Footie Tackles Africa
The annual Football Marathon took place on Saturday 11 July to raise money for Tackle Africa, a charity which capitalises on the popularity of football in Africa to raise awareness and understanding of HIV and AIDS among young people across the continent. Dan Cooke (DCSF) reports below:
Five of us from the DCSF (and all keen CSSC members) took part in the event for Old Smithy Old Boys, and we finished a respectable 14th out of 50 teams.
This effort wasn't without its toll. Playing football matches from 8am to 8pm tested the mind, body and spirit and left us with cracked ribs, swollen ankles, sore calves and twisted knees! Some tales from the team:
Ben 'The Gun' Bryant:
Cracked a rib after several competitive challenges and contests throughout the day. Acquired his name for fierce, rifled shots on target.
Dan 'The Heartbreaker' Cooke:
Broke hearts of the opposition with last-minute goals. Left knee is now 'in pieces'.
Jon 'MC Hammer' Hanna:
Jon reported the next day that he had "sore calves but nothing really to moan about - successfully put back together …" One team mate replied: "not surprised your calves hurt, you did run about 35 miles during the day!" As an average player runs 26 miles, Jon clearly put in a massive performance!
Yaser 'The Assassin' El-Borgi:
One team-mate remarked: "Yaser is silent and deadly, almost uncannily charming yet clinical - off the pitch, one of the game's true gentlemen; on the pitch, lethal." Unfortunately, he limped off about half way through the event with a badly swollen ankle. Top marks for staying to support until the end.
Lee 'The Machete' Turner:
Didn't even attend due to foot and neck problems, but we now join him on the injury table!
More importantly than the football standings, we currently stand 12th in the fund-raising table, having raised £1,881 so far. But, we're aiming to raise a minimum target of £2,500.
If you've been inspired by our efforts and would like to contribute, you can visit our donation page to make a direct payment. It would be much appreciated.
If the DCSF lads have inspired you to head for the pitch and get active (but without the injuries, perhaps), then check out our Football page. Or, if soccer's not really your thing, take a look at the other sports and activities available.