World Cup will inspire Bristol's youngsters to get active

Bringing World Cup football to Bristol will inspire a generation of local school children to represent their country, says a Bristol doctor who has been there, done that and got the T-shirt to prove it.

Ed Coats graced our TV screens on Sunday night in the BBC Two documentary On Thin Ice, hauling his way painful step by painful step to the South Pole alongside Olympic rower James Cracknell and television presenter Ben Fogle.

But it was World Cup football which first set him on a path to international honours that ultimately led to his involvement in the Antarctic and the attention of the world media almost 100 years on from Captain Scott's fatal expedition.

Ed, 28, a doctor at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, represented his country at decathlon and attributes his achievement in part to World Cup football.

"I have got memories of watching the 1990 World Cup," he told the Evening Post.

"I knew I was not a talented footballer, but I could run. And from then on I didn't think about anything else until the age of 18 when I got my first UK Athletics vest.

"It was the proudest moment of my life when I walked out at the European Junior Championships to represent my country at decathlon.

"I have done a lot of international sport and one thing that always strikes me is how it enthuses youngsters and school children."

Bristol has the opportunity to bring the enthralling entertainment of the World Cup closer than ever before in 2018 with the possibility of the city hosting up to five matches.

And the drama of the 1990 World Cup, from Cameroon's shock victory over Argentina in the opening game, to David Platt's last gasp goal against Belgium, and Gazza's tears during England's defeat by the Germans in the semi-finals, could be brought to these shores – and Bristol.

"It's nearly 100 years since Scott was beaten to the South Pole by Amundsen," said Coats, reliving his ordeal. "We were three guys who had a lot of enthusiasm and desire and were not that far behind the Norwegians who won again. We were the surprise package.

"There's a lot more inside us than we think. I'm not a natural cross-country skier but with a bit of work it was quite remarkable what you can do when you have a clear goal.

"And the World Cup is similar like that. It might not be your sport but it pulls everybody in and draws out the best in them."

Having spent a number of years living and working in London, Coats is well-placed to comment on the virtues of Bristol, both socially and geographically in comparison to the capital.

"Bristol is a really good crossroads in the country," he said.

"You feel like you are in a city but you can get out into the countryside, and the people here are fairly energetic, outdoor people. You just have to step outside in Bristol and you will see lots of people out on bikes, jogging, heading out and about.

"In London people are reliant on the tube and roll into the pub straight after work. There's more enthusiasm here for getting out and doing things, and that's why it is important events such as the World Cup are staged here."

Ed will be giving a lecture about his race to the South Pole on Thursday, July 2 at 7.30pm at Kingsdown Conference Centre, Southwell Street.

Tickets are £10 in advance, available from Kay Paddock on 0117 928 5470.

All the money raised is going to The Mother & Baby Trust in Bristol.