The third program of the week was a little more like what we are used to running. We had a set number of participants signed up, as opposed to our last few clinics where kids would filter in and out. There was also a coach in attendance and we were playing on our usual dirt field. Overall, the whole session was very structured, which is ideal for our programming. 

Twenty-two athletes came out to have fun, play, learn and dream together. As I walked down the winding dirt path to the back side of the community center, I was met by all of the kids and Coach Memo. Half of the kids were wearing a bright pink kit, while the others were wearing a matching white one. They even brought along their team trophies and were so proud of their accomplishments. They were ready to go with smiles ear to ear!

There were boys and girls, which was lovely to see, and they all played with grit and tenacity. There was a mutual respect between all players, which made our time together even more special. I chatted with Coach Memo for a bit before diving into our first drill. Usually, he said, they have nearly 30 players, but some of them were busy with homework and virtual classes during today’s practice. 

We broke into groups of two for our first active listening drill. Ever since adopting this game from our Can Bou Play friends in Trinidad, it has since become a favorite in our programs. We did two variations and had the kids laughing and smiling throughout. The second drill simulated a 50/50 challenge, where the kids were commanded to drag the ball back with their feet faster than their partner when “ball” was yelled out by a coach. 

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From there, we broke into a drill focused on dribbling and other techniques. At the end of each round, the children all applauded and encouraged each other. From there, we got into ball control grids, working on volleys, half volleys, headers, and chest control. After the last set, I asked the kids why we were working on it. Immediately, several hands shot up. Everyone had their own interpretation, but they were all on the right track for sure. 

After working on offensive vs. defensive headers, Memo took over the session to run some stretches and a shooting drill. As he was doing that, I sat off to the side and worked with the goalkeepers. I told them to command the ball, to almost demand it and to yell “¡Portero!” whenever they were going up into an aerial battle. Also, I told them to raise their knee upon catching the ball, to protect themselves and to protect the ball. They laughed at first, but eventually realized this was necessary for their own safety and the betterment of their side. 

Coach broke into a scrimmage with three teams. One was always in the wings to play the following round. As we waited for our turn, I took a ball out and began juggling. 1, 2, 3, 4 times I rotated my leg around the ball. “¡Wow! ¡Vuelta al mundo!!” the kids exclaimed. Their eyes wide in fascination. “Can you teach us?” they asked. We began to work through some basic freestyle tricks, neck stalls, head stalls, and the beginning stages of an around the world. 

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After the whistle blew, one team left the field and the other entered. I had another group of players eager to learn some tricks. After, we played mano o cabeza to determine some winners for first picks at the 30+ soccer balls I had. We left 5 for Coach Memo to use for future training sessions because he only had two soccer balls for 30 kids before today. 

Of course, all participants got a new ball. I got all their signatures and Coach Memo’s on a jersey and hopped back into the van, once again aided by one of the players who willingly carried my empty equipment bags over. 

I am grateful to this team for allowing me to share my soccer knowledge with them, but I hope they continue to play, learn and dream as a team. Their determination and connection as a unit will propel them forward, toward success.