MATCHES WITHOUT FANS DO NOT MAKE SENSE...

MM: How did you get into groundhopping? What fascinates you about it?

OS: I got into groundhopping back in the 90s of the previous century, I didn't even know it was called like that and so many people in the world was doing it. My team played once a week, a home game then a trip. That was not enough for me so I started visiting other games as well. I also played a bit in the lower leagues but I bever made it. The knee injury ruined everything.

What fascinates me about travelling around? Maybe the atmosphere, it is like a picnic. I admire the volunteers and players that despite various financial and organizational problems they somehow always manage it. I also love the specificity of the stands, the really interesting people, you will meet, drinking beer or eating the obligatory sausage. Until now I visited about 281 fields and stadiums where I saw the match (not counting those where I have not seen the match). Perhaps the most exotic game I've ever seen is the Cape Verdean league. I have met nice people everywhere, with some of them I managed to stay in touch. Some groundhoppers from Germany I even can call friends. Among the most persistent companions of my expeditions, I can count on Darek and my son Maurycy who travel with me as often as it is possible. At the moment I managed to document 1,390 matches I have seen. I did not always make any notes at he beginning, so there are some games missing from that list.

MM: How do you plan your tours? Which match do you consider to be the greatest success of your groundhopper's career?

OS: I do not have any key when I plan. Usually I check what is happening in the area and when I leave home I check how much time I have left to get there. At the same time I am trying to visit, for sure, all the stadiums of the Polish League system, there are still a few of them left. I also adjusts trips to the person with whom I am travelling, so that each of us is satisfied.

It is difficult to highlight only one stadium or match. All pitches are a success because I go wherever I want. When it comes to the fans scene, I certainly liked the matches of Ferencvaros, Újpest, Hammarby or Brescia. I don't write about the Polish scene here, because in general I saw every important encounter and was satisfied with all of them. I would definitely like to see the Balkans but not at all costs.

MM: Are you planning to write a book about your experiences or publish a magazine as the Germans do?

OS: I honestly did not think about it but it is an interesting idea. Quite intriguing!

MM: Do you have a webpage where we could see your photos or read something about your experiences?

OS: I have a website www.3d-sport.pl but there we write various things with friends about sport. In column section you will find articles about groundhopping. Then I have a profile on facebook: www.facebook.com/stadiumguidepl, there are my videos and photos from the trips.

MM: Perfect. I'm sure you follow the fans scene too. What is your opinion on the criminalization of fans, the ban on pyrotechnics, the ban on traveling to matches, etc.

OS: No pyrotechnics and travel bans are the stupidest and worst ideas in the world. It is wrong to punish entire groups for the foolishness of the individual. And when it comes to pyrotechnics, it is the most beautiful part of the football show.

MM: How has football changed since you have started watching it?

OS: At the level of the League competitions, the old, unique stadiums have been replaced by modern facilities. It has also improved a lot in the amateur football as well, they have modern sports equipment, changing rooms now. It really went ahead. Sport is generally different, it is mostly thanks to the fact that young people are not devoted hundred per cent to anything these days, including sports and training. From the fan point of view it is also different, officials with various bans try to ruin this colourfull part of football. Some of the tradiotional fan groups are still strong enough to put on a show on every important encounter, but these days evereything is planned and controlled. The shows are grandious but the spontaneity is missing. I like the Support your local team movement, thanks to that there is organized support also at amateur fixtures as well.

MM: What is your opinion on the current pandemic situation?

OS: What can I say? It is a pity that you can not go to matches as before. I dont like the unpleasant sight of empty stands. If it is all correct, I do not know. I only know that matches without fans do not make sense.

MM: We know that you are a collector. What do you take home from the matches you visit?

OS: First of all I collect the tickets from the matches which are related to any of the Krakow teams. Then I collect tickets from Non-league fixtures, I also buy scarves and pins athe stadiums I visit as soon as they are available. Generally I am a collector of football jerseys.

MM: What stadiums would you recommend to other groundhoppers when they visiting Poland?

OS: It is definitely worth to visit the Krakow derby, besides that I think Legia Warszawa, Lech Poznań are also cool. It is worth visiting a match in the lower leagues: Lks Niedzwiedz, Ecler Baranowka, Fajrant Kraków or Wieczysta Kraków, GKS Jastrzebie or Osa Osieczna.

MM: Finally, what would be your advice for a new groundhopper and do you wish for in 2021?

OS: I would recommend for everyono to start at their local clubs and in close proximity to their home. If you like it, you can travel farther and farther. Do not try to compete with someone else because then it won't be fun. I would like to wish for the return of the fans to the stands so that their passion can flare up the stadiums. And for that to happen, first of all, I have to wish for everyone good health. See you on the road somewhere....

Thank you for yor time and see you somewhere on the pitch in 2021!!!