DONDO – The space set aside for our training sessions has little in common with a conventional football pitch. In fact it’s nothing more than the courtyard of the local Salesian house – and like all Salesian houses, there’s a constant buzz of people coming and going to take part in projects, lend a hand or simply have a look at what’s going on.
The cement pitch is surrounded by walls that probably wouldn’t pass a health and safety examination, so we keep an eye on them as our 25 youngsters begin their session. Only there aren’t 25 for long, as a steady stream of kids pitch up and ask to join in until our number swells to a frenetic 46!
It is – of course – part of the Inter Campus way to make sure all have the chance to take part. On this occasion, all that was required was a little organisation: exercises with four lines of kids on each side of the pitch and a host of drills focusing on running, jumping and sideways movement.
The youngsters listen attentively to our instructions before we begin. One clap means a group should only attack with their right foot, while two means they should switch to the left.
The kids seem to enjoy the session and we take care to keep things light hearted when we correct any errors – in this part of the world making a mistake in public is seen as quite shameful, and there are lots of people watching on. And so smiles and laughter abound as the youngsters learn and improve with every exercise.
On the whole, the kids apply themselves to the various training drills well, but the biggest obstacle is a mental one. The local youngsters are not so well accustomed to thinking before they act and our exercises are specifically designed to test them in a variety of ways – including cognitively.
By the time we have to take our leave, we’re left with the feeling that despite the difficulties, the experience has been rewarding and – above all – fun for all. Mission accomplished, then!
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