With two main objectives in mind - better football and greater camaraderie - the 26 of us from the ACJC Soccer team set off on a three day, two night trip to Malacca from 28-30 November 2009. Though it might have been short, under the guidance of team coach, Mr. Ong Jin Yi, the trip allowed us to meet our short-term objectives and more significantly, laid the foundation for us to realise our long-tem team objectives: to mould men of character and to win the ‘A’ Division soccer tournament in April 2010. Our itinerary for the few days was packed with a healthy balance of team-bonding activities, ample rest and not forgetting, more soccer!
Team bonding games was an integral part of our daily schedule, where we were given opportunities to mingle, and to get to know one another much better. The emphasis on team spirit has always been stressed by our coach, and indeed many of us firmly believe in its importance as well. We are more than mere teammates in the same co-curricular activity - instead, we have become trusted friends to each other. From fun-filled games, right down to just watching live soccer matches in the comfort of our hotel rooms together, the enjoyable company of one another has undoubtedly fostered stronger bonds and enduring friendships within the team.
Soccer was of course not to be neglected, and we sure did have our share of great football. Over two afternoons, we faced four different local teams, all of which were strong sides not to be reckoned with. With varying score lines in different games, our team was definitely neither undaunted nor demoralised when dealt with hefty defeats. Knowing that the odds were heavily stacked against us as we were playing much more experienced and senior teams, we were determined to put up a commendable fight against our stronger opponents. We can proudly say that we played great fluid football, showing several moments of brilliance to take the lead against them. Perhaps what is more applaudable was that even when we were losing, we kept our heads high, our fighting spirit up, never short changing ourselves.
On the last morning before we returned to Singapore, we had great fun taking part in a ‘pool side telematch’ planned specially for us. Friendly competitive games such as water polo and tug-of-war in the water, amongst many others unique pool side games, left us exhausted yet contented. The morning of recreation marked an end to our short but fulfilling soccer trip. Team captain, Lionel Tan, had this to say in closing: “Overall, this trip met our objectives - to train and to bond. In short, we spent four quality days together, and hence we naturally forged an even greater brotherhood”. We can proudly say that the trip has unquestionably helped us take a step in the right direction for ACJC soccer in 2010. Truly, The Best Is Yet To Be, To God Be The Glory. AC! Ah~Woo!
