Soccer Tournament Finals on 14th December 2008

This boy did not care that his ball looked rugged......he passionately held onto it as he cheered his school team in the finals. And when it was half time, together with his peers, they quickly organized a game beside the main field. It was wonderful to watch such mushrooming talents! The question is, will they get opportunity for exposure and nurturing? You and I can facilitate that......

On Sunday 14th December, 2008 we had the finals program for the Soccer Tournament that had been running since late September 2008. The Soccer Tournament is part of CML’s Sports Evangelism Program. We are honored to declare that SoccerGrow has been the sole instrumental partner in facilitating the launching and final success of this program. SoccerGrow donated the soccer balls, field cones and ball pumps for this program.

As we reported earlier, 8 Schools registered in the Primary Schools Category and 13 Clubs registered in the Community Youth Clubs Category.

To determine the winners and runners-up in each category, 4 matches were played on the finals day. We hope to post video clips of the finals and during prize giving.

The prizes were awarded to the winners as follows:

Community Youth Clubs Category:

Position 1: Kitere CML Football Club:Trophy, 1 Soccer Ball & Kshs. 5,000 Cash
Position 2: Kanga Football Club: Trophy, 1 Soccer Ball & Kshs. 2,500 Cash.
Position 3: Kuja Football Club: Trophy, 1 Soccer Ball & Kshs. 1,500 Cash.

Primary Schools Category:

Position 1: Toku Primary School: Trophy & 1 Soccer Ball.
Position 2: Kitere Primary School: Trophy & 1 Soccer Ball.
Position 3: Kuja Primary School: Trophy & 1 Soccer Ball.

Certain challenges were noted:
It was noted that the preaching sessions were not as consistent as planned because of the interference from the rains. Several matches were also not played on the scheduled days/times because of the heavy rains. There was also the challenge of getting qualified referees who could volunteer their services. There was complaint that the female gender was neglected in this tournament. There were cases of exchange of harsh words between the spectators/supporters and players.

Nevertheless, certain advantages were also noted:
During the period of the tournament, it was confirmed that cases of youth idleness and drunkenness was reduced. Students, especially the candidates had opportunity to release stress from the studies as they engaged in physical exercise. Several youths were selected to play in the sub-locational/ locational Soccer tournaments organized by the local Department of Youth Affairs. Local youths had opportunity every weekend to interact and socialize peacefully. The youth benefited both physically and spiritually.

We hope to improve on the challenging areas in 2009, especially as we plan for the High Schools Soccer Tournament in the 1st term. We thank God for the everything He is doing in the lives of the young people through this program. We also thank God for our partners in this program. For those who are not yet involved, it is never late to get involved in the such life transforming programs. We value your prayers and donations.

Blessings in 2009.