Webmaster, 11 april 2012
India , Madras 36°

Slum Soccer

Hey there…

Here a message. Not from Pondicherry but from Chennai (Madras). Chennai is the place where I help Slum Soccer. We give football/soccer training in the slums. The organization was good prepared for having me. I have a buddy that take care of me. He is always available for help. I have a good place were I can stay for the 10 weeks.

On the first week that I arrived there was a indoor tournament. British sport festival. Nice to see that the youth having the pleasure of playing football. It was a three day tournament. Group matches, quarter , semi and the final. The final was played on the last day with guests from the British embassy. Steve McMahon (old player from Liverpool, Everton, Man City & and the National team from England) came also to watch the game. Also we played a small game. See http://ukinindia.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=PressR&id=742766882

My program:
We started in Chennai three new centers/camps were kids can come to play / learn. One is on a playground in the morning from 06:30 until 08:30. Second is on a school from 16:00 until 17:00. And the last one is on the beach from 17:15 until 18.30. We choose for this time. Because on day time it is around 35 C. In the morning we have a group of 25 players. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Everybody is welcome. Young., old, big or small not important. In the future we go to form a team with players that always come. The school were we teach in located in a small slum. Most of the kids are also coming from poor families. For the kids that we are teaching on the beach living on the beach road. Also Chennai was hit by the Tsunami. Same at the place were I was before in Cuddalore, Pondicherry and Auroville. They are now living in small houses made from bags, wood and tin plates. The government is not helping them. They responsible is for themselves.

When we are teaching the kids we always tell them that we are not looking for the best players or who is winning the game. No, its important that you learn from the game and that we work and play together. Sports and development.

In June I come to Netherland,
Before I come home will leave one more message on this page.
Keep following me.

Maarten de Kruijf
http://about.me/maartendekruijf

Naar Maarten in India bellen kan nu wel heel goedkoop met HalloBuitenland.nl