Monday, 15th of February, SEK Qatar travelled to the industrial city of Dukhan, on the West side of the country. Nine girls to compete on the U13 Girls’ Football. A total of fifteen boys, eight and seven, to compete on the U12 and U13, respectively. Ms. Dalila Rodrigues and Mr. Paul Vaughan accompanied and led the squads on the three competitions.

The team left SEK Qatar at 13h00, travelling for 1h30 to reach Dukhan English School (DES). Matches were initiated soon after arrival. Matches took place simultaneously. The U12 boys’ team played really well against U12 DES A team. With some good opportunities for goals, both teams only managed to drew, with 1 goal each. DES inaugurated the score table on the first half. SEK goal was scored by Jamie Pombo already on the second half.

While the U12 were playing, the U13 faced their opponents on the community field. With a 7-a-side squad, and without substitutes, the boys performed fantastically. DES scored the first goal of the match which, was followed by a great goal from João with a far away kick. With a draw at half-time, SEK players entered second half committed to win. A penalty was awarded against DES, and Nicolas scored the second goal. Nicolas would later score the third goal, assisted by João. Fourth and fifth goals were scored by João and Omar. U13 won their match by 1-5.

U13 Girls finished the first half without goals from either side. However, took full advantage of ‘the warm up’ on the second half. Salma scored the first and second goals, followed by Gabriela Brito, and Gabriela Satrustegui. Final score: DES 0-4 SEK.

As both U13 squads finalised their matches, the U12 Boys were playing the second half of their second game, now against DES B team. The game started promising with Alejandro scoring the first goal just after 36”. After a great pass from Mario, Jamie scored the second goal right in front of the goal. Later on, Mario showed again his fantastic skills, overtaking two defenders, and himself scoring the third goal. The boys entered the second half with even higher expectations. Alejandro, Adrián, Jamie, Jibran, Majd, Mario, Max, Riordan (Rory) showed off fantastic teamwork, and individual skills, dealing to Alejandro scoring another 4 goals, concluding the match with 7-0 for SEK. Highlights go to goal-keeper Rory, who impressed greatly for his confidence, and skills.

U12 Boys: Adrián García, Alejandro Tebar, Jamie Pombo, Jibran Samnani, Majd Saed, Mario Salvador, Max Frontiera,  Riordan Jewell-MacGregor.

U13 Boys: Daniel García, Fabian Escobar, Mark Elsonbaly, Nicolas Montesinos, Omar Awad, Oriol Cano Palau.

U13 Girls: Claudia, Emilia, Isabel, Katerina Darby, Gabriela de la Cuesta, Gabriela Brito, Gabriela Satrustegui, Salma Elbechouti, Victoria Pérez.

Well done to all! It was then time to head back to the capital. After 1h30 on the buses, the squads had great news for their parents awaiting in Doha.

The Physical Education Team would like to take this opportunity to thank all teachers who dedicate so much time to prepare logistics for the fixtures, to coach teams, and to travel with the squads to various locations in Qatar.

Also, thank you, to the enthusiastic players who feel proud to represent the school. And, to the parents, without whose support none of this would be possible. Thank you, for letting their children enjoy competitive sports, and for making themselves available to pick them up at late hours from school.