Thomas

Even if you knew nothing about soccer you could spot him on the field. Thomas is by far the best player. He plays like a quarterback. He’s the playmaker, seeing the field, but also making moves and scoring.

We show up for week two and I didn’t see him on the field. I was a little disappointed since he was so fun to play with. But I hear it before I see him. The shouts of “Thomas! Thomas! Thomas!” He has entered the field and all the kids are shouting for him to join their team. This week we will play against each other.

It’s just comical. And you have to laugh or else you will get frustrated. I’ve played soccer for over 20 years, and yet I am 1v1 against this 4 foot child and he’s playing with me. Pretending to shoot and making me fall backwards. He and I both laugh every time I try to take the ball from him. Because we both know it’s more of a joke.

His mom drops off a snack and now he is eating a sandwich while dribbling in and out of the mob of children.

He knows he’s good, but he’s humble. A cross from half field goes in the back of the net. I look over my shoulder and see a little smirk on his face that he tries to conceal. I see you. Bravo!

That’s why we are here. To encourage these kids. To build relationships through soccer and show them the love of Jesus. It may never go further than that. Especially when I can only say a few words of Italian. But it’s an opportunity to show them love to remember their names. To tell them good job and give a high five. To dance with them when they score and look like a fool. And maybe someday they will wonder why these “American Express” Americans (as they call us) were playing with them.