The AFL: It’s a celebration of the beautiful game and our being Atenean

The AFL: It’s a celebration of the beautiful game and our being Atenean

If you went to the Ateneo Grade School before of the turn of the last century (as it was a long time ago), chances are before you learned to like the female of the species, your first love was football.

We actually have intramurals and Bro. Jess Oscariz and his Lightning Football to thank for that.

Now if we can wax nostalgic for a moment (if not the full hour of an AFL match), the Ateneo Football League is a nod towards that.

If you go to the AGS now, the football fields by the old Grade 6 and 7 complexes are gone. Bro. Jess has taken his beloved game to the pitch in the blue sky and with him the singing of “Fundador”. Although Ateneo boys learn the game through the Ateneo Football Center, there is something missing. The AFC is on weekends while we used to have Lightning Football during school days (during lunch breaks actually). Who cared about whether we sweated or smelled of the sun? We played because we loved it. First like lemmings all converging on the ball and later with much better technique and style.

Well, at least the game thrives. Although our UAAP Men’s Football Team has been taking it on the chin in the past three years, the game is alive and well. You know what they say about hope – somehow, it springs eternal.

And that bring us to the AFL. It’s simple – it’s a nod to those who paved the way; it’s a remembrance and celebration of the days of our youth; and it’s a means to foster the growth and love of the beautiful game.

Friends, right there – that’s a hat trick.

Here’s what AFL players have to say:

Ebong Joson:

It's like Lightning Football all over again!!! You just gotta be an Atenean to understand that.

Duane Tumale:

I agree with Ebong. We always want to play football (in a "more fun and safe" atmosphere). The Ateneo Football League gives us a venue to play the game we love. The muscle aches and pains are all good. Lightning football! ha ha ha.

Carlo Kintanar:

Playing again after a long time especially with my old teammates reminds me why I love football so much. Being on the pitch brought back many great memories. I'll stop there otherwise I’ll just keep going and going.

Nina Cruz:

It was just like high school and college all over again (kinda less the extra pounds). It was so fun seeing friends and just being on the field in Ateneo watching people play!

Miguel de Leon:

Action! Drama! Suspense! Only slower.

Chito Ines:

It was good to see old teammates again. I'm sure it brought everyone back to the "good old days".

Rogie Romero:

Playing the game we love while having fun with old teammates... simply awesome!