On 14th July 2016, our under-14 football team went to participate in the Subroto Mukerji Football Competition at the Essar International School, Surat. The atmosphere had a magical air in it. All our team players were very enthusiastic about the event. All the teams were warming up for their upcoming matches.

Our first match was against DPS Tapi in which our team comfortably won by 7-nil. Aksharbhai, Mumukshubhai and Nirmaanbhai scored 2 goals each and even Mananbhai scored a wonderful goal. Though they were tired due to their efforts in the match, the victory recharged them, full of energy and enthusiasm.

Our second match was against P. P. Savani IGCSE Board School in which we won by 3-nil. The first half ended with no goals scored by any of the teams. In the second half however, a goal scored, each by Kevalbhai, Parambhai and Shrimedbhai turned the match in our favour. This victory took us in the semi-finals.

The semi-finals was against the Essar International School team, the hosts of the event. It was a thrilling match. And even a tough one. Despite all our hard-work and anticipation we lost by 5-nil. Although we tried our best we ourselves weren’t satisfied. And that created a new hunger in us. It was of trying harder and about understanding and improving our mistakes. Because God always gives a second chance and failures are the stepping stones of success.

In losing the match we learned what teamwork really is, what its importance is in life. The most important thing from this experience was that we now know where we stand. And above all, we came to know that what we know about this wonderful game is like knowing only the “f” of football, we have a long journey ahead of us, awaiting for us. And to reach the destination we have to strive as per the sutra “WE ARE ONE”.

We are thankful to all the members who had worked for us and with us to make us ready for this tournament. And we are sure that in future under their guidance we will surely win the under-14 football cup.

Reported by: Arpit N Patel, Anand Niemann, Aerin Bhakta (Std 7) and the AVM Under-14 Football Team