Phuket Soccer 7s (Primary)

This year saw the British International School, Phuket host their 15^th year of the Soccer 7’s Tournament, and of course, we were there!

The biggest one to date, welcomed 1500 competitors playing for 141 teams from 32 international schools, based in 8 different countries – making the Sevens a truly remarkable meeting place for Asia's top young footballers, and the international school community.

Having trained solidly for nearly ten weeks, with the knowledge of their team’s games strategies, and with good weather abound, we witnessed two full days of fantastic football, plenty of skill, and most importantly – good sportsmanship.

Phuket 7s U9 Boys Report

Arriving at the pitches of the BIS Phuket Soccer 7s Tournament, all of the boys were in awe of what stood before them. A giant building surrounded by dew glittered football pitches as far as the eye could see, heaven! This idyllic setting would be their battle field for the next two days.

After two defeats in the first two games, the team lifted their chins and went on to win their final game of the day against one of the home squads, finishing the day in good spirits. The following day would be the toughest challenge yet; the final game of the qualifiers against another tough opposition.

The team started the day with fire in their bellies and won their first two games, performing far better than they had ever played together. They had caused quite a stir and crowds gathered to watch the final few minutes; parents, coaches and other players. They went on to play two more games on the final day of the tournament. They won the first but eventually met their match after a tantalising, nail-biting 3-2 defeat in the semi-finals of the Phuket Plate Competition. The boys were understandably disappointed but safe in the knowledge that they had tried their very best and had been valiant competitors.

Special mentions need to go to these team members for the following reasons: Zander for being a shining example of a supportive leader throughout the tournament; Lewis for amazing tough tackles; Andy for his best ever performance; Subin for finding his strategic advice to others; Gia Hung for persevering in the face of illness; Rens for his tenacious attitude on the pitch; Yuta for constant energy creativity and finally Edward for being an utterly amazing goalkeeper.

All of the boys should be highly commended on their performance and their behaviour but most of all, their ability to work together as a team. It was a long trip and they supported each other through wins, losses and even illness. I cannot describe how proud of I was of being able to enjoy this weekend with this very special team. Congratulations to all for a fun and exciting tournament.

Under 9 Boys Team Line up: Edward Burden (GK), Andy Daehn (D), Zander McKenzie (D - Captain), Lewis Menzies (D), Rens Evers (M), Subin Le (M), Gia Hung Tran (M), Yuta Yasumoto(S). 

Jon Philips, Year 3 Leader 

Phuket 7s U9 Girls Report

DAY 1

The U9 Girls team came into the tournament naïve, raw, and very, very excited. Having trained for ten weeks solid, they were prepared, focused and determined to have fun and do well as a collective team. And boy, did they do well!!

The first game was a dream start, smashing 6 unanswered goals past a hapless KLASS team. A few hours later, we came up against sterner competition with UWCT, but with our rock solid defence we brushed them aside 2-0. On a roll now, and with confidence at an all-time high, we took on the host school BISP, and while the score-line was close we dominated the game to win 2-1. Our final game that day came with the knowledge that it would be the toughest team of the day, DCS. The girls were given a tough team talk, and with a game plan and dogged determination we came through a bruising game 2-1 winners. Played 4, won 4, and we were the talk of the U9 tournament so far.

DAY 2

Now top of the group table and with one game to play… against an also unbeaten team, BPS. Both teams were even matched throughout the game which deservedly ended 1-1. And so we qualified into the semi-finals as league winners and now faced BISP a second time. This was the perfect the game for us. Tackles were strong, passes were true, and shots flew in from all angles, as we ran out as convincing 4-0 winners. And so to the final! Which pitted us once again against DCS. The game plan was to attack in numbers, and drop back to assist our defence – a big challenge for our midfielders, but flying high and with enough energy still to power a large town, they accepted the task. The game ebbed and flowed from end to end, with a few chances given to both teams. But half way through the second half of the game, after some continued pressure, we slotted home the only goal of the game and then stuck to the plan of doubling our defensive numbers. As the referee blew his whistle one last time, wild celebrations were witnessed as supports threw drinks, hats and small children into the air.

Our girls had done it, and created BIS HCMC history, as the first team ever to go all the way and be declared CHAMPIONS of Phuket!

Mirren McKenzie (GK), Asha Hennessey (D), Celine Vuu (D), Thao Vy Nguyen (D), Amelie Audier (M), Emma Green (M), Hannah Mulloy (M), Ming Yoon Tee (S), Xuka Ko (S), Lotta Heens (S)

Simon Grimshaw, An Phu Primary PE Leader 

Phuket 7s U11 Boys Report

The BISHCMC U-11 boys team managed to qualify for the quarter final, but lost via a penalty shoot-out against SIS in the knockout stage. We may not have won the medals we were hoping for, but the wonderful experiences and opportunities we had at the 15^th Phuket 7s Football Festival are things to be treasured. With 10 players, we were dubbed as the “United Nations Team” since each player came from 10 different Countries – Dutch, British, French, Belgian, Italian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian and American. Despite the diversity, we all came as one in Phuket for football.

With 21 teams in our age group, we were expecting tough games, just as tough as going through an eye of a needle. Nonetheless, our boys were all prepared and played their very best. They had plenty of goal-scoring attempts and shots, but unluckily, hit the goal bar or wide off the posts. Our goalkeeper who was highly regarded by other coaches for his superb goal-stopping prowess, did his job in a fantastic manner in every game. We were at a bit of a disadvantage as regards to height compared to other teams, but we never gave up. Seeing them drenched in sweat and hardly able to breathe right after every game makes every coach proud to train such a team.

Well done to our BIS U-11 boys team – Steven, Rohan, Tijmen, Theophile, Nicholas, Vedanth, Kuniharu, Biwoong, Billy and Christian. It has been an honour to coach you and I look forward to train with you again.

Lamech Sancho, U11 Boys Coach

Phuket 7s U11 Girls Report

The U11 Girls trained for 10 weeks, working incredibly hard, learning the rules and skills to 7aside soccer ready for the Phuket Tournament 2016. 

We were up against 14 other international schools from all around Asia. The standard of football was very high; our girls were pushed to their utter limits. The girls played their hearts out in every game. Despite some loses, the girls acted like champions from the start of the tournament to the finish. Due to their perseverance and 100% effort, we reached the Semi-final of the Plate trophy! Congratulations to you all.

Jasminh showed endless bravery and courage in goal. The amount of saves that were made was incredible and her positive  attitude and perseverance encouraged the entire team to hold their heads up high throughout the good and the bad moments of each game. Well done and thank you for always giving 100% of your best efforts. 

Taylor played left defence and worked her socks off to the very end of each game trying to stop that ball from getting past her and going into our net! I could always rely on Taylor to be in the right position and close down the opposing player, applying pressure and clearing the ball up field. Despite her apprehension and jittery nerves, Taylor performed her absolute best and did everything she could to support her team.

Saragh was very strong and proved to be able to stop almost anyone from taking the ball past her, and if they did, Saragh did not quit - every element of energy she had within her was put in to winning the ball back and that she often did! I was blown away by her performance on the pitch - an amazing job. 

Bella: As our centre midfield, Bella's role on the field was extremely challenging and demanding. Not only was she attacking, she was also an integral defensive player meaning for every second of every game Bella never stopped running. Her fitness was on top form enabling her to sprint fast toward goal to support the attacking play, sprint back to defend our goal & communicate with the team to ensure they were all in the right position and marking the opposing players when needed –Bella was a respectful Captain and a great team player! 

Ainsley was on the right midfield; she did a fantastic job at running the ball down the wing, using her strength and speed to beat her opponents and succeed toward goal. Ainsley often took the corners and free-kicks for the team, driving the ball long and strong in to the box ready for the strikers to score a goal. You’ve been an asset to the team!

Marina was on the left midfield, so fast and determined to win that ball, always trying her best to score! She never stopped sprinting up and down the wing - attacking and defending until the whistle blew. 100% effort was always given by Marina - a team player we could all count on even if the score was not in our favour. Well done! 

Yee Chien was our striker. When she was on the ball marvellous things happened. She was always calm and composed when receiving the ball, dribbling it past players, passing in to open space to her team player and of course shooting! Yee Chien was our top goal scorer of the tournament - you did us all proud, well done!

Kashish was strong in defence, her timing of tackles were spot on. Her enthusiasm and perseverance spurred everyone on. You have been a fantastic team player, well done! 

Bao van was a defensive player - never afraid to pressurise and tackle the opposition. Many of the opposing players were twice Bao Van's size, however this never stopped her. She performed on that football pitch with pride and always worked her hardest - a special team player - well done.

Ms Lindsey Shuttleworth, An Phu Primary PE Teacher

All of the British International School, HCMC teams played with their hearts out on the pitch, winning, drawing, losing along the way, and never losing sight of the fact that this was a game, and how they carried themselves on the pitch was just as important as off it. A big thank you to all our travelling supporters who witnessed all the highs and lows of each game. And a special thank you to our four coaches who gave their time and dedication to these amazing teams.

Final Results:

U11 Boys             - Plate Quarter Finals

U11 Girls              - Plate Semi Finals

U9 Boys                - Plate Semi Finals

U9 Girls                 - CHAMPIONS!

Team Phuket 7s!