Friends Soccer Club Uses The Game To Unite

Soccer may be the sport of the future in the United States. But for many Ghanaians in the US, soccer has a greater meaning than what it is assume to be. It is a part of our life, our culture, and our background. And yes, it is also a game, a means of keeping fit, a token for partying to boost up ones spirit.

In its 5th year, the Friends Soccer Club, popularly known in America as; FRIENDS Club, celebrated the New Year again with a bang. Their annual dance took place at their usual venue; the newly renovated hall "The Center" in Newark, NJ on January 06.

On the wheels of Steel were New Jersey's finest heavy hitters; Lord Ahimsa and DJ Ace. Focusing on both Ghanaians and cultural diversity of everyone at the party, the heavy hitters played both Ghanaian and other international tunes that rocked the party unabatedly. It was incredible to be present and witnessing the spectacular show put on by these two DJs. Simply put, no amount of words can describe the good show and the creation of the happy atmosphere that came about as a result of their display. In order to getting the music flowing, all the programs planned for the party were performed concisely and briefly.

For the purpose of incorporating glamour to the event, festivities included but were not limited to the traditional touches like soccer balls decors, badges for all members, balloons, and ribbons alone. Other things were introduced to make it all complete. For diplomacy and preservation of its good name and a reputable atmosphere, all FRIENDS Club members suit up for the occasion. That is not all, because FRIENDS Club took a step further by designating two security guards to be in charge of maintaining order and ensuring that the party ends successfully without much mishap.

The party started on time with a touching and Godly grace offered by Mr. Collins K. Kusi (DJ Lord Ahimsa), review committee executive member and DJ. Mr. Seth Ofori-Asase, the initial MC continued with a humorous introduction to the audience; Mr. Martin Oppong, the President of FRIENDS Club. As if possessed by a God, Martin enthusiastically took the floor, the microphone, and eloquently drew the attention of the audience. He followed the pattern of being brief, just like the speakers who preceded him, and actually did a great job by introducing our special guests to take their seats at the high table. Martin, a devoted President and the number one speaker for most of the FRIENDS Clubs gatherings, requested a moment of silence in memory of the departed. He continued by calling Mr. Seth Owusu (Tiki), who was chosen as FRIENDS Club's Best Player of 2006. Following were recognition and acknowledgement for the new promising faces of FRIENDS Club; Jeffrey Amoh Osborne, Nana Bonsu, Solo, Zacus, Kwaku, Jackson, Kwadwo, Martin Oppong Jr. and Colins Kusi Jr. They were all called to the floor for recognition. What follows? You guessed it. The music and dancing continued all night long

Prior to the event and in an effort to cutting down cost as well as achieving its aim of owning a rental hall in the near future, the members of the FRIENDS Club made pledges prior to the party. They voluntarily came up with drinks, and monetary donations for the event instead of dipping in the coffers of the organization.

Furthermore, the New Year's party was sponsored by the two Ghanaian owned and operated businesses: Max and Max Inc. Newark, N.J. Kingsway Store, Newark, N. J. Both businesses have also promised to continually sponsor FRIENDS Club for the subsequent years to come.

What a wonderful party it was! Comparative to FRIENDS Club's similar events in the past, many agree that this party was the nicest of them all. The FRIENDS Club would like to offer their sincere gratitude to all the members and participants who supported and contributed in diverse ways in making the event a success.

"Big up" to all FRIENDS Club' executive members whose coordinating efforts made the event a success. They are;Martin Oppong President, (973) 926-0358, Kingsley Prempeh, Vice President: 973-705-8685, Felix Amoh Mensah (Okazo), Secretary General: 973-230-2425, Nana Yaw Oppong, Financial Controller: 973-373-0562, Steven Boateng, Organizer, 908-764-6663, Colins Kofi Kusi (Ahimsa), Review Committee: (908) 241-5972, Frank Fordjour, Review Committee: 908-230-3266, Ike Gyamfi: Captain: 908-419-5023, Kofi Karikari: 908-577-8127.

Moreover, a big round of applause goes to all members who contributed towards the event.

It should be noted that this article does not cover all the great contributions offered by other members of the club. Of course, many others deserve some words of praises for their dedicated efforts that have resulted to the long run and success of FRIENDS SOCCER CLUB. However, the organization obliged to make room for other articles to be published in this news media.

FRIENDS CLUB ? HOW THE JOURNEY BEGAN

FRIENDS Club started with 20 people and has rapidly expanded to 70 club members. Inexplicitly, FRIENDS Club is an association organized not for entertainment purposes only. Its purpose includes but not limited to:

The promotion of friendship and comradelier through the sports of soccer.
Improving the quality of life of its members and the community through physical, social, and economical aspects of life.

The sharing of important ideas and experiences through numerous communication channel for mental, emotional, social well being of its members.
Promoting the game of soccer within its area of jurisdiction with other similarly structured or affiliated organizations.

In addition, FRIENDS Club aims to support and help its participants in time of need, for example, immigration issues, funerals, outdoorings, and to aid its participants to cope, and find meaning in life without feeling left out or lonely.

FOR NEW MEMBERSHIP OR ANY FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ANY OF THE EXECUTIVE MEMBERS ABOVE.