A Day to Remember
South Africa Day 3
Today was a special day for everyone involved with the tour. We did a clinic for local children in the Cape Town area. Our destination was William Herbert soccer complex, which is home to Cape Town Football Association. Everyone was very excited about the opportunity to work with kids and give something back to the game of soccer as well as the world soccer community. Players and staff members were all carrying a couple of gifts. We all got on the bus and off we were to a local field completely unprepared for what we are about to witness.
We get off the bus and you can see that people were expecting us already. It took only three steps and we were greeted by locals, with handshakes and questions about where we were from. As we entered the arena, there was already a pack of children around us asking questions and wanting to play with the ball. A lot of the players found a friend in a few seconds and started passing the ball around with the kids and inquiring about them. The day has just started and we made 100 friends in three minutes.
The clinic was only a few minutes away but it would take longer to get there. Walking to the field, every player was escorted by a couple of children. Almost all of us felt like celebrities in our own way. As we started approaching the field some of the players signed autographs and greeted the children they were about to train.
It was going to be a hectic training session, with almost 40 kids attending and 20 more joining in from the outside. Everyone wanted a piece of the action and they were all very excited. Kids that were not participating in the clinic still wanted to watch. Coaches kicked the clinic off with a couple of drills for the youngsters. After, the players joined in and helped with a few drills.
Things really took off when players began to work with the kids one-on-one. You can see that every player took interest in their group and was excited to show them a trick or a cool move they can use on the field. When kids did not succeed in imitating the move the players would always encourage and let them try again. A lot of the players took opportunities to take pictures with the kids.
It was a special day for everyone involved. Youngsters took to the clinic and appreciated our work. We left on a good note by handing out presents to every kid involved with the clinic. Whether it was a t-shirt or a ball the smile was never too far away after they received it. Afterwards, our hosts invited us to a small get together in a hall where we received kind words and thanks from the local community. As a final surprise, we had an opportunity to meet one of the referees that oficiated the World Cup that was local to the area. Just like the kids that we worked with, the tables turned and we all wanted to take the picture with the ref. It was an amazing experience for all involved especially the players the smiles and the lessons are going to be timeless. It was a day to remember.
“Many of us exhausted our hands signing autographs on t-shirts, balls and even bare skin on our way out of the complex. One 12 year old boy ended up with both arms and half of his chest covered in autographs”
Dave Lovercheck – Hunter College
“We shaked many hands, shared many smiles and the same excitement”
Jonathan Guenzatti – Queensborough
“It was wordless the way these kids showed their innocence and admiration to each one of the players.”
Roger Gonzalez - CCNY