Goshen College students spent their second Saturday in Lima playing soccer and volleyball with host family members and their friends. The spirited play took place at the municipal sports complex in the San Isidro district of Lima on a warm and gray morning.
Holding symbols of Peru and Goshen College are Miranda and Livia Salas Achahuanco, host mother of Alejandro.
After picking teams, the students played three matches of “fulbito,” a scaled down version of soccer. Although fútbol, or soccer, is Peru’s national sport, fulbito is played more frequently, especially among children and adults 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 or an artificial grass, concrete, asphalt or even dirt field, called a “cancha” (court). There are six players per side, plus a goalie. The length of games can vary, but each half can last 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, and plenty of scoring.
Emma and Lucas battle for control of the ball while Derek and Derek (yes, we have two Dereks) get ready to pounce on the ball.
Goshen’s game was played on a beautiful artificial-grass field and featured exciting action and close competition. Host parents and children watched intently and cheered with enthusiasm. Lima Study Coordinator Celia Vasquez, who teaches English in two universities, invited some of her students to improve their skills by attending the game and interviewing GC students.
A Peruvian who is studying English interviews Leah.
Still, the focus remained on the friendly competition. After two games, the winners played a championship game between teams roughly divided along national lines – Peru vs. the United States. Although both teams took advantage of available scoring opportunities and made great defensive plays, the Goshen students prevailed.
Joel, Edith and Jaime prepare to return a serve.
Afterward, everyone headed over to a volleyball court, for more competition among mixed teams – men and women, Peruvians and Americans. A spirit of fun and friendship prevailed. The morning ended with fruit drinks and group photos.
Holding symbols of Peru and Goshen College are Miranda and Livia Salas Achahuanco, host mother of Alejandro.Players gather on the soccer field to select teams.Tim, Derek, Emma, Brian and Stefan prepare to play soccer.The game begins.Jaime stands guard.Emma and Lucas battle for control of the ball while Derek and Derek (yes, we have two Dereks) get ready to pounce on the ball.Emma and Lucas move toward the ball.Brody heads down field.Brody tosses in the ball. A Peruvian who is studying English interviews Leah. A Peruvian who is studying English interviews Miranda.A Peruvian who is studying English interviews Andrew.Derek’s host sisters, Zully and Galeth.Edith with her host mother, Marisel Avalos Mendocilla, and host sister, Claudia.Game action intensifies.Brian stands guard.Stefan prepares to toss in the ball.A Peruvian student tries to maneuver past Alejandro.A Peruvian student and Leah seek control of the ball.Matt heads down field.Joel break free and speeds down field.Edith struggles to keep the ball in play.A Peruvian who is studying English interviews Sierra.Watching the action are host parents (from left) Luisa Fallaque Bossio, Percy Peralta Olaechea and Jose and Blanca Ramirez Aguirre.Lunging for the ball are Tim and Dicxier Orbegozo Sanchez, Andrew’s host brother.Emma watches the result of her mighty kick,A Peruvian student and Derek seek control of the ball.The winning team included Emma, Tim, Brian, Derek, Stefan and a Peruvian friend.The volleyball game begins.Joel prepares to serve.Michael prepares to serve.Sierra prepares to serve.Jaime gets ready to serve.Volleyball action.Miranda prepares to serve.Joel, Edith and Jaime prepare to return a serve.Emma serves.Stefan prepares to serve.A spirited game ends with congratulations.Brody, Leah and Andrew at the volleyball court.Emma, Tim and Lucas get in a few laps.A Peruvian student shows Joel photos he has taken.A student group photo after the sports fun.Host family members and friends gather for a group photo with Goshen College students.
