InterSquad 2017

Hi Everybody,

Last week we held our much beloved EMFC traditional “Intersquad” on December 27^th.  Every year, our club hosts one great afternoon of soccer which reunites players, coaches, administrators, and parents with 6 hours of fun, friendship and good wishes.  More than 175 people attended the event that took place at Genesis Centre that brought together players of all ages and their instructors to play in our own EMFC “Classico".  Fun was had by all with one little player remarking, “I have lots of fun because I score a lot, there is no referee and my coach and parents don't yell at all."

Everyone was busy doing something: the players were put into their mixed teams representing a country in the world cup, coaches were well represented in their own team and our “Over 45’s” holding their own against the “young ones”.  Our board members were also busy with Peter in charge of the standings table, Craig playing double duty as the goalie of the Over 45s and MC of the event, Alan showing off his football prowess, Terry providing information at the front desk, and Lesley taking pictures and checking in on the teams. 

In the middle of the afternoon, during lunch break, Craig summoned all the United 02's players and coaches to line up in front of the public, as a moment of special recognition  for their extraordinary achievements of the last two years. He expressed the way our Club feels; so proud of their efforts and hard work and dedication, asking all the other players and coaches to emulate such commitment. He said, "This team has been the best of Alberta for the last two years and has brought medals, trophies and above all, values to our membership and NE community. Please give them a big hand." A parent standing beside me later said, "That is at the core a real teaching of how to create an identity and to get in love with our colours and jersey." I did not want to leave without having some interviews with the participants, here some of them:

 "To play together with big boys makes me feel very secure of what I wanted to try." 

"To kick the coach’s butts gives me a feeling of a superstar!"

 "I never saw my daughter so confident playing with small and big boys all together. I feel happy for her."

But nothing of the above touched my heart more than what a little player said to me. "Playing the way I did today, taught me to understand myself, what is right and what is wrong. I love soccer!" From 1 to 7 pm we attended an amazing show of the pure game. Yes, it was a party as well. And everyone won...We said goodbye to each other wishing a Happy New Year.

 
Ruben Vasquez Sr.  

Results:

Russia (Coaches)	23
Japan	18
Portugal	17
Argentina	15
Brazil (O45)	15
Denmark	15
Australia	13
Spain	13
Germany	11
England	10
Nigeria	9
Peru	9
Mexico	8
Egypt	6