Precious United Vs. Olives F.C. 

As a long-term GVI volunteer I have been very keen to get involved in all aspects of teaching.  In addition to my English classes I have also been taking my class out to the school field for their bi-weekly P.E. lessons.  I soon discovered that Standard 5 at Precious Vision Care Centre are just as obsessed with football as the kids back in England, possibly even more so!

Precious United v Olives F.C.

Along with a fellow GVI volunteer, who teaches Standard 5 at Olives Rehailitation Centre, I had the idea to arrange a football match between the classes.  It was a much anticipated match that will go down in history as the first inter-school championship!

For the whole week prior to the match both of the Standard 5 classes were bouncing off the walls with excitement.  It was the thing that everyone was talking about and for them it was a very serious match.  However, they did us proud as it proved to be a very friendly and clean game that was enjoyed by all!

Once the kids had finished their lessons for the day the players gathered themselves and began the journey to the Olives football pitch.  As we became closer to the school the overwhelming excitement slowly faded away to nervousness.

Team players meeting before the match began

 

 Once we had arrived we were introduced to Mr Josef (Olives teacher and referee for the occasion) and the Olives team.  After a quick round of team photos, the match began.  Olives had the home advantage but Precious was not without support from the Standard 5 girls taking the role of cheerleaders.  The GVI volunteers had also come out in force to show unbiased support (kind of…)

Volunteers with the Precious cheer leading team.

 Olives was the first to score, followed by a couple more after half-time.  Things were looking desperate so Mr Tek, GVI volunteer, took matters into his own hands and subbed himself in.  Within seconds he had scored Precious’ first and only goal.

The game was very intense with both sides wanting to win

 

Olives scored the first goal!!!

Followed by an Olives Fans pitch invasion!!!

The final score was a point of contention with Precious claiming a 2-1 defeat and Olives a 6-1 win!  Regardless of the score both teams left with high spirits, eagerly awaiting a re-match!  (Next time on Precious’ turf).

Olives celebrate a win .

 

Jono Goldney, GVI Volunteer.