Pictures

Obama Mania

Future member of the "Black Queens" (Ghanaian women's national team name)

Neighborhood kids-- I'm pretty sure they think I'm crazy. ;)

All Smiles!
Give me that baby!

Just a cool picture!


School children!




Overhead view of the Cantonments Pitch!




The heat can be exhausting. Towards the end when the temperature dropped from 100 to 80 degrees, even I felt really cold!

Coming Home

I am definitely counting down until I get back home! I already asked a friend (from the UK) to bring me peanut butter in which I'm rationing until July 12th. I'm looking forward to other American treats; I don't even like hot dogs, but I find myself craving them along with bbqs where brats, Sam Adams, and burgers are served. I'm also going to have to have Chicago's stuffed pizza! Not to mention, I wouldn't mind seeing a baseball game--yeah, I said it.

A Canadian friend, who I met in Ghana is currently in Chicago, and I made her a spreadsheet of restaurants and festivals she needs to go to. So, I looked up addresses, gave recommendations, and it made me realize how much I miss home. I will definitely go to BluFin and Tango Sur--among other personal favorites. Does anyone have any other good finds? Let me know!

I also would like everyone to know that Goals 4 Ghana, a charity that I have started with my good friends, Matt and Stephanie Gollan, now has a website: www.goals4ghana.org Please take a look and post any comments you have may have! Thanks for your ongoing support, and I hope to see everyone when I return!

Holiday in Accra--A Break From the Pitch

I'm in the #2 cart, and I definitely overtake Andy. This doesn't look as dangerous as it looks, but they were "capable" of going 40mph.


Special Occasion. Rhapsodys: dinner and drinks for a housemate's birthday. Yes, I had a bacon cheeseburger--Let's just call it preventive medicine.

Player Development

"Sideline Stalking." It plagues every youth sport in the world. But why do we have parents and coaches shouting all the wrong things? We have all had these type of coaches, and please take the moment to imagine how ridiculous it is. I truly believe these stalkers have the best intentions at heart and bring passion and enthusiasm to the game of football. Coaches, parents, families, teachers, and mentors want to build positive learning environments in everything but the pitch, why is that? Instead they build a detrimental and sometimes damaging atmosphere where learning does not occur--and then everyone wonders why are the players not improving.

I am reminded of one of my u13 matches: a Mom on my team punched an opposing Dad square in the face, cut his nose, and the police had to intervene. Please note, there are few of these stories, and that I find it difficult to recall any matches that I played before the age of 13...games and winning will be forgotten--but the end product, quality players will be the true result!

Ghanaians live for winning--but some clubs take a different approach. Take the CFC u10 squad for example: these kids are truly committed as they do not have a league to play in. But instead, they train twice a week and occasionally play friendly matches along with tournaments. There's honor in playing for a club, being promoted to the u12s, and playing in the league. But at the younger age levels, the main focus is always development! We do not record results and create a fun and safe learning environment for the players to become the best they can be. The biggest part of this is clearly the community. And I know what you're thinking. Yes, even the parents do not focus much on winning. But you don't have to wait long as they expect the U14 squad to start building a winning mentality so they can be "winners" at age 17 and beyond! Learning how to win is an important part of player development, just let it happen at the higher levels. By the way, this does not give free reign for parents and coaches to punch out opposing personnel. :)

When American youth coaches break free of the "winning is everything" mentality, we can then begin to compete with the powerhouses of the world. In the last WC, we were the only team to draw against Italy. We have the resources and athletic ability--where is that we lack? My debatable answer: Coaching. Obviously, some countries residents literally play for their lives--and to play in that regard, no one can compete. But for the most part, if we try to improve as coaches and become less rigid in our training, then we compete in 2010 and eventually win the World CUP!!!!

Enjoy!

James Fort: A detour on the tro-tro adventure. Football even on my off day!


Spectators for the Skills Show!


In the words of Heather (my housemate), "Melt my heart..."

Careful fellas....Good God!


Adorable picture!

At the world cup qualifier (Cameroon v Togo in Ghana).

Night and Day

Oh wow! The U14 squad traveled about 2 hours to a Dutch Academy to play in a friendly match, and geeeez...I was amazed by the site! Two turf pitches, one grass pitch, dormitories, cafeteria, schools, security, doctors, physical therapists...a proper academy. This facility is honestly a life-changing opportunity for the players. Even though they are taken away from their families, they know that they will receive a quality education and coaching. But the most important piece is obviously the education as players get hurt, players don't develop as expected, and they do not become professionals. But these kids are looked after extremely well.

Cantonments players don't complain when they play on the rocky dirt pitch while the open sewer (that surrounds the pitch) puts off a rather unpleasant and rancid odor. When the ball gets kicked in the sewer, they pick it out and continue to play as if it is not covered in __________ (Yes, you fill in the blank). While we struggle with bibs, cones, and balls the players are still able to be amazingly technically gifted. Some players do not attend school because they either cannot afford it, do not have parents to assist them, or have failed out. CFC players do not have 3 meals a day as they cannot afford it and fast because of it. Don't get me started on injuries as they usually happen to players who do not have a concurrent plan.

With all these obstacles facing us, we were able to draw against a much more disciplined u12 (yes, u12) side. I have never seen a u12 team play like the way they did that day. And the best player on the opposing side appeared to be 10! But overall, I was pleased with my players as they have never played on a turf pitch before. It was a wonderful opportunity, and I know I share the same vision as the Dutch Academy. Despite the major differences, both academies have developed quality players and hopefully you'll see the products in 2010. World Class, and truly Night and Day.
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Last week was a long one. Not only did a former EPL scout come out, but the head of Projects Abroad, and an American college coach spent a bit of time with Cantonments. Regardless of the amount of money that is invested, players can still develop and move onto something so life-changing that I (and most of the western world) won't ever be able to imagine. I keep on asking myself, "What if, just what if, we can get him to a university or professional football club?"

Picture(s)...depending how fast the internet is...

Obruni FC...action shot!