By Claire Page
This blog entry originally appeared on a family blog... the story of how our family's involvement in the Rifti Valley Soccer Academy began...
"Mama Ethan you must come. We are waiting for you"
That was the text I received from Patrick, Manger of Rongai Football Club, inviting me to watch the match this afternoon. Well, how could I refuse? I have to admit I was a little bit nervous. Nell could not be persuaded to come (too many cold, wet hours spent at football and cricket matches in the UK, she is scarred for life), so Finn had to stay back to keep her company. Just Ethan and I then, with huge rain clouds looming over the Ngong Hills in the distance. Why did I put suntan cream on and not wear a jumper? Sure enough, when we turned up we were more than a little conspicuous. Not only were we the only wsungo (white people) and Ethan really does stand out like a light bulb in these situations, but I was the only woman too. Mums don't come and watch their sons play football or Dad's really in these sorts of communities. They have too much on in life, I think. A lot of these kids don't always know where their next meal is coming from. Their parents live life much closer to the edge than we could ever dream of and so watching their kids at a match doesn't really figure in their day plan. However, I didn't need to worry. Kenyans of all ages are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The whole team shook my hand and told me their names. I met and had a long chat with Philip, the coach and Patrick. For these guys, who set up and and run the club, they believe football is a life line to these kids. They play matches every Sunday and train four times a week (twice a day, every day in the holidays!). They say that if these kids don't throw themselves into football at this age they are more likely to get into the wrong way of life ie drugs, alcohol and crime. They want them to get really good at football now so they will join the senior team around the age of about 19. Again, playing football at this age tends to keep young men out of trouble. Boredom in these communities is a BIG deal. Schools are closed for 4 weeks now. These kids don't go to holiday clubs, their parents don't take them on nice fancy holidays, they don't have games consoles, computers, TVs, transport, and spare cash. Football gives kids and young men something to do, something to focus on which keeps them motivated and involved in the community. Patrick, the manager knows this and is incredibly dedicated. His son used to play for the team, although not now as Patrick sent him to a school near his parents' house where there isn't 100 kids per class, as there is at the Rongai School. In spite of the fact that his son no longer plays for the team, he still dedicates most of his spare time to the club. He goes to the match today, having worked all night as a night guard. Don't you get tired, Patrick? I ask, "No worries", he says, "Hakuna Matata". And his wife told me that when he isn't coaching at the club then he's watching Manchester United (or any other premiership football team) play on TV. The boys wouldn't let me take their photo until they had put on their (borrowed) strip. They were the proud winners today. Score? A well deserved 10-2. I don't know how they do it though. Many of them play in bare feet. How can that be possible on what is a stony, muddy bit of wasteland? But they are an amazing team. They were clearly playing kids that were a lot older and completely dominated them. As you can see in the photo, Ethan towers over most of these kids even though some of them are 16 years old and the opposition were mostly much taller. Ethan was chuffed as he did score a couple of the goals. I was chatting on the sidelines but knew to look up as all I could hear from his team mates was ANDERRRRRRROOUUUUUUU - Kenyans can't get their head around saying Ethan so at Rongai football club Ethan is Andrew. Apparently, I'm getting an invite to the next Rongai football club meeting. They are very excited about the possibility of having a team strip and some kit. They know that it will make the kids feel so proud. I have a feeling that I'm going to get roped into a lot more than I bargained for though. A massive thanks to everyone at Hughenden Valley football club who has been involved in organising the collection of kit. Having watched the game today, I know that it will have a massive impact on a lovely Kenyan community. Will keep you posted! ClairePS. A little note for Paul Burniston, please pass this on to him just in case he doesn't read this. I might have mentioned that an FA trained coach was coming out to visit us in May/ June time and that maybe he would be up for running some drills. Sorry Paul, were you expecting to have a holiday here or something? As you can imagine, Phillip and Patrick are very excited.
