Roughly 35 German students let us come into their class to explain the Greatest Game ever invented, and although I guarantee the skills needed seemed very foreign, they were very receptive and eager to participate. Our goal wasn't to make all-stars, but to simply educate and possibly spark some interest in a game that is growing in Germany.
(Starting simple, need to be able to catch the ball)
Through explanation and visual demonstrations, we first warmed the kids up, got them through some various drills of running with the ball and feet drills, and then worked on catching and throwing the ball on day one.
(Chris man was Coach's guinea pig to demonstrate the dynamic warm-up)
Day two came way too early, this guy is not used to getting up for morning activities. Life is rough let me tell you, but it was worth it to see the excitement on the kids' faces today. We quickly got the another warm-up, a few ladder drills, some cone drills and after a quick explanation of the basics of the game; we turned them loose in a full out, flag football game.
(Rain, who would've guessed, forced us inside on day two)
There were the 12 year olds, roughly 20 ish of them and they were divided into two teams. Chris QB'd for one team, and I the other. Guess who won? Not me, but that's alright the kids had a blast and it turned out to be a very intense game.
The 13-16 year olds were about 14 in number so that made for a more manageable sized game. Again Chris was QB for one team and I the other. Guess who won? Chris man is 2-0 and maybe should think about changing positions.
(Oli looking good as always)
Needless to say, that from this picture, you can see that we had a blast as well. Oli was actually a student at this elementary school years ago and we all had fun as football teachers for the past two days. Who knows maybe down the road a couple of these kids will come out to the youth games or youth practice to see if football is right for them.
(Class photo)
Wouldn't be Germany if Chris man didn't have to give out some autographs. We had some magazines from our Men's team that we gave out at the end of today, don't know how many autographs we signed, even to the same kids, but my arm was certainly tired from that.
(Harvest)
This photo came from today, but as I was heading into practice yesterday the big green John Deere combine was doing it's thing and I didn't have my camera on me. So here's the aftermath. A few other fields around our house look ready so hopefully I'll catch the combine in action one of these days. I will say this, this combine was no old antique combine; it was pretty shiny.
Parents have made it home safe... We all had a blast.
Monika needs to have hip surgery, but is still unsure of the dates. I hope all things will work out with timing so if she can have it while Chris and I are still here, maybe we'll be able to take care of her as she has taken care of us all summer.
Pray for my old boss, mentor, coach, and friend Scott Kirchoff.
Joshua Aakre
Matthew 7:12
No comments:
Post a Comment