A Hero's Journey: Karim O

This picture represents a proud moment in my IDF Football Education. This one sticks with me because we were celebrating the team’s comeback victory after a tough game in the Carolina Champions League (CCL). CCL is a competitive soccer league that includes many good teams from North and South Carolina.

On this weekend game day, we were tied 1-1 at the end of the first half. Shortly into the second half the other team scored another goal and we were down 2-1. Following that goal, coach decided to make some changes and I was moved from right back to striker. Quickly after that, a play developed from our back and the ball reached my teammate playing on the right wing. He crossed the ball in the box and luckily it found me near the far post. I scored with my left foot tying the game at 2-2. That goal gave us energy and we continued to play forward. With less than 2 minutes left to play, I got the ball at the top of the field on the right side. I dribbled past a couple of defenders and ended up being fouled in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and my teammate scored the penalty. We won the game 3-2 and the picture shows the team’s celebration. We were happy because our hard work at practices and in this game paid off.

Being part of a community where coaches and parents are there to support us no matter if we win or lose give us confidence. Coaches focus on discipline, hard work and excellence make us understand that to win we must give our best effort every time we play. Games like this have an impact on our development because they show that we are learning and that when playing as a team, good things can happen.

- KARIM O, IDF PLAYER SINCE 2018