Our final day in Goz Amer was jam-packed with activities and full of emotion. It was far and away my favorite day of the whole trip.
In the morning, we held our final training session for prospective coaches and the group was buzzing with nervous, excited energy. After we finished, we held a ceremony for all of the wonderful participants and announced the four new Darfur United Soccer Academy coaches. Later that afternoon we broke ground on the first Little Ripples in-home education center, and then hustled back to the field for a coaches meeting and opening day of the Darfur United Soccer Academy, Goz Amer. It was a hit!
In the end, we were looking for a cohesive team that would complement each other on and off the field. A balanced group who each bring their own unique strengths to coaching at the Academy, and we found have found just that.
Meet the newest Darfur United Soccer Academy coaches:
Souliman, while registering kids and filling out player cards looked up with a huge smile and said, “I feel so good, and know that I will become a leader in Goz Amer. I hope to travel to other camps one day and help train new coaches.”
Sadiya, age 18, “I did not even know that you were coming and I never guessed you would pick me. I am so surprised. I would also like to travel to other camps with DUSA one day.”
Issag, age 20, “Oh, I feel so happy and excited for what’s to come. Thank you for coming to Goz Amer.”
Thouhilla, age 18, “I feel so good, and know that I will become a leader in Goz Amer. I hope to travel to other camps one day and help train new coaches.”
Thouhilla is bold and goofy with an infectious personality, and she has great foot skills, too. Isaag, a skilled player who is kind hearted and helpful, with a smile plastered to his face at all times. Sadiya, calm, focused and extremely hard working. And Souliman, a consummate leader, tireless worker and patient teacher.
I could not be more proud of this group and from the looks of opening day, I have no doubt these four will turn the Academy into something all their own. So looking forward to watching it grow!
This blog was originally posted on iactivism.org as part of iACT’s 22nd expedition to eastern Chad.
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 is a global day of giving.
Join iACT in starting a ripple of hope. Our Giving Tuesday goal is to build a new Little Ripples Pond, provide education for 45 refugee girls and boys, and train and employ two refugee women teachers. Your gift of $25 towards a $5,000 goal will allow us to do so.