Day #10 - Dyesyat (d'eh-s'uht') Futbol Mania!

A Closer Look at Futbol

in Severodonetsk:

Stadiums & Players

You might have already guessed, but futbol is not just a hobby or recreational activity, it is a way of life. These kids are always ready to play a game, kick the ball around or practice skills by keeping the ball in the air. Not a surprise and obviously a major time filler.



It was fun being here during FIFA 2010 because the kids were all cheering for any team Eurpopean. Ukraine did not have a team represented in the World Cup. I do not know the reasons why. In Severodonetsk, there are many fields and they accommodate many playing levels and ages. There is a professional Lugansk Regional team that plays in the stadium below. It looks a little run down but that seems to be an understatement at this point. I am told by the kids it is a very nice stadium.

One block down from the Internot is another stadium. From the outside, it looked like it was ready for demolition. There was graffiti, broken glass and missing concrete. Craig and I couldn't figure out how to walk inside the stadium because the cement threshold was completely gone and there were tons of broken bottles. We tried to peek in but gave up.

The next Saturday morning, I was walking to the market and there were tons of cars parked outside and I could hear the crowd cheer. I found my way in by following a spectator and witnessed a pretty serious game. The stands were full and people were cheering. The referees were in official attire and were working hard. The coaches were vocal, throwing their hands to their heads and pacing along the side lines. My guess is that this equates to our Southern Chester County Club. The players appeared to be between 16 & 18 years old.

Below, Cheryl and Tatiana are in this very same stadium but no game is being played. They are standing in the center in front of the preferred seating or the announcers booth. The next picture shows one side of the spectator's stand. The cement bleechers are behind the tall shrubs. It is hard to imagine that any one of us would be attending a game in a stadium with these conditions. The third photo is a long shot of the field. I don't recall if the goals had nets on Saturday or not. It is also hard to know if the grass looks like this permanently or if it is a result of the drought and extreme temperatures.

Below is an enclosed turf field that is halfway between the school and the lake. On my birthday, we walked with a large group of teenages to the lake about two miles away. Afterwards, the boys were hurrying because I think the word was that another group of boys was ready for a match up. We quickly followed behind and watched from outside of the fence. This view also includes a very typical highrise apartment building adjacent to the field.

If you look closely at the photo below, you will notice some interesting details. These kids were playing either without shoes or with flip flops. There was no complaining and no holding back on the attack. By taking a closer look, you will also see that two kids are sharing one pair of shoes. Consider yourself lucky if a friend is willing to share half of his footwear. Of course, that is only beneficial if you are a right footer and your buddy is a lefty. Who cares about sizing? After the first 30 minutes of playing, another team started gathering. These kids had matching team shirts and socks. It was a sobbering sight for us but one I think these kids have grown accustomed to.

Below is a small sand field at the school. The goal is confugred out of play ground equipment. Next to it is a full sized field with real goals. I never learned any specifics about this other field and assume it is used in season.

The two pictures below are from Camp Alliance. There is very little grass here and you can also see how dark the soil is. Just think about the condition of these kids feet with this black soil, no shoes and playing futbol. I have witnessed these feet first hand. Yikes!!!

The players of Severodonetsk (l to r):

Denis, Artur, Sergei and Vlad.

It has been fun listening to their banter about the World Cup. Craig and I would bring newspaper updates of FIFA to camp for Sergei. He loved it and they would devour the details. Below Gena is wearing a Mexican team shirt that we actually bought and mailed to Sergei. We might have mentinoned earlier, but Craig and I purchased soccer socks for these kids after we saw the condition of Sergei's. At some point in time, they had been white and they had an enclosed toe. Crazy how they make things work regardless of the conditions.

Above, Sergei practicing his corner kicks at the lake. His buddies were way out in the water and ready to receive. He is excited to be a part of Unionville High School's soccer program. he also has a dream of becoming an American soccer super star. Below is Gena holding a towel that he is very proud of. The team is Shahtyor out of the Donetsk region. They are the best professional team in Ukraine.

The younger Sergei at camp.

And who DOESN'T love Cristiano Ronaldo? He certainly makes your heart skip a beat!!!!!

And finally, Day #10 is here but we really have two more days to wait. The days passed by more quickly than I thought. We are headed home in six days and can not wait.