Soccer brings community together

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL'EH, AFGHANISTAN

06.05.2010

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Cpl. Ned Johnson

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL'EH, Afghanistan – In Afghanistan, battles are often fought in streets and houses, but today's battle was fought on a field: a soccer field.

The District of Musa Qal'eh and its officials hosted a soccer match between members of the Afghan National Army and local teenagers from a nearby school, June 5.

"This was huge because there has not been a sporting or community event in Musa Qal'eh in over 50 years," said Staff Sgt. Darryl Murphy, Jr., civil affairs team chief, 11th Marine Regiment, attached to, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2.

The security provided by the Marines here is only one reason this event was possible, said Murphy, a 28-year-old native of Livonia, N.Y.

"The new leadership here wants to promote and hold community events to unite the district," Murphy said. This event was important because it helped unite the ANA with the local people to bring unity and camaraderie."

Murphy also said that the idea is to give the Afghan people the same type of bond that Americans have with U.S. forces.

The two teams were comprised of ANA members and older school children that were picked the day prior. The teams played two halves on a soccer field with nearly 400 people in attendance, said Cpl. Vincent Song, a civil affairs team non-commissioned officer.

"It reminded me of a high school football game where everyone turns out," said Song, a 21-year-old native of Chantilly, Wash.

Much like a football game, there was cheering for both sides and shared excitement throughout the event.

"You could tell they really love the game and the fans loved watching the sport," Song said. "The fans cheered with even the littlest thing."

"The first legitimate soccer goal scored in 50 years made the crowd go wild," said Song.

The excitement spilled into the players as well.

"I wanted to play for the happiness of the people," said Kamat Allah, a member of the ANA and soccer player. "I wanted Musa Qal'eh to come together."

After the festive game, where Afghan music was played the entire time, the two teams lined up in front of the district elders and were presented with gifts.

The day was filled with many firsts for the area, but the leaders and Marines hope this is only the beginning.

"Our long-term goal is to establish a field with actual grass with lines and soccer goals, which will help with more community events and give the kids a place to play," Murphy said.

• Date Taken: 06.05.2010
• Date Posted: 06.09.2010 01:21
• Story ID: 51092
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE MUSA QAL'EH, AF