Soccer Game

I remember one soccer game I played as a child. The town bully, Omar, was on the opposing team that day. He and I had never been close friends. My purpose in telling it is to relate to you how I learned a lesson in self-esteem that day as well as a new respect for a game I loved. I loved playing soccer….I enjoyed being in the fresh air, playing with my friends and especially winning, of course.

The setting is the game field that afternoon. Mr. Ali, the coach, gathered us around him, saying "This is going to be a real game, so we'll be playing according to the rules of soccer you've been learning in P.E. Is everyone ready? Let's line up!"

I started the game at halfback, helping my friend, Zaid, protect his goal. Mo was playing forward and kicked the ball right at me every time he had the chance. But I stepped fast and worked at stealing the ball away. The second time I stole the ball, Omar reached out and shoved me to the ground.

PFEET!! Mr. Ali's whi...