As we walk over a make shift bridge to the Maramba flood grounds, the air is filled with the sound of shrill whistles and Nyanja (a local dialect) being barked by men and children alike. It is mid afternoon in Maramba township, and the sun is in full force, bearing down on the moist dirt, wet from recent rain. From an outsiders perspective, the following scene is that of a pickup soccer match, akin to street basketball courts littered across America. However this false perception is soon to be shattered.
The Maramba grounds, settled between a local high school and small river that grows mighty from the Rain season, is home to FFC Global. The field is a local breeding ground for young Zambian soccer players. The sport known as football is more than a game, it is a way of life. This February afternoon brings the regular season one day closer. Due to begin ?on April 1?, there is still nearly 2 months to prepare – yet training happens at a feverish pace. You need to only look on for moments to see that this game is the players’ number one priority. During the offseason they train daily, throughout the afternoon, for hours. As we ‘mzungus’ (white people) labour to simply warm up with the team, they push more and more. Unaffected by the blazing heat, lack of shade and even the basic necessity of any sport: hydration. The players range from 14-20 years old. Most balance education, work and family life to train every day. For some football is an outlet, something to ease the harrowing reality of poverty and unemployment. For others it’s a potential ticket out of Maramaba to bigger and better clubs. They face a near impossible battle to the top, even to the top of the Zambian football league, a league considered mediocre by Western standards.
The players are not alone, they are under the tutelage of two coaches; Noel and Masanali. Both are men of great character. There is little recognition for their work, their impact however, is long lasting. Their mission revolves around football, but there is so much more they give to the players. Their coaching is centred around instilling life values in their players, with a focus on faith, respect, and sportsmanship. Both work around their full time work schedules, selflessly giving their time and energy to the young men of their neighbourhood. They have been extremely accommodating with us and our relatively poor soccer skills. All the while showing us what it means to truly meet people and live life with them. The more time we spend with Noel, Masanali and their team, the more we see why football/soccer/futbol is more than a game. Soccer is a love language, bringing 18-22 year old college students and Zambians of varying ages together. Creating community, teaching life skills and fostering friendships, it truly is the beautiful game.
