When I played football I had hip pain and what I thought was a groin strain for the best part of a year. It steadily got worse until I could only play for about 1 hour.
I realised about half way through that year that it was hernia trouble. When I eventually had the op everything was ok, until I needed another one 3 years later!
If it doesn't disappear after a few weeks, Steve, it would be worthwhile getting your gp to rule it out, it is easily checked out - just a cold hand round the gonads!!
flakey