When Saturday Comes
Jimmy, a worker at the Stones Brewery gets scouted, firstly by the well-known non-league side Hallam F.C., and then by Sheffield United.
Key words
- The birthplace of: the place where something began or originated
The city is known as the birthplace of modern football.
- Brewery: a place where beer is made
We toured a local brewery after the match to try some craft ales.
- Natural talent: an ability or skill that someone is born with
You can see his natural talent every time he touches the ball.
- Hold (someone) back: to stop someone from making progress or doing something
His lack of confidence often holds him back from performing well.
- Persistence: the act of continuing to try to do something despite difficulties
Through persistence and hard work, she became a professional player.
- A deeper meaning: a more profound or significant interpretation
The film isn’t just about football—it has a deeper meaning about teamwork and identity.
Comprehension Questions
- When was the British film, When Saturday Comes, released?
- Where is it set?
- What nearly destroyed Jimmy's dream?
- Why is football played on Saturdays?
When Saturday Comes
When Saturday Comes is a British film released in 1996. It tells the story of a young man named Jimmy Muir, who dreams of playing professional football. Jimmy lives in Sheffield, a city in northern England known as the birthplace of modern football.
Jimmy works in a brewery and spends much of his time drinking beer with his friends. He has natural talent for football, but his lifestyle, especially alcohol, holds him back. The film shows how drinking too much can ruin your chances in life and stop you from reaching your goals. Jimmy misses training and argues with coaches and teammates. His love for alcohol almost destroys his dream.
The Power of Persistence
However, the film is not just about failure. It is about persistence. Jimmy does not give up. With the help of his girlfriend, he begins to change. He trains harder, stops drinking, and focuses on his dream. Eventually, he gets a chance to play for Sheffield United.
When Saturday Comes is an inspiring story for anyone who loves football or has a dream. It teaches us that talent is not enough—you also need discipline and determination. It also shows that our choices matter. Alcohol and bad habits can damage our future, but hard work and persistence can turn things around.
For English learners, this film is a great way to hear real Yorkshire accents and learn about working-class life in England. It also gives insight into English football culture, both its passion and its problems.
When Saturday Comes (1996) ORIGINAL TRAILER
Cadbury
The film’s title carries a deeper meaning. Saturday became the traditional day for football matches in England partly due to the Cadbury family—Quakers, a Christian group known for their strong values, including workers' rights. In the 19th century, while most people worked six days a week, the Cadbury chocolate factory built Bournville, a model village near Birmingham with good housing, schools, parks, and health services. The factory also gave its employees a half-day off on Saturdays. This new free time allowed workers to play and watch football, and Saturday quickly became the day of the week when football came alive.
Sean Bean talking about his passion for Football
Practice your English with football fans from around the world!
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- When is football played in your country, and why?
- Which companies have had a major influence on football in your country?
- Have there been any films made about football in your country?
- What’s your favourite film about football?
- Do you know of any other art or culture related to football?
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