Saturday was an amazing day! The launch of Ubuntu Football Academy went great. We had a 5-a-side tournament with the 15 boys. It was a round-robin and actually got quite competitive, which we were hoping for. It was also just a great opportunity for the boys to start getting to know each other. You actually can't understand what a big deal it was for all 15 boys to be there. Communicating with families here, where English isn't always their preferred language, can be a challenge, but it's also just hard to communicate what a big deal and commitment the Academy will be. But they were all there, even if a few didn't bring their soccer boots! We have new training kits that they were given, so the teams looked sharp.
After the tournament we had a braai (cookout) with most of the families. My good friend Nathan came and did all the cooking for me, which was a massive help! We talked about the culture of the Academy and what is expected. Each player received two training shirts, a pair of shorts, two pairs of socks, and a bag. The shirts were new, but all the other stuff came from the items donated from our friends and supporters in Raleigh. The kids were pretty hyped about all the sweet gear.
Looking back it was such a fantastic beginning to a big dream. There is so much work in front of us, but if the launch is any indication this is going to be a special experience for everybody. I'm so thankful and humbled to be a part of it. I have a lot to learn as a coach, but God will equip me. We have our first practice today, and it's the first 4 day week of the rest of the YEAR. Here I go, I'm officially becoming a full on soccer coach!
I wish I could post a bunch of pictures, but I was so excited and distracted on Saturday that I forgot to take them. Sarah is going to come take some at the first practice today so I'll post some soon.
Thanks,
Casey
After the tournament we had a braai (cookout) with most of the families. My good friend Nathan came and did all the cooking for me, which was a massive help! We talked about the culture of the Academy and what is expected. Each player received two training shirts, a pair of shorts, two pairs of socks, and a bag. The shirts were new, but all the other stuff came from the items donated from our friends and supporters in Raleigh. The kids were pretty hyped about all the sweet gear.
Looking back it was such a fantastic beginning to a big dream. There is so much work in front of us, but if the launch is any indication this is going to be a special experience for everybody. I'm so thankful and humbled to be a part of it. I have a lot to learn as a coach, but God will equip me. We have our first practice today, and it's the first 4 day week of the rest of the YEAR. Here I go, I'm officially becoming a full on soccer coach!
I wish I could post a bunch of pictures, but I was so excited and distracted on Saturday that I forgot to take them. Sarah is going to come take some at the first practice today so I'll post some soon.
Thanks,
Casey
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