I woke up this morning feeling much better than I did yesterday. The day started just like any other. We woke up, had breakfast, took a shower, and got ready for the day's activities. Our plan was to play mini soccer. It was perfect because one of the best ways to relieve stress while keeping our bodies healthy is through sports.
We left at around 1:00 p.m., right when Hanoi was experiencing the scorching heat of the afternoon sun. Once again, our group was the first to arrive at the venue. Since we had not eaten lunch yet, we bought some bánh mì from a small shop near the mini soccer field before the match began.
The match started at 2:00 p.m., and the sun showed no signs of letting up. The weather was extremely hot, but our enthusiasm for playing was just as intense. We played on an outdoor field without any shade, facing not only our opponents but also the blazing heat of the sun. Even so, the game was incredibly enjoyable. The experience reminded me that almost anything can be fun when you do it with good friends.
That day was truly memorable for me. I was genuinely happy to play football again. Ever since I was a child, my dream had been to become a professional football player and one day represent the Indonesian National Team. Unfortunately, that dream had to come to an end because of my nearsightedness. My poor eyesight made it difficult for me to compete at a higher level, so I eventually had to let go of that dream.
Even so, whenever I have the chance to play football, I always enjoy it. During the match that day, I felt that I played quite well and had a strong influence on the game. Although I did not score many goals, I managed to provide several good passes to my teammates, allowing us to create many scoring opportunities. To me, football is not just about scoring goals; it is also about teamwork and togetherness.
Since this was only a friendly match, I did not take the game too seriously. I spent more time laughing, joking, and enjoying every moment with my friends. There was no pressure to win or lose because there were no trophies or prizes at stake. What mattered most was that we had fun and created wonderful memories together.
Football has been a part of my life since I was a child. When I was in elementary school, I joined SSB Barito Putera to begin learning and developing my football skills. During junior high school, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play in West Java, where I was eventually recruited by PSGJ Cirebon, a Liga 3 club. Before graduating from junior high school, Alhamdulillah, I was given another opportunity to play for one season with Borneo FC's Elite Pro Academy. At that time, I was still eligible for the U-15 age category, but I was trusted to play with the U-16 team. Those experiences became some of the most valuable memories of my life, and they continue to make me grateful for the journey I have been through.
We finished playing at around 4:00 p.m. By then, the other groups had already arrived and were waiting for their turn to use the field. We returned to our accommodation at exactly 5:00 p.m. After taking a shower, we waited for dinner. By the end of the day, we were all exhausted after playing mini soccer under the scorching Hanoi sun. So, after dinner, we quickly fell asleep.