Coming to an End

Thursday and Friday marked the final days of the 2011 LPF camp in El Alto.  On Thursday we headed out to La Cancha Cosmos, a high quality turf field on the edge of El Alto, for a friendly match.  After an initial exhibition game of US versus Bolivia (which ended in an honorable tie) the teams were mixed up for a full field match during which the local girls put on show the full range of skills they have learned over the past 2 weeks.  Their progress has been incredible and it was extremely satisfying to see them playing in such a great setting.

The girls with their OWF soccer balls

On Friday we were back to our regular dirt field for a 5v5 tournament and an end of camp fiesta.  After the tournament, we had the opportunity to give out awards to all the campers.  Thanks to the amazing amount of soccer gear that our student coaches donated, plus some other materials donated by Adidas, we were able to give each participant a full package including cleats, socks, shorts and shirts.  We hope that this small gift will help these committed young women to continue playing the sport they clearly love.

A hug between new friends

Following the awards we were surprised by a feast which had been jointly prepared by all the campers.  After all the food, the speeches, the photos, a surprise birthday cake for Julia, and a lot of tears, it was time for us to leave.  If anybody had any doubt beforehand, this experience really showed the impact that both groups have had on each other's lives over the last 2 weeks.  

Student Coaches trying to compose themselves

A happy recipient

Julia's birthday surprise from the Bolivians

Eva with her LPF certificate