When you see a group of foreign girls playing soccer (and laughing) at Tianhe Sports Centre, don't be surprised! When you see a 9 month pregnant woman walking by the pitch guiding her team, don't be surprised either!
Guangzhou Girls Football Team, a loose association of expat women living in Guangzhou, emerged last year. The team has gathered at least 30 football lovers from Uruguay, Australia, Spain, France, Thailand, Italy, Colombia, US, Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and China.
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A 9 Month Pregnant Team Leader
The team leader Irene, a woman from Uruguay, is going to give birth to a child next month. However she still comes every Wednesday night to watch the team training. "I'm so happy to see their improvement. I can see how they control and chase the ball. It's great fun for me!"
During the interview, Irene kicked the ball a little, which indicated that she was eager to play football on the pitch. "I will go back to the football pitch after my child's born." Irene said with a smile.
Team leader Irene (middle), Coach Nick (left) and Coach Kara (right)
Girl Power: Soccer for Fun
Both Irene and her Spanish friend love soccer. Yet they have been exclusive from the boys team before. The idea of a girl's football team came to mind and a recruitment message was passed around by word of mouth; more and more friends and acquaintances are joining the team all the time.
At the very beginning, the football fans were high in commitment but short on skill. As Irene described, when the ball was on the left, everyone ran to the left too. Everybody tried to kick the ball; just to have fun!
But now, after coaching by a Canadian Girl called Kara, and an Englishmen called Nick, the team's skills are improving gradually.
The current team is comprised of players with a variety of jobs, including teachers, company staff, consulate staff, and wives. They play each Wednesday night from 8:30pm to 10pm at Tianhe Sports Centre.
Different Languages, Same Hobby
As a real international team, different languages bring communication difficulties, but also joy. Body language helps on the football pitch because playing soccer is their mutual hobby.
Chinese American Chien Wen felt homesick when she first worked in Guangzhou. "Even my parents haven't been to China, but we know we are from Guangdong. After joining the team, we made friends and had parties. The team really makes your life easier. Why didn't I find the team earlier? It's a pity that I will go back to the US soon."
Chinese American Chien Wen
Friendly Match and Tournament Ahead
The girls were expected to have a match with another expat girl's team from Chengdu, Sichuan Province named Shamrock Football Team. However, considering their skills are still limited, the girls decided to postpone the game.
But they are willing to play against other teams in Guangzhou, especially girls. Chinese girl's teams are welcome too!
(Reported by Shanna Chu, proofread by Alan Devey)
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