Football. Oh, you mean soccer.

Every Friday the school has a social development event in the afternoon in which all the students participate. Themes for social development have included sports, academic, and health/sanitation. Last Friday, the social development was a game of soccer between the staff and the students. The teachers were able to convince me to play for their team. Heather and Emily also willingly joined the teachers' squad. The students obviously pulled the best of the best out of their population and they looked tough. Heather and I both played defense and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing because I hadn't played soccer since 7^th grade. My playing mainly consisted of chasing people, running into people, screaming, and maybe a little smack talk for intimidation. I kicked the ball probably one time and ran into someone who had the ball which deflected it so it didn't go in the goal. I only had it in me to play one half. But let me tell you, when Heather and I were playing, those kids did not score on us once. Come the second half and the students scored on the teachers twice! So ultimately the students won the game 2-0. It was a lot of fun to play and it was so cool to see the teachers in a different light. They were all in their soccer gear and playing with the students and letting loose. It was great to see all the kids come together to root for their classmates.

The Staff and Student Teams

Baby Evans and Teacher Ziporah

Speaking of soccer, on Sunday a group of Canadians from a non-profit organization called Freekicks came to Kasese. They focus on bringing the necessary soccer equipment and infrastructure to different communities and using the game as a way to connect and unite people. This past week, they have had coaching sessions with the Rwentutu soccer team as well as four neighboring schools in hopes of having a soccer tournament later in the week. They were also able to create collapsible and portable goal posts for the school.

On Friday, Freekicks was able to hold the soccer tournament. Students from other schools were there supporting their team. Parents and other community members were also present. Rwentutu played in the first game and was able to win it. It was really fun to see all the children get so excited for their teams and it was amazing to see the kids on the team excel and represent their school. Rwentutu was able to proceed into the finals against a fairly strong team. It was an intense game and Rwentutu had many amazing shots on goal but the opposing goalie was too strong. In the end, Rwentutu came in second place, which was actually really impressive. For coming in second place, Rwentutu received a new soccer ball on the school's behalf.

Students with signs to cheer on Rwentutu

Balloons for the celebration

Penalty Kick Shoot Out

Rwentutu WINS!!!

Freekicks handing out awards at the end of the tournament

In these past two instances, it was really great to be able to see how such a sport can bring people together. I'm not very knowledgeable on soccer since it's not as widespread throughout the US as it is around the world so it was interesting to see the popularity and power that soccer has on the people here. However, the spirit of competition, victory, defeat, and unity are universal no matter what sport you play and they were definitely felt and present during the soccer matches held at Rwentutu.