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The Greenfields Cup was a cruel reminder for some during yesterday’s quarterfinal round that the difference between success and failure can be a very narrow margin.

When Cita Buana Under-10 goalkeeper Aria Radif pushed away JIS’s fifth kick in their penalty shootout and sent the CB fans into ecstasy, he also delivered a death blow to JIS U10A’s season, which up until then had promised so much. The two sides had fought out an action-packed, 1-1 draw in regular playing time in front of a highly vocal group of parents, but it was not to be for JIS.

The day before, the JIS side had gone down 6-3 to BIS A, which saw it out of medal contention. Coach Wayne Kelsey was reflective in defeat.

“We have to approach it differently next year. We need more preparation and start earlier,” he said.

Such is the level of competition in this tournament for the winners. But what about in the C and D divisions, where the skill levels may not be so high but where you will find no less enthusiasm?

Here you find schools such as newcomer Ichthus International School from South Jakarta, which crashed to its fifth successive defeat in U12C conceding 10 goals each game. Why do they turn up each week with the enthusiasm that they do?

Its coach was realistic but full of hope. “We are new, and it takes time to adapt to the level of play even in the C Division. Our players are sometimes smaller than the others and we need to learn. Next season we’ll do better,” he said.

A parent watching on the sidelines was equally optimistic and so was his son, who turned up each week believing that this week, “We’ll do better.”

“It has been positive for us despite losing,” the father said. “Our kids enjoy playing and the team spirit that we have together is a good thing to learn.”

There are two weeks of competition left before the Greenfields Cup and Coca-Cola League Awards ceremony, set for April 17 for U8s and U10s and April 24 for the older divisions.