Fútbol

Soccer. Fútbol. Whatever you want to call it, it is THE sport of the rest of the world, to which Chile is no exception. As someone who has played soccer since I was in kindergarten, this is the perfect place for me. I wouldn’t say the soccer is better or worse, but it is definitely different and more culturally prominent.

Culturally, soccer rules. Everyone watches the national teams games and follows the players and rankings. Classmates get together to watch the games together in the same way people in the USA throw football watching parties.  There is a soccer competition called intercurso between all the courses at the school each year which is going on right now. Each class plays the other classes in a tournament style competition, and as of right now, my course hasn’t lost so we are looking at an opportunity to be champions!

Both from personal experience playing with my school team here, and observation watching my host brothers games, I have noticed that as a sport, both the rules and style of play differ. First of all, we play 7 v 7, rather than 11 v 11, so the play is much faster and more goals are scored overall. The rules are also more relaxed. For example, throw-ins in Ann Arbor must be done with both feet on the ground, and be thrown from behind your head. Here on the other hand, boys and girls alike throw the ball in any which way and it doesn’t seem to be a problem.

Chilean soccer is free spirited in general, and a war. Part of that is because of the smaller field and faster play, and part of that is because the other team will pull your shorts up in a wedgie, curse relentlessly in your ear and claw your arm when the ref isn’t watching. These types of things also happen in Michigan, but less so. I really like this aspect of soccer here because you must play and fight with your whole heart and body.  After each game I may be fuming because the ref gave me a yellow card for no reason, because he gave the other team two red cards for a good reason but they were allowed to keep playing, because the defense on the other team was mocking my couch's words in a high pitched voice, or because one girl wouldn’t stop grabbing my hand, but in the end it just adds to the excitement and emotional investment in the game, which makes it better.

Being here has also made me realize how fortunate we are in Ann Arbor to have equality in sports. It isn’t perfect, but I would say girls are encouraged and given almost as many opportunities to play competitively as boys are.  At least half of my classmates at pioneer spend everyday training either with the school, a club, or both. In comparison, the girls soccer team at my school here has only existed for two years, so the level of play is dramatically lower. It is still a lot of fun, but isn’t competitive.

That said, I am really enjoying playing soccer. My teammates are all very fun and running around on the pitch together is always an enjoyable pastime.  

Viva fútbol y viva Chile!