The Old Soccer Days

What races through your mind when it comes to soccer? Generally for us soccer fans, we would reminisce about our favourite clubs or prominent soccer players such as El-Nino, Fabregas, Rooney...and even soccer legends like Cantona, Maradona, Pele & Zidane.

Since watching World Cup 2006 and subsequently witnessing the finals between France and Italy which eventually the Azzurri won, I had this burgeoning interest in soccer and began to read up books about the history of the world cup. Fortunately, we had cable tv at home and I started to watch soccer channels (b4 that, I used to watch S.B.S.Q. on Nickelodeon 0_0) which usually telecast the English Premier League, doubted as the most exciting league in football history. Prominent teams in the league included the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. It was Tottenham Hotspur which I first supported way back in 2007. Back then, there was the cool Berbatov and inspirational captain Robbie Keane but shortly later, I switched my mindset on the remarkable Arsenal.

Football even affected me physically. I approached a non-official football team back in secondary school and requested if I could join them in their weekly training every Sunday even though I was neither a part of their squad nor a professional player. They granted my request and I was over the moon. Oh yeah, btw they were known as 'The Crusaders'. Not a bad name for a squad with seemingly high potential.

Training with The Crusaders at Tanah Merah field

There is no way Alvin is gonna get past me!

Playing the game of 'Monkey'. I'm the 'monkey' as depicted above.

Albeit i train with them for a only a few times, I had gained so much experience. However, I do have many weaknesses though...susceptibility to injuries (about a month ago, I sprained my ankle...OUCH!). Training was quite strenuous but I learned to endure it especially when it comes to playing 'Monkey'. The 'monkey' is supposed to stand inside a circle besieged by other members of the squad and is supposed to chase after the ball as the players passed the ball to one another in any random direction. That was back in January 2008. We would usually meet up on Sundays near Tanah Merah field at around 4 p.m and be officially dismissed at 7. It was a hell lot of experience, fun, joy, laughter...sometimes even hatred for one another especially if there is a communication breakdown on the pitch. Certainly makes my day! Missing those old soccer days...and what's more? South Africa 2010!!! VIVA LA FRANCE!!!!!