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Syria children's football dream

Reporter: Luo Gang 丨 CCTV.com

10-08-2016 15:45 BJT

Syria's 1-0 victory over China in their world cup qualifier on Thursday came as a welcome distraction in the war-torn nation. While gun-fire is more common than goal-posts in the country right now, one children's football team is putting all of that aside to pursue the game they love.

At five o' clock in the afternoon, Yas and his friends go the town park to play football as usual. Although they don't have the posts or the right kit. They are still able to make up small team. 

" I am eleven years old and I have played football for seven years.  I love football and it is what I love to do ." said Yas, a Syria child.

Yas told us he and his friends come here to play everyday from five o' clock in the afternoon and eight o' clock in the evening. They practised shooting , passing and other techniques. Away from the park side has attracted some fans. Although their pitch maybe far from the right standard of Europe's elite, to them it might as well be wembley. 

" I like Cristine Ronaldo, because he is the best player in the world."

Yas has his own ideas on how to build a successful team.
 
Yas said:" We should have the sports spirit, and we should not be selfish, we should united and pass the ball to each other.

But there is still danger for the Syrian children playing in the district.  Yas hears the sound of guns nearby but the team are confident their environment wont stop them from getting to their goal.

" Although the ground is full of stones and grasses. We don't have any difficulties in training. " Bashar,another Syrian child.

About 1.75 million Syrian refugees entered this small town after the crisis broke out. General Secretary of Syrian Football Association, Kouteiba Arrifai told us that although the situation is not good. Syria is still working with non-government organizations overseas for more football facilities and could let the children like Yas and his friends to enjoy the beautiful game.

Maybe everyday people could see Yas and his street football team as an example of how football can go much further than the pitch. It is only here where they have true peace.  


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