Futbol In The Rough

Last Saturday, I traveled down past the markets and restaurants of Kampala to a part of the city I had never been before. It was a world where youth were waiting expectantly on a dusty street next to a stream of raw sewage with a soccer ball in hand. Many of the teens (and younger) still had dilated eyes from the petroleum sniffing that allowed them to escape momentarily from the difficulties they were experiencing. Even if they were high or hung over, it didn’t matter; they were excited to play futbol and hang out with people who were interested in getting to know them.

Godwin is a Ugandan who has gone down into this slum every Saturday morning for the past 2 years to play futbol, share his faith with these kids, and remind them that there is someone who cares about them. When I met Godwin and he told me about this ministry, I knew I would have a blast with these kids. As we walked through the slum I met the eyes of those who were surprised to see a Mzungu walking through their home. In one corner there were children making oil lamps out of old cans. Opposite from them was a man blowing air into an underground fire where he was making a frying pan out of raw metal. I was introduced to one man with long dreadlocks who was said to be a great musician. The street kids were very excited to have a guest in their neighborhood.

During the time when the leaders shared a message, the kids were antsy and goofing off, obviously ready to play futbol together. As much as they picked at each other, they also talked about how they would do anything for their friends. When we were playing futbol, my friend Ray was schooled by a ten year old and hit the ground pretty hard. Immediately the kids surrounded him to help him up and to make sure he wasn’t too hurt. Oddly the same thing happened to me a couple of minutes later. I was actually a little surprised at how much concern they showed for me because they had such a tough exterior from living on the streets. Unlike my friend Ray, when they stopped to make sure I wasn’t hurt, I promptly took advantage of the opportunity, got possession of the soccer ball and started to make my way down the field. Of course it didn’t take long for them to regain possession amidst laughter. It was a great morning and I look forward to seeing them again.

-jamie