Soccer Time

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to do one of the favorite things in the world...play soccer! Although I have to tell the children "no hands" or "walang mga kamay" almost every two minutes, they still enjoy being able to play. It is not such a popular sport in the Philippines, especially in the city where there is few places to play, but just to have a ball and someone the play with them is enjoyment enough. Many of the children are hesistant to play soccer because they would rather play basketball and volleyball, but after a while they decide to join and play with the "Americano". After getting to train with the girls team in Geneva and now with all the street children around Manila, I realize how great and blessed I am to have a chance to teach what I love. I believe education is one of the greatest gifts you can give a person, or child, but if I'm going to be honest, I would rather play games and soccer all day long than give tutorials. I feel a bit guilty for admitting that, but I cannot lie. I just hope that somehow, someway it is as much as a gift to them as teaching English grammar or spelling. Maybe it will give girls a chance to feel free to play with the boys or to open their minds to new things.

Some of the areas have a nice enclosed area to play which is perfect, but some of the sites are on busy streets and since it is still hard for them to control the ball, it is always rolling past the incoming traffic. Its a bit dangerous, but they are used to using the streets as their playground. In those places I have to just have them play simple games. In the enclosed courts we can have crazy, loud games and just hope no one gets hurt...too bad. I think after a month of practicing they will get better. I hope every kid gets the chance to try to play like an Azkal (the Philippines National Soccer Team). We will have our Sports Fest on May 2-3, so pray for safety and at least a little bit of order; I know I will not be able to totally prevent chaos during the matches.