Football = Universal Language

First off, I'm going to make multiple posts today because I have been given quite a lot to think about in the past two days. So, this way it's a bit easier for y'all and it makes it easier for me to collect my thoughts.

After church today in Bethlehem we headed back to the guest house we are staying in. On the way, about 7 local boys came to us with a fairly flat football and asked us to play with them. There is a small space between the center and our rooms and in the matter of moments we were picking teams. And, game on! Soon we were going at each other in a rousing game of football with most of us seminarians wearing our Sunday best. And wow, these kids knew how to play. We were soon kicking, checking, laughing, and cheering and having the time of our lives. The space was small and crowded so we all became fast friends. It seems that football is a universal language. Some of the bolder kids were calling "penalty" for no apparent reason and giving themselves free kicks. We all did the traditional "GOOOAAALLL!!!" And, at one point, I started a chorus of "Ole!" which suprisingly everyone joined in on. It was a great game and it was the perfect way to start out a day.

I think what struck me the most was how a simply game of football can be so uniting. I didn't know the name of any of the kids we were playing with yet I was readily passing the ball to them and they were readily passing it to me. We were cheering each other on and high fiving after every goal was scored. And, it is no secret to us and them that these are hard times in Bethlehem. Chances are that their parents are struggling to make a living and it is very easy for people in their situation to lose hope very rapidly. Yet, what I saw in this simple pick up game of
football was an escape. It was a time to forget these things and play for the sake of the game. And, I'm pretty sure we all had a great time.

Now most of you know that I'm the captain of the seminary soccer team and I am missing the first games of the season while I am gone. This game meant more to me because of this. We have had our issues with the team this year because of various reasons which tainted the game a bit for me. However, a simple pick up game like this has put new meaning back in the sport for me. The game is more than competition and winning. It was a game yes, but it was so much more. To me, it was a sign of unity and hope. It showed me that sport should ultimately be about respect and it should serve to unite people instead of divide them by teams or individuals. And, of course, it should be about having fun.