Sunday, October 25, 2009

AFL Middle East

FRIDAY 9th October 2009

Today was the 1st session of Auskick. We traveled to the Emitrates Stadium which is on the Dubai – Al Ain road about 30 minutes from home. There were so many Australians there, I think most of the Aussies that live in Dubai were out for an afternoon of footy.

The kids, who ranged from 5yrs – 15 yrs old, were divided into age groups. Alex was put in the under 8’s. I set up my folder chair on the side lines with all the other mums while the boys went out to train. Alex was having a great time with his Dad and a few of the kids. They spent about 15 mins playing around with the ball then jogged half a lap of the oval before doing some stretches. All was going well until one of the coaches pulled Alex aside for a little one on one hand ball exercise. Needless to say that was the end of Alex’s training session. He freaked out and didn’t want to play anymore, “Come On Mum, I want to go home and I’m not coming back next week!”.

We ended up staying until the end and then watched a quarter of the adults game. I think it was the dragons vs. the heat. James sat and watched with a grin on his face, aspiring to become one the teams members. I told him to go ask one of the guys if they need anymore players, but like Alex, he was too nervous.

Next weeks session will be at Safa Park, which is Alex’s favourite park 15 mins down the road. The kids will be split up into teams and given a uniform each. I’m not sure when his 1st game will be, but I’m sure once he gets the hang of it all he will love it. The poor kid will have to love it………I can see James and I really getting into the whole scene. It looks like a really good crew that get together, they have regular barbies and social events through out the year and we will hopefully make a few new friends. God knows we could do with a couple of Australian mates.

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