It is a game.
There is nothing childish about it, but the players would look like kids to any external observer- if only there was one. They themselves feel very mature, experienced and rational.

It is a game.
Like all games, it is governed by rules. As with all rules, there are exceptions; as with all exceptions, each player believes himself to be among them. Some try to cheat; others think they are following orders, even though nobody has ever seen their coach. A few try to cooperate, making grandiose plans; the majority struggle to stay in the game by focusing on personal challenges, or simply running around what they take for the ball.

It is a game.
There are players who want to impress their fans. In absence of those, they turn to their fellow team-members, instead. Eventually, they find out that everyone is simply too busy minding his or her own position- unless, of course, they’re startled by something extremely unusual, which may distract their attention for a moment or two.

It is a game.
Some refuse to accept it for what it is. They forget the basic principle: games are not to be taken seriously. By the time it is over for them, they may or may not have reconsidered their opinions. For one thing is certain: sooner or later it will be over, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

It is not a game.
No one wins.