Midnight Football 3rd Edition has reached its highlight as a first half MF Tournament 2013 was held on 24th of August 2013. The tournament marked the first futsal debut for the participants after more than four months training. Bandar Baru Sentul Hall has witnessed the energetic and remarkable matches between four boys’ teams; Courage, Faith, Dream Big and Challenge and two girls’ teams; Passion and Inspire.
Professional coaches trained participants for more than four months. The trainings focus on players’ mental and physical endurance level, skills as well as strategies in futsal. Although participants were unable to hide their nervousness, they were excited and vowed to give their best during the tournament.
Defender of Courage Team, Ahmad Muzaffar Shah vowed to do his best for his team. “I am very excited to be here. I am ready for the tournament. I’ll be a good defender for my team. Teamwork is very important so I hope my team will work hard and trust each other. We’re going to win the tournament.”
Coach of Challenge Team, Mr. Elijah believed that his team would go further in the tournament. “My players have improved a lot in the past months. They have shown tremendous improvement during the training. Their confidence level has increased and they believe in themselves which are very important. Technically and tactically, they are ready for the tournament.”
The tournament kicked off with a warm-‐up session led by MF’s head coach, Mr Ishak. The tournament was played in league format with a 15 minutes interval for every half time.
Let the game begin!
The first qualifying match started between team Courage and team Dream Big which ended with a win from Courage. The tournament continued with the rest of matches as to determine which team would reached the final. The excitement continued with friendly matches between MF 2nd Edition teams against MF 3rd Edition teams. The final match took place which involves two best teams, Courage and Faith.
“We are one family!” –Participants of 2nd edition and 3rd edition took group photos before the match.
We are the champions!
After the final match, prizes were given to the participants such as medals, trophy as well as individual awards as a motivation for them to consistently deliver their best in everything they do. The tournament won by Courage from boys’ team and Passion from girls’ team. In his speech before the prize ceremony, Coach Ishak gave his advice to the participants. “Winning is not everything. It is a start of something new. You win some, you lose some.
The most important thing is for you to participate in all MF’s activities and shows your effort and spirit to change. I saw some of you cried after losing games which is a good sign. You have to understand this. Your tears are the future determination of your success not the tears that will bring you down. This tournament is not only about futsal, but it’s about team’s spirit, teamwork, ownership as well as for you to continue doing your best in everything you do.”
The tournament ended with prizes given to all the participants. The best goalkeeper of that day, Mohd Rafizan Hafizi bin Zawawi expressed his excitement to be chosen as the best goalkeeper for the first half tournament. “To be chosen as the best goalkeeper for the first tournament is awesome. I learnt a lot today. It’s not all about winning. Do your best and have a great teamwork are more important. Losing is not the end of everything. Instead, work hard to achieve it and put many efforts on that. Everyone can be the winner.”
The First Half Midnight Football 3rd Edition has become a platform for participants to showcase their highly improved skills in futsal. The participants have come a long way since their first training. Apart from that, through this tournament, participants learned the importance of teamwork and ownership as they played in a team and realizing their roles which is a crucial element in winning a game. Participants had shown their undying spirit during the matches despite all the injury that they faced. This tournament has taught them on team spirit, friendship and sportsmanship which they never felt before. MF Tournament is another successful program by the MF’s team as all the participants gained positive values in themselves.
