Down ... but not out!

The scoreline was depressing: Makati Football School - Eleven (11) - Raya School - Nil (0). 

And that was for the very first game of Gabi's 6 years old-and-under team in the Alaska Cup 2011.

The team was totally outclassed. Never have the young kids encountered such skilled opponents. Never have they played against teams that actually employed strategies in the game. 

And the Raya Razkals played all their games without subs. Unlike the other teams who were up to 12 man deep in the seven a side tournament.

The neophyte team went on to lose the rest of their games. All against established football institutions. All via big margins. Don Bosco Academy, 0 - 5. La Salle Zobel, 0 - 8. 

They also lost to Alabang Football School and Atletico Diliman Football Club. But by this time, I already stopped counting the goals.

The kids though never gave up. Though outclassed, they continued to fight. Though outplayed, they gave their all. Though outscored, they never lost hope.

The five matches in four hours took its toll on the kids. They were sun burned, hungry and bone tired. Many of them had cuts and bruises. Our valiant goalie even got hit in the face.

I hugged Gabi as he walked off the field after the last game. I gave him "5" and quietly accompanied him back to the tent. I didn't know what to say.

What do I tell my son after such a beating? How do I tell him that things will be better? How do I pick him up after this bad fall?

But before I could even say something remotely inspiring, Gabi sensed my melancholy and said: "Don't worry, Papa, we'll do better next time."

He then ran off to join his team mates for a last powow and a last cheer:

"Raya! One Team!"