United Relief Live starring Bradley James
So, as all of Merlin fandom knows, on Thursday we learned that Bradley was going to be part of the United Relief Celebrity football match on Saturday, May 1st, at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
This year, the match was between old alumni of MU and their rivals from other leagues; plus, some celebrities added to the mix divided between the teams. We knew going in that Bradley was going to be playing for the "Rivals" as compared to the "United" team. Other than that, it was all up in the air.
Well, seeing as it was a Bank Holiday weekend, and this was my one free weekend in a space of five weeks in a row, what does one do? One travels up to Manchester for the day! As one does ;). And, looking back, (now that I'm home), I'm glad I did the trip. Aside from the bonus of seeing Mr. James playing footie, although I've been to a few football matches over the year, I've never been to one of the "premiere" stadiums. And let me tell you -- the Old Trafford is a "premiere" stadium -- and it is a totally different experience. I got off the tramlink and started the walk to the stadium and I could already hear the crowds (on a charity match day) more than a kilometer away making sure everyone knew there was a game going on. And when you actually got into the stadium, I was amazed by the number of children. Seriously. I know this was a charity game, but the wee ones were die hard Man U fans!!! And their enthusiasm was utterly enthralling.
But, 'nuff said about the event in general. On to the main event of our interest: Mr. Bradley James.
I understand that we're all going to be fortunate in that the game will be aired on a Sky TV channel and with the help of digital fairies, many of us will see the game in it's entirety.
Not having seen the edited version yet, I can't predict how much air time Bradley will get, but I do hope he gets his due worth. He was utterly fabulous! During the half time break, the management team were interviewed and one of the questions was "amongst the celebrities on your team, who stood out" (I'm paraphrasing a bit ;)). Well, when it came to the "Rivals", Bradley was definitely mentioned. And this was confirmed by the time he spent on the pitch.
In the first half (reduced from 45 minutes to 35 minutes -- although they added 5 minutes), Bradley came on during the last 10-12 minutes which is the key time for scoring and getting set up for the second half. And he's good. Seriously. You'll see that for yourselves when you watch the aired game. In the second half (also reduced), he played for the first ten minutes, then was pulled out, but reinserted for the final 5-7 minutes of the game which again is pivotal when it comes to scoring. And, when it came to the penalties, he was chosen as one of the initial five kickers -- and didn't he prove that choice correct when he was the first of the "Rivals" to score!
But when you're watching, bear in mind -- this is a charity game. Time frames are loosey goosey (because when the "official" time ended, they moved into supplemental time which morphed into "Ferguson Time" when Man U was behind the "Rivals".). There were obviously pre-arranged agendas.
Nonetheless, from what I saw actually watching the match, Bradley played with his heart on his sleeve. When it comes to footie, he puts everything into his game -- and it pays off because he is *that* good. And on that note, onto some pics!
So, as background, this was my seat. It's a gorgeous stadium and we lucked out with the weather -- the rain didn't start until after the awards ceremony.
This is our boy practising. Bradley's not afraid of those soccer balls!
And now the ceremonies begin. Check out Bradley with his assigned little shadow.
How much do I love this pic? Speaking of the little shadow, check out the other munchkins looking [enviously/curiously?] upon the attention Mr. James is placing on his little munchkin wishing their footie players were talking to them.
And once again -- see the full Bradley James body laugh. On several occasions, I witnessed the full out "head thrown back, body shaking" laugh. Oh Bradley -- you really do know how to enjoy yourself!
'
So, let's get to the action. The boy has got speed! And agility. And endurance.
::hee:: Check out his shirt! I'm sure he's going to keep this as a souvenir :D. You'll note that on the bottom it reads "Arsenal"; that's the team he supports. All of the "Rivals" players' shirts show who they support in addition to their names. Lovely touch!
He also has skills of levitation. Although ... maybe it's not Bradley? Perhaps Colin has been practising certain spell words and was hidden away somewhere in the crowd of tens of thousands?
Oh Bradley. You look *so* happy. And so he should. He's playing at the Old Trafford. *The* Old Trafford. With some football legends. And you're not only playing, but you're keeping up with them.
::grins:: Look at him politely clapping away. He is *such* a public school boy -- it's embedded within him to *always* be polite. So, whenever a player deserved applause for a personal triumph, he was there with clapping hands :D.
Did I mention fast and agile? :D
How does he manage to look so princely while on the pitch, all sweaty and in football attire?
Yes, Bradley, we know you'd just love to have the ball thrown in your direction. Patience grasshopper. The ball will come when the time is right.
I just love the intensity and passion he brings with his approach to the game. In a different life he would have made a fabulous football player.
Don't worry Bradley. It'll all be fine. I realize you just remembered that you had forgotten to mention to Colin that you were playing football at the Old Trafford. Blame the filming schedule ;).
Ooof. That *has* to hurt!
Remember that public school boy attitude towards graciousness. Throughout the day, he was the only player who continuously acknowledged the accomplishments of the others. Speaking of which, here they are at 2-2 after the "official" time of the game has ended. They've gone through the queue of congratulating the other players and are now lining up to watch the penalty kicks to determine the winner.
And while they're watching their team members take the kicks, time to get in some good team bonding ;).
Speaking of penalty kicks, here's Bradley gearing up for his: a moment of quiet contemplation in the midst of all the action.
And now it's time to walk towards the ball and the objective of scoring against a former, professional football goalie.
Giving it all he's got ...
Yes!!
And after all that, our boy deserves to sit down for a minute ;).
And better yet, do lean forwards and reach for your ankles. It really does display your arms and back beautifully ...
!! No idea what prompted that face!
The look works for him, doesn't it?
Things are getting tense now. It's looking like a Sudden Death scenario is coming up.
And at the end of it all -- a win for the "Rivals"!!! Bradley and team -- you did yourselves proud!
This year, the match was between old alumni of MU and their rivals from other leagues; plus, some celebrities added to the mix divided between the teams. We knew going in that Bradley was going to be playing for the "Rivals" as compared to the "United" team. Other than that, it was all up in the air.
Well, seeing as it was a Bank Holiday weekend, and this was my one free weekend in a space of five weeks in a row, what does one do? One travels up to Manchester for the day! As one does ;). And, looking back, (now that I'm home), I'm glad I did the trip. Aside from the bonus of seeing Mr. James playing footie, although I've been to a few football matches over the year, I've never been to one of the "premiere" stadiums. And let me tell you -- the Old Trafford is a "premiere" stadium -- and it is a totally different experience. I got off the tramlink and started the walk to the stadium and I could already hear the crowds (on a charity match day) more than a kilometer away making sure everyone knew there was a game going on. And when you actually got into the stadium, I was amazed by the number of children. Seriously. I know this was a charity game, but the wee ones were die hard Man U fans!!! And their enthusiasm was utterly enthralling.
But, 'nuff said about the event in general. On to the main event of our interest: Mr. Bradley James.
I understand that we're all going to be fortunate in that the game will be aired on a Sky TV channel and with the help of digital fairies, many of us will see the game in it's entirety.
Not having seen the edited version yet, I can't predict how much air time Bradley will get, but I do hope he gets his due worth. He was utterly fabulous! During the half time break, the management team were interviewed and one of the questions was "amongst the celebrities on your team, who stood out" (I'm paraphrasing a bit ;)). Well, when it came to the "Rivals", Bradley was definitely mentioned. And this was confirmed by the time he spent on the pitch.
In the first half (reduced from 45 minutes to 35 minutes -- although they added 5 minutes), Bradley came on during the last 10-12 minutes which is the key time for scoring and getting set up for the second half. And he's good. Seriously. You'll see that for yourselves when you watch the aired game. In the second half (also reduced), he played for the first ten minutes, then was pulled out, but reinserted for the final 5-7 minutes of the game which again is pivotal when it comes to scoring. And, when it came to the penalties, he was chosen as one of the initial five kickers -- and didn't he prove that choice correct when he was the first of the "Rivals" to score!
But when you're watching, bear in mind -- this is a charity game. Time frames are loosey goosey (because when the "official" time ended, they moved into supplemental time which morphed into "Ferguson Time" when Man U was behind the "Rivals".). There were obviously pre-arranged agendas.
Nonetheless, from what I saw actually watching the match, Bradley played with his heart on his sleeve. When it comes to footie, he puts everything into his game -- and it pays off because he is *that* good. And on that note, onto some pics!
So, as background, this was my seat. It's a gorgeous stadium and we lucked out with the weather -- the rain didn't start until after the awards ceremony.
This is our boy practising. Bradley's not afraid of those soccer balls!
And now the ceremonies begin. Check out Bradley with his assigned little shadow.
How much do I love this pic? Speaking of the little shadow, check out the other munchkins looking [enviously/curiously?] upon the attention Mr. James is placing on his little munchkin wishing their footie players were talking to them.
And once again -- see the full Bradley James body laugh. On several occasions, I witnessed the full out "head thrown back, body shaking" laugh. Oh Bradley -- you really do know how to enjoy yourself!
'
So, let's get to the action. The boy has got speed! And agility. And endurance.
::hee:: Check out his shirt! I'm sure he's going to keep this as a souvenir :D. You'll note that on the bottom it reads "Arsenal"; that's the team he supports. All of the "Rivals" players' shirts show who they support in addition to their names. Lovely touch!
He also has skills of levitation. Although ... maybe it's not Bradley? Perhaps Colin has been practising certain spell words and was hidden away somewhere in the crowd of tens of thousands?
Oh Bradley. You look *so* happy. And so he should. He's playing at the Old Trafford. *The* Old Trafford. With some football legends. And you're not only playing, but you're keeping up with them.
::grins:: Look at him politely clapping away. He is *such* a public school boy -- it's embedded within him to *always* be polite. So, whenever a player deserved applause for a personal triumph, he was there with clapping hands :D.
Did I mention fast and agile? :D
How does he manage to look so princely while on the pitch, all sweaty and in football attire?
Yes, Bradley, we know you'd just love to have the ball thrown in your direction. Patience grasshopper. The ball will come when the time is right.
I just love the intensity and passion he brings with his approach to the game. In a different life he would have made a fabulous football player.
Don't worry Bradley. It'll all be fine. I realize you just remembered that you had forgotten to mention to Colin that you were playing football at the Old Trafford. Blame the filming schedule ;).
Ooof. That *has* to hurt!
Remember that public school boy attitude towards graciousness. Throughout the day, he was the only player who continuously acknowledged the accomplishments of the others. Speaking of which, here they are at 2-2 after the "official" time of the game has ended. They've gone through the queue of congratulating the other players and are now lining up to watch the penalty kicks to determine the winner.
And while they're watching their team members take the kicks, time to get in some good team bonding ;).
Speaking of penalty kicks, here's Bradley gearing up for his: a moment of quiet contemplation in the midst of all the action.
And now it's time to walk towards the ball and the objective of scoring against a former, professional football goalie.
Giving it all he's got ...
Yes!!
And after all that, our boy deserves to sit down for a minute ;).
And better yet, do lean forwards and reach for your ankles. It really does display your arms and back beautifully ...
!! No idea what prompted that face!
The look works for him, doesn't it?
Things are getting tense now. It's looking like a Sudden Death scenario is coming up.
And at the end of it all -- a win for the "Rivals"!!! Bradley and team -- you did yourselves proud!