Goshen College students devoted one of their final Saturdays in Lima to play. Along with host family members and friends, they went to Parque Mariscal Castilla in the Lince district of Lima to play “fulbito,” a scaled down version of soccer.
Caleb makes his move.
Fútbol, or soccer, is Peru’s national sport, but fulbito is played more frequently, especially among children and adults and regardless of their fitness level, because it can be played on a smaller field and with fewer players. A Peruvian invention, fulbito is played on a basketball or volleyball court, of artificial grass, concrete, asphalt or even dirt, called a “cancha” (court). There are six players per side, plus a goalie. The length of games can vary, but each half can as little as 15 minutes, depending how long the players have access to the court. And although there is usually a referee, the emphasis is on fun, teamwork, trash talk and plenty of scoring.
Aimee moves into position to prevent a goal from being scored.
For our game, the host parents watched as their children and friends played a spirited mixed game with the Goshen students. The knowledgeable referee, who claimed to be “fair and incorruptible,” was Oswaldo Aguirre, the husband of Lima Study Coordinator Celia Vasquez. There was excellent game action and all of the players worked up a sweat.
Jackson keeps his eye on the ball.
After a break, the players roughly divided themselves along national lines – Peru vs. the United States. For about 40 minutes, they ran, passed and scored. Although Peru put up a spirited defense, but the American offense was too powerful and the Goshen students prevailed by a lopsided margin. Afterward, a disappointed host father commented that the Peruvians lost because they did not play well as a team – the same characteristic, he said, plaguing Peru’s real national team, which failed to qualify for this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Americans and Peruvians shake hands after the game. The Americans prevailed –as did friendship.
Despite that, all of the students, family members and friends had an enjoyable time on a sunny and warm day. And all left the court together – Americans and Peruvians – and strolled through the tree-lined park in friendship and with smiles and laughter.
Oswaldo Aguirre strides onto the “fulbito” court to start the game.Oswaldo Aguirre explains the ground rules to the soccer players.The game of fulbito begins.Jakes takes aim.Players jockey for position and the ball.Caleb and Jake seek control of the ball.Neal moves down the court.Thomas readies a pass.April and Dean move toward the ball.Dean passes to another player while April limits his advance.Jackson moves down the court.Jose, Blanca and Nicolas Ramirez, Neal’s host parents and brother, enjoy the game.Oswaldo Aguirre, husband of Lima Study Coordinator Celia Vasquez, served as the firm but fair referee for the fulbito game.Lima host family members enjoy the game.Thomas and Neal relax during a break in the action.Caleb takes a breather.Jake prevents a goal from being scored while Neal, Caleb and Natalie prepare to re-engage in the action.Natalie enjoys the game.Jackson, Caleb and Thomas try to gain control of the ball.Caleb and Natalie seek control of the ball.Aimee moves into position to prevent a goal from being scored.Thomas lets fly a goal attempt.Adriano and Claudia Avalos, Natalie’s host nephew and sister, take in the game action.Caleb, who is shadowed by Neal, prepares another goal attempt against Jake.Adriano Avalos, Natalie’s host nephew, sharpens his soccer skills.Maria enjoys the game with her host mother, Charo Calderon.Natalie pauses to observe the play a half court away.Thomas prepares to pass the ball.Jackson keeps his eye on the ball.Aimee fends off another goal attempt by Caleb.Neal with his host mother, Blanca Ramirez.Students, host family members and friends savor a break.Jackson’s host sisters, Dhaynee and Dyadai Orbegozo Sanchez.Dean takes his turn as goalie.Caleb makes his move.April moves into position to stop the advance of a rival player.Americans and Peruvians shake hands after the game. The Americans prevailed –as did friendship.Maria, April and Natalie signal thumbs up for a great afternoon of play and friendship.
