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
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