What's up with Ubuntu Sports Outreach: July 2011

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Rory

Name: Rory Adams

Age: 13

School: Kleinburg Primary

Position: Right Back

Grade: 7

Favorite Player: Wayne Rooney

What do you think about the academy?

It has made me a better soccer player.

What is your favorite memory or story about the academy?

My favorite memory is when we won our big tournament.

Dream?

Its my dream to play with Manchester United.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Chadley

Name: Chadley Philander

Age: 12

School: Floreat Primary

Position: Midfielder

Grade: 7

Favorite Player: Steven Terrard

What do you think about the academy?

I think we have great coaches who teach us a lot.

What is your favorite memory or story about the academy?

My favorite game was against Meadowridge, because I scored a goal.

Dream?

I want to be a professional soccer player.

Reflection from Jordan Parker

From June 10- July 10 Jordan Parker, a rising Freshman at Southern Mississippi University, spent a month serving with Ubuntu Sports Outreach. Here is his reflection on his time with us.

Climbing Table Mountain

Hanging with the Princes was amazing but what is to be expected? Nothing less than what I experienced. To see how much the Academy boys have been influenced already and how much they look up to Casey is so inspiring to see. Not only did I get the privilege to help out and even receive the title of coach but I also learned a lot from these 13 year old rascals. They taught me that possessions and money don't equal happiness. Some of the boys come from very rough backgrounds but they are genuinely happy and always a joy to be around. They are not wrapped up in possessions. Also, the boys in the Academy accepted me to the team very quickly. This was very comforting because I wasn't sure how quick they would accept me. They didn't care about what I have done for others.

Hanging on for dear life!

If you have just the slightest passion or desire to serve and the love for soccer you should consider Ubuntu Sports Outreach. It was hard to see my month cone to an end. It went by so quickly and am not quite ready to leave. The relationships that have been built in such a short amount of time is amazing. As they say in Ocean view, it's not goodbye it's just see you later, which is true because I have every intention in going back!

Jordan Parker

Jordan sharing about his experience with Ubuntu @ FITS

Monday, July 11, 2011

Rygersdal Tournament Update

Recently the Ubuntu boys played in the Rygersdal FC 13th Annual Tournament. There were sixteen teams in the U-13 age division. The tournament format was two ten minute halves so that more games could be played on two fields. The tournament started with group play on Thursday. We played Clyde Pinelands in the first game and after a slow start and not capitalizing on early oppurtunities we drew and recieved one point. We were clearly the better team and possessed the ball for the majority of the game, holding our opponet to two shots on goal. After an inspiring pre-game speech by Coach Treswill the boys hit the field and looked like a new team against Sunningdale. They had energy, and not just 13 year old boy energy, they were talking on the field, and most of all they were having fun. No one seemed to be worried about messing up because their teammate would yell at them. They looked comfortable and confident. After an early goal we didnt back down and kept the high intensity and put two more in the back of the net. We also played excellent defense in this game as well as a great offensive attack.
For the final game of group play we played Hazendale. This game was crucial because Hazendale also had four points so this game determined who would be in first in our group. The high intensity carried over from the previous day and they looked great on the field. Combination play, communication, serving the ball all points that had been coached the previous week. We came out quick and wanted to put them away early and did. We scored quicky and continued to pressure and scored twice more.
So, we win our group and now continue on to the knockout stage. In the first round of the knockout stage or the quarter finals we faced Edgemead, a familiar opponet that we had faced two times before this season (and will play them again in a few weeks). Each time we had beaten them so you know that they wanted badly to beat us in the tournament. After a very early goal within the first minute that was called bacl for offsides and later explained as obstruction the keeper, eventhough the goal was scored off of a followed up shot, the boys didn't let this kill their momentum. They scored several minutes later and this time the goal stood and then scored again later to make it 2-0. The defense had another marvelous game and keeper, Joshua Clayton was credited his third shut fourth shut out of the tournament.
So, we're moving on to the Semi Finals and we are to face Old Mutual. Old Mutual is a well-established and very well-funded Academy. The game was very evenly matched and everyone's skill had to be top tier. Each team had their fair share of oppurtunities but neither team seemed able to finish. After full time the score was still 0-0 so to PK's we go. We are down to our last kick taker and we are down 5-4. As he approaches the ball he changes his mind about which corner he wants to kick to and it goes off the frame. Although they lost the boys didn't drop their heads and no one blamed anyone else. They played very well for the tournament and made us all proud. They went through the tournament unscored upon which is quite an accomplishment. Things are continuing to move forward for the Ubuntu Football Academy and this is just another example of the big things ahead.

Jordan Parker
Ubuntu Sports Outreach Intern