With the 2019 Australian football seasons now over, it’s time for teams – and fans – who didn’t win to start thinking about the business of doing better next year.
And what’s the best way to get into the mood? With an inspirational film! For decades, coaches, trainers and motivational speakers have used cinema’s stories of triumph over the odds (and Eye Of The Tiger) to inspire athletes to give that effort that will win the day.
Clear eyes, full hearts: Friday Night Lights.
There’s just something about watching another person beat the odds that fires us up.
So, to put that loss in the past and get yourself fired up to do ever better in the new season – here’s eight films guaranteed to bring up your team spirit!
Warriors of Liberty City
For a small, low-income area, the Miami suburb of Liberty City has produced a surprising number of NFL stars. This documentary, which follows the local team through a year, shows just why they do, with determination and heart overcoming any obstacle.
Watch Warriors of Liberty City here: https://www.stan.com.au/watch/warriors-of-liberty-city
Australian Rules
In a remote Australian fishing town, two friends battle rival AFL teams and racism to prove anyone can be a star on the football field no matter what colour their skin. A story of courage, love and friendship as much as it is about the football that unites them.
Watch Australian Rules here: https://play.stan.com.au/programs/365872
Friday Night Lights
In Dillon, Texas, the high-school footballers are local heroes. But as this series shows, there’s more to life than just winning, it’s about finding a balance between devotion to the game they all love and the futures they need. And that’s a great message post finals!
Watch Friday Night Lights here: https://www.stan.com.au/watch/friday-night-lights
Bend It Like Beckham
Despite undeniable talent on the soccer field, teenager Jess Bhamra (Parminder Nagra) is told by her family she needs to give up on sport and settle down with a husband. Her determination to prove them wrong is as inspiring as it is hilarious.
Watch Bend It Like Beckham here: https://www.stan.com.au/watch/bend-it-like-beckham-2002
Groundbreaking: Keira Knightley in Bend It Like Beckham.
Undefeated
After years of losing, highschool gridiron team The Mannassas Tigers are determined to win, with their coach sure they can become stars on and off the field if they just believe in themselves. A truly moving documentary.
Watch Undefeated here: https://play.stan.com.au/programs/371776
A League of their Own
When women took to the baseball fields of America during World War 2, they had to prove they were more than a gimmick and athletes in their own right. Funny and inspiring (and starring Madonna!), this shows sport is not defined by sex.
Watch A League of Their Own here: https://play.stan.com.au/programs/1506303
Hoosiers
Starring Gene Hackman as a coach out to redeem himself by taking his ragtag team of basketballers to victory, Hoosiers is dripping with messages about teamwork, trusting yourself and never giving up no matter what.
Watch Hoosiers here https://play.stan.com.au/programs/330931
Iconic: Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa.
Rocky
And here we are with the ultimate inspiration for any athlete facing a challenge, the classic story of boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) beating everything and everyone to take the title. This is a textbook example of triumph against the odds and tucked in every coach’s toolkit.
Watch Rocky here: https://www.stan.com.au/watch/rocky-1977
Take a look at those inspirational films here: https://www.stan.com.au/watch/movies
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