League Action Continues- from Carly

We are heading in to week four of the first ever Futbol Sin Fronteras league and boy do we have a lot to report about! First of all, I would like to brag about my new sweet, warm up game "Diego Dice." Although it looks like a simple game of Simon Says, we've mixed in some follow the leader and it is a pretty fun time. It's a great way to get the body moving, learn a few new body parts in Spanish, and I think I might be having more fun than the kids!

We officially have six teams (sometimes eight...we have to be a bit flexible as two of the school teams can't come every weekend) split up into two divisions. The younger girls teams are aged 5 to 12 and are jam packed with team spirit. They get to play in what we call "the cage," which is a fenced in futsol court. It makes for a great venue because the girls that are resting get to lean on the side and cheer the players on. It is riot how much energy these guys have and the coaches have taken on the energy as well. The competition is fierce as you can see by the photo of Coach Cesar lining his team up in a wall to defend his teams 2 goal lead. Las Azules have been the weekly favorite, but close to their heals are Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Deocesano Chocobananos. (Chocolate covered bananas...great name!)

The older division is made up of girls aged from 12 to 18 and these girls show up ready to compete! I'm amazed at how quickly the girls go from a cheery warm up straight to business. And the coaches are right there with them complete with pleading for injury time to even the score. The older league is comprised of Futbol Sin Fronteritas, Las Galacticas, Deocesano, and Las Campeonatas. It is pretty cool to see the girls getting to play with smaller numbers allowing them to open up the field and play organized attacking soccer.

We have great expectations for this upcoming weekend and are planning a limpieza (a big team effort to pick up garbage around the fields and park area) afterward followed by a party in the office to celebrate. Should be a ton of fun, make a difference in the community, and help remind the girls to remember to pick up trash.