Day Eight: 5th Invitational Rehoboth Cup

A 5am is never ideal, but it is what was needed for us to get everything ready for the 5^th Invitational Rehoboth Cup. The soccer tournament is held on a vacant lot in a local cemetery. Teams from the surrounding area are invited to play in the competition that also features a team made up of us students here on the trip.

We got to the cemetery bright and early (around 5.40am) and began the task of setting up everything. There were table and chairs needed to be put out, grounds to be cleared and nets for the goals needed to be attached. The land its self was in construction mode with workers already on sight building a large set of catacombs just meters away from where our games were to take place.  Around 6.15am teams started to arrive. This was a sight to see as many came in trikes, jeepeneys and on the back of scooters. One particular u12s team managed to pack all 10 players plus the coach onto 1 small trike, it was like watching the ants come out of their nests all over again.

There was only one field for all the five u12s and six u18s teams to play on, so we knew we were in for a long day. Those who weren’t playing for the Reho team were helping out with scoring, recording, first aid and of course cheering. It’s a big task putting on the soccer comp and it becomes a big day for all involved. It’s made even more so by the fact there is no water or toilets on site.

The games themselves were fierce. With only limited time and space the games were reduced to be only 12 minutes long with 6 players per team. This made the games incredibly quick and played with a lot of heart and energy. The Reho team started their round-robin campaign of strongly with a 3-1 victory. However, they were not the dominant team of the competition as they tied there next 2 games, lost the one after that, before finishing out the round with a 1-0 win. That win was enough to put them into the 3^rd place final. The boys came away 1-0 victory thanks to Cam slotting a free kick through the wall of the defence and into the back of the net. The actual finals for both the u12s and u18s competition were both nail biters that had to be decided by penalty shootouts. It was fantastic to be part of a community event which allowed players, coaches and kids from all around the local area to gather and have a fun filled day of football.

After more than 10 hours at the soccer field we were all a little tired and in need of some relaxation. The leaders weren’t letting on at all about what we were getting up to tonight. We were just told to meet down stairs at 5, so that’s what we did. Glad we did too, as after being shuttled into vans and driven out to Eastwood we were treated to humongous pizzas from yellow cab and the most incredible massages. Exactly what was needed at the end of today.

Shout outs:

Mr Butson: My wonderful classes I hope you’ve been looking after the relief teachers because next week is DODGEBALL WEEK! Thankyou for all the prayer while I’ve away. Mum cheers for the comments they were super encouraging to the team, please send my love to Grandma. My beautiful wife, I will see you soon. X

Miss Smoker: Hi Charlotte, Rhys, Olivia, Hannah and Sienna – Aunty Marilyn misses you all so much and can’t wait to give you all a big hug. Mum and Dad – I promise I am taking care of myself, please say hi to Nan for me.

To all of the incredible staff and students at Rehoboth, thank you so much for your prayers and support. Will see you all soon.