Temple Football!!

Here's a thrilling account of the evening's events from volunteer, Kristy McCulloch. Kristy joined GVI in June as part of the 20-week Teacher Training Internship and we're please to announce that she'll be a regular contributor to our blog for the duration of her stay in Ao Luk!   

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'On the balmy Monday evening of August 3rd, the newly appointed GVI football team descended of the grounds of Wat Ao Luk Thai, to play what we thought was going to be a muck around game against some locals. We arrive in the back of a songthaew and much to our surprise, a massive crowds awaits, with multiple teams and stadium-style lights. Overwhelmed is not an exaggeration!

In usual Thai-style, we were treated like royalty (or should I say, Man U!), with jerseys, a bench and our own visitors box. It's all very official with a pre-match meeting of the referee and the other team. 

Kick-off was 7:30 pm with a short, but precise, pass to Katie. The GVI team dominated the first half, although no goals were scored, the goalie was kept busy with the brunt of the attacks coming from Laura and Mika (AKA David Beckham). 

Half-time saw a few changes to the team from our fully stacked bench. On came Susan and Mike, with Rachael stepping out of goalie to have a run, and our ring-in Dylan (a teacher at the local high school) coming in to man our goal. Once again in the second half Mika was the stand-out player, with lightening speed and deadly accuracy scoring our one and only goal in the 32nd minute.

 

Becca's defense, Lear's powerful throw-ins and unwavering encouragement from our supporters definitely helped in our 1-0 victory. 

After the game was the ceremony and of course the celebration followed. Out of nowhere tables were set up, music turned on and mountains of delicous food and ice cold beer displayed for all to share.  Needless to say a good time was had by all and the GVI football team are now local heroes.' 

Temple Football!!