The show concerns a group of teenagers growing up amid religious intolerance in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1969. In particular, the members of a local football (soccer) team, attempt to overcome religious intolerance and violence that has engulfed their community. The team is made up of Catholic and Protestant youths and the coach is a priest. The musical chronicles the ups and downs of the team players as the emerging political and religious violence overwhelms them. Some of the players become members of the IRA, one gets kneecapped.
The Beautiful Game guide sections
