Soccer players at the Jurf Secondary School in Jurf as Sahkr, Iraq, pose for a photo in their new uniforms, which were donated by Coalition troops.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKAN (April 14, 2008) — One of the first things Soldiers noticed on the ground in Jurf as Sahkr, Iraq, was how much local residents loved soccer.
In area businesses, soccer posters adorned the walls, while children made soccer fields out of empty lots and played heated matches. Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, gave the local secondary school a boost in pursuit of their favorite sport.
First Lt. Kevin Brown, a native of Indianapolis, along with members of his platoon, presented the headmaster of the Jurf Secondary School a complete set of soccer uniforms; enough to outfit a 16-man team, including a goalie and referee uniform. The intent was to help the school build pride, motivation and ethics through the dedication and competition that is associated with school team sports, said Brown. The headmaster enthusiastically accepted the gift.
“The uniforms are excellent and I will put them to good use,” said Yasin, the headmaster. “They will be a big help for the school.”
The platoon left the uniforms with the headmaster and returned the following day to take a team photo. Enthusiasm beamed on the faces of the young players as they hurriedly started kicking the ball around in the school courtyard, wearing their new uniforms. The headmaster thanked the Soldiers for the gift and the care they have shown the school.
“These young adults are very important because they are the next generation of Iraq and the future, and because of that we are very willing to help the school out as much as possible,” Brown said.