When I first got to my village, I asked my host brother if I could join in his daily soccer match with a group of 20 young men from the surrounding area. He told me, “girls can’t play soccer.”
Ten months later, my girls organized a three-day, four-team, all-girls soccer tournament. They found two local men to referee, designated a few male classmates to be in charge of painting lines on the field, clearing garbage, and retrieving balls, got soccer uniforms from the local army unit, and convinced the principal to let the school have the last two periods to watch the match everyday.
The first day, I was pleasantly surprised by how many students were watching. Virtually all of them stayed at school to cheer on their friends. There were no comments asking why it was girls playing. Everyone was enraptured by the athleticism. When 4pm rolled around (the end of the school day), I expected everyone to pack up and go home, especially the girls, since they have so many chores at home. Much to my surprise, they kept playing until 5:30! By the time everyone left, it was very dark, and many students have to walk for two hours to get home. But, they had decided their matches would have three 45-minute periods.
The next two days were equally as fun. For the championship game, I’d estimate that 200 local people came to watch, in addition to almost all students and teachers. When Team C won with a goal in overtime, all the students rushed the field to engulf them in a massive hug. It was incredible.
The local major even insisted that the winners and team captains be recognized during a festival the next day in front of the entire village. And ever since then, I’ve seen little girls playing sports with their brothers all over the village. Before and after school now, there are co-ed games going on.
The grand champs!
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