Soccer Fellowship Report [3rd July]

This session truly epitomised the essence of Soccer Fellowship. About 20 players had gathered at Pasir Ris Secondary School by 3pm, hoping to engage in on-field 'combat', but circumstances forced us elsewhere. The weather was perfect and it had stopped raining for more than 3 hours prior to the session. Looking at the field from the outside, it looked fine and free of puddles. However, the Singapore Sports Council Field Warden had deemed the field unplayable and refused to make his way to the school to open the gate for us. Remembering that we used to play on the open field along Tampines Avenue 1 (opposite Temasek Polytechnic), the players made their way there in a number of cars. Again, disappointment encountered the players when we looked at the condition of the field. Lalang and un-cut grass made the field un-playable and the players decided to head to the free-to-play field at East View Primary School for a last shot at afternoon soccer. It was there that Soccer Fellowship kicked off for the afternoon.

East View Primary School hosts Soccer Fellowship for the 1st time

In total, 28 players turned up, 6 joining for the 1st time. We welcome Adrian, Kiat Yong, Nick, Neil, Yock Kin and Terence. We also had Bevan back after a long absence. Yuen Wai led everyone in a time of devotion before the players were split into 3, then 4 teams in a 7-a-side, 'first goal wins' or 'both teams out after 7 min' competition. Play was fast and furious, as the photos below suggest.

Kee Min demonstrates how to keep possession of the ball

Brian takes one of the many 'kick-ins' during play

Players waiting for a kick-in to be taken

Nigel waiting for his turn to take the field

The action moved from one end of the field to the other

It's fast and furious in the middle of the pitch

None of the players would remember the number of goals scored, the number of missed opportunities, or who won the most number of matches. But everyone would remember the good run-out we had. Everyone had more than sufficient playing time, something that would not always be possible when we play in tournaments. We also had some good laughs, welcomed new friends, and even some of the kids from the neighbourhood who joined us. I believe one of them even scored a goal against 'I-shall-not-name-who'.

Although it took a bit of a roundabout to find a field, we want to thank God for leading us (quite unexpectedly) to East View Primary for this session and for the good time enjoyed by everyone who turned up.