League Game #2 - Futbol Club Bonda

Today, the Sub-13 team played their second league game at the field in Bonda. Lugging multiple bags, we found that the majority of the kids were on time, waiting for us to arrive at 7:00AM sharp at the Los Fundadores field. In total we were 25 children and 7 adults, crammed into a buseta. As we were more than the usual 14 that these busetas seat, we were able to "contract" the buseta to take us directly without stops to Bonda for a lowered price.

On our way to Bonda.

Organizing the guayos/tacos or cleats.

Being punctual has always been a struggle for me even though I was raised to be on time. Sometimes I wonder if "Berkeley time" or my extensive time spent living in South America is to blame. Regardless, punctuality and attendance have been issues we reinforce daily, even though they may not be as stressed here on the coast as in other cities or other countries. It is important that we arrive punctually because we have to add an extra step that other teams do not have to consider -- distributing and putting on uniforms. Unfortunately, due to costs of referees and the buseta, some children are unable to make it. This keeps our coaches on their toes as positions and replacements have to be made last minute.

We lost 3-0, which was a big improvement from our last loss (9-0). There is a huge desire to win but we teach that having fun and good manners and sportsmanship, are just as important.



We bring thermoses of agua de panela and water for the kids. It is difficult and costly to transport and/or purchase enough water for each of the players. I made kettle corn for the kids as a halftime snack, thinking back to my days of soccer. I've always hated oranges so no orange slices for these kids!


Additionally, I have really pushed for us to involve parents. We have written permission to escort children to and from games, however, with very limited personnel, it is a challenge to remain organized with the uniforms (we loan out socks, cleats, shinguards, shirts, and shorts and collect those same items the same day) while keeping an eye on all 25 kids that were in attendance. Therefore, we were grateful for the two mothers and two fathers who were in attendance (as well as the younger siblings that also came to cheer). We took advantage of the long trip to Bonda by planning a recreational event after the game to the nearby Rio Bonda, Bonda River.

Some of our involved families.

"Fishing"

Jumping off the rocks.

The Sub-13 Team.

Our coaches get uniforms too!