Saigon Women's Football

#nextchaptervietnam

This weekend marked the end of my first women's football league in Saigon.
My team - Thunder - finished off the season with a 3-2 win to secure 3rd place.
Our 'sister' team - Storm - won their final game to put them on top of the table.
It was wonderful to be able to celebrate both teams success during the closing ceremony.

Thunder

Storm

There were awards, beers in some hands, music blasting, with lots of singing, clapping and dancing of course.
I stood there in awe of everything happening around me.
The more I spend time here in Vietnam, the more I realize that the people really enjoy their celebrations, which is so fun to witness!

A glimpse of the closing ceremony

During the 'party', many awards were handed out.

Indeed there were medals for the top 3 teams, but there were also several team and individual awards.

I was very honored to be presented with the league's MVP award.

People, both on and off the field, were very complimentary of my game-play throughout the season and I could not be more grateful for their on-going support.

League's MVP

One of my best goals this season

To finish off the night, a group of us decided to head out for some food and drinks.

It's always a pleasure sitting, chatting and getting to know the ladies.

Celebrations continued

It's no secret that I was a bit skeptical about playing soccer (football) upon my arrival here in Vietnam, however I can honestly say that things have turned out to be...well...pretty fun!

The ladies I have been playing with over the last few months have been so welcoming, positive, supportive and enthousiastic.

I've truly enjoyed playing with them, getting to know them and learning from them.

They've made it -a bit more- worth the long 45 minutes motorbike rides to and from the pitch every week.

Some of my teamates after a league game

Một, Hai, Ba - Thunder!

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