway through the 2023-2024 season, Goldsmiths FC’s coach left through mutual consent and since there has been a resurgence in the joys of our university football. Matthew took over the responsibilities of coach following the exit of our coach under a new philosophy: “Engaging, Game specific and fun”.
“The meaning behind my method is an interplay between all three” he stated. He emphasises on getting everyone involved. The ‘’Monday night tournaments’ have been one of the many examples of attributing a more relaxed and entertaining feel towards the club. Matthew highlights that “Fun = Better”. “The “culture” we build is based on the memories that we produce”. While the start of our season was considered a success, the previous coaches departure left a bit of tension amongst the team, in turn affecting our performance.
However, the end of the campaign was highlighted by beating top of the league Middlesex 5-0 at home in one of our final matches, solidifying and symbolising the team spirit we have created over the last year – much to the merit of Mr. Warehams efforts.
Matthew has expressed his desire to one day become a professional football manager, with Goldsmiths FC offering him a grassroots experience. Wareham reflects on some of the few challenges he faced when the shift from teammates to becoming the conductor of our football team came into practice. “Whilst trying to set an appropriate culture surrounding my ‘ethos’, making difficult decisions regarding who gets to play and who doesn’t was difficult to convince certain lads”. Wareham’s role came to its short , yet sweet, end after the conclusion of the season. And to reflect on his time he reiterates this concept of ‘culture’ being formed at the club.
“I think the quality of players, individually, has gone down since I first started. But because this current group has such a strong bond, we have become better as a unit. This was reflected through the fact that we finished 2nd and beat the first placed team 5-0 in a season they went unbeaten otherwise. It was my best season in a Golds shirt, and unfortunately, my last”
Matthew Wareham defines the 3 things he will look back the most after leaving Goldsmiths FC: “the ‘culture’, away day on the bus and simply the ‘lads'”. As emotional as this departure is for the group, we are sure that Matthew will remain close to us, proving once more that Goldsmiths is a place where you make friends for life. Scratch out friends – Family for life.
“Kickin’ It: Football, Fun, and the Goldsmiths’ Brotherhood”