They call him Rooney.
No, not the Wayne Rooney. Not the thug-like budding soccer prodigy and Manchester United superstar who scores goals with a smile on his face. He is the other Rooney.
The smile is still there, but the story is different.
Twice a week, every week, a DHL truck rolls up Third and parks itself outside the slightly worn turf of Queen Anne Bowl. Its paint is the customary bright yellow and its shine is distinct, but what is most notable about it is its driver, Scott Woodward, age 38. Also known as Rooney.
His cleats are slightly battered and his shinguards a little worn, but he uses up his break every Tuesday and Thursday to play the Beautiful Game. On that field, for about two hours, people from every demographic and every background show up to play a little soccer.
"It's pick-up," says Woodward, "Just soccer. You become friends along the way."
With geezers from Portugal, Peru, Israel and Africa, it is a mix of culture and sport. "It just goes on and on," muses Woodward, a Canadian, smiling as François (who doesn't like to pass), slots the ball in for a goal.
They aren't all old, though, as was somewhat carelessly noted. Behind us some younger boys begin to suit up on the sideline. One wears an SPU tracksuit.
"They're all characters, especially the kids."
And those kids can run. It's a workout, which provides some of the motivation for the older guys to get out on the pitch - being older and wiser doesn't really help keep off the pounds like a good half-hour of chasing brats around a rather large patch of turf.
So, if you are in a mind to hear Frenchmen curse in French, and witness Brazilians samba with the ball, then head out to the Bowl. Meet Alex, the former professional, or Diego, the Hispanic hitman.
They don't care who plays, as long as you know which goal to score in and which people not to kick.
As for Woodward, for him it's an upbeat thing, breaking up his days of work and monotony.
"Gets me out in the sun or the rain for some exercise and," he laughs, "it's a sport that I just love."
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