Saturday June 16, 2012

Students soak up Euro fever by organising football party

By JAROD LIM
jarodlim@thestar.com.my

IN THE spirit of Euro 2012, a group of students from SK Methodist (ACS) Klang hosted a football party at their school grounds recently.

Some 26 students aged between 10 and 15 pooled their resources to organise the event.

They prepared meals, organised the venue and found a referee to officiate the event. The event started about 1pm as the football-crazy students divided themselves into two teams — Blue and Red.

Despite the hot weather, the teams remained energetic on the pitch and played with much enthusiasm.

Dribbling delight: Players from both teams tussling for the ball.

Out came the aspiring ‘Lionel Messi’ dribblers and step-overs were also in the equation — something to rival Ronaldo!

But since it was a celebration of Euro 2012, the boys preferred to namecheck their heroes from Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and England.

In the end, the first match — after a tough tussle — looked like it was heading for a draw. However, the Blue team bagged victory when they scored a golden goal in extra time. That brought out the celebrations.

It was never too much football — despite the scorching heat. After a short break and refreshments, the students then decided to form two teams — primary and secondary levels to compete in a second game.

However, the primary level team was no match for the secondary level that eventually won the match by 5-1.

The game ended about 5.30pm and the players — all tired out — then tucked into the meals that they had brought along.

Rajeswari Rajaratnam, the mother of Red team captain P. Aravintharaj said the students had shown amazing sportsmanship and respect towards one another during the football match.

“They had showed maturity at such a tender age to organise the event and were supportive of each other besides fostering racial unity.”

“Their willingness to indulge in healthy activities instead of loitering around with friends, is definitely something to be applauded,” she said.