Team Lausanne
It was an international tournament, with teams from Marseilles, Paris, Thun, Zürich, Geneva, Schaffhausen and Lausanne. The men and women players ranged from 12 to 55 years old. Fans were enthusiastic but polite, often rooting for the underdog.Yesterday afternoon the Third Annual Churches of Christ Indoor Football (soccer) Tournament ended with a first place finish by Team Paris.
Though we live in Switzerland, we know our French brethren much better than the German-speaking Swiss Christians. Two years ago, the Shaffhouse Church decided to host this tournament to encourage better relations between Christians on either side of the language barrier. Geneva participated that year and the following, and several of their members decided to host this year’s event. 6 players from Geneva made Lausanne’s contingency of 5 complete. Those who stayed the entire weekend slept in the nearby nuclear bomb shelter.
The toughest part of the tournament was when Lausanne, with Son 2 (goalie) and Daughter, played Marseilles and Son 1 (goalie). Wife and I cheered for both goalies and for Daughter whenever she dribbled the ball.
A church sports’ league may sound commonplace to you, but for Europeans it is a unique experience providing opportunity for cross-language communion and worship.
posted by Brady @ 9:43 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Sounds great.
I've played on my share of church softball teams. I remember one in particular that wasn't a member of a church league but part of a city league. And some of our teammates acted worse than members of non-church teams. It was pretty embarrassing. In fact, if memory serves, I think I quit.
Looks like the fellowship and example of your teams was far better.
Sounds like a great possible idea for contact between Maastricht and Liege (so close and yet so far) and others! Thanks for the idea (whether it was yours or not). Sounds like you guys had a great time.
It was through the avenue of "church softball and basketball" that I started going to church on my own as an older teen.
Very encouraging to see what is taking place in your neck of the world.
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