On Friday, the 19th, a squad of 11 players competed in the Volkswagen Junior Masters Middle East tournament. This was the second year SEK Qatar participated in the event, promoted by Ms. Paula Rego, who also selected the players to represent the school on this competition of 9-a-side football. The event took place at Al-Markhyia Sports Club between 8:45 and 15:00.

On the Group stage draw, SEK integrated the Group A. Group A: Qatar Foundation – Rec Team; Dutch School; SFQ; SEK Qatar. Group B: Qatar Foundation – ECCH Team; German School; Future IFA; Newton School Futsal Academy.

Each match was ten minutes long. The team had a fantastic performance throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. First match with 9 goals to 1. Second match 1-0; Third match 8-1; Fourth 5-0. On the semi-final, the team won 7-0. And, the final with another impressive score of 5 goals to nil.

The best player was Daniel García.

Squad: Adrián García, Alejandro Tebar, Daniel García, Ignacio Montesinos, Jaime Pombo, John Elsonbaty, Majd Saed, Mario Salvador, Nicolas Montesinos, Oriol Cano, Riordan Jewell-MacGregor.

Physical Education Teachers: Ms. Paula Rego, Mr. Eduardo Cary.

The P.E. Teachers would like to say a big thank you for the fantastic support they received from all the players’ parents, who also spent the whole day at the event supporting their children on this great competition. Well done to all. The next competition will take place in Dubai (United Arab Emirates) on the weekend of 18th-19th of March. Best of luck!

Note: Qatar’s newspaper Gulf Times published an article about this on the 24th of February, with the title “School team wins Qatar leg of Volkswagen Tournament”. To read the article use the following link: http://www.gulf-times.com/story/481328/School-team-wins-Qatar-leg-of-Volkswagen-Tournamen

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.

This academic year, the Physical Education team organised two days of Sports’ Day. On Tuesday 26th of January, the events started with Grade 5 pupils leading great activities for the Pre-school 3 and Pre-school 4 classes. The event was organised by Grade 5’s, as part of their U.o.I. on Event Organisation.

Pre-school 5, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4 classes participated on their own event later on the same day. Despite the chilly wind conditions, pupils participated competitively for their house teams. Results showed a good share of victories.

Sports’ Day would not be possible to run without the help of every class teacher, and teaching assistants who were involved. For which, again, the P.E. team would like to thank their co-operation during the events.

On Thursday 28th of January, it was time for MYP and Grade 5 students to enjoy their Sports’ Day. Great participation, enjoyment, and cheerfulness was observed from both students and teachers running the events which, had a focus on athletics’ disciplines.

On Monday, 30th of November, took place the SOP Boys’ Basketball 3×3 Level 1 and Level 2 competitions. Sixteen pupils represented SEK Qatar on the competitions. Both level groups got to the finals, and finished runners up in their Level. This was a great day for SEK Basketball.

Photographs and videos can be seen on the Schools Olympic Program’s Twitter page, published on the 30th of November @schoolsolympic.

Squads: Adrián Gracía, Beausoleil Douglas, Daniel García, Filip Loncaric, Gabriel El Bechouti, Guillermo Lopez, Humberto Baptista, Ignacio Montesinos, Ignacio Narro, Leonardo Bettoni, Maria El Bechouti, Omar Mohamed, Pablo Perez, Ryan Dollman, Ryota Yamazaki-Wolf, Samuel Hecker.

On Tuesday, 24th of November, SEK Qatar U14 Boys’ Basketball travelled to play against Newton British Academy (NBA). The squad played well, showing improvement from past performances which, resulted on a close final score. NBA beat SEK by 17-14.

On the same day, the U14 Boys’ Football team had their match against Compass International School. One of the highlights of the game was the moment when player Ignacio Narro Tebar scored a fantastic goal which, drew the match on 2-2.

On the 20th of October the U14 Girls’ Volleyball squad attended the first tournament at Al Khor International School. Last Wednesday, 4th of November, SEK Qatar competed on the second tournament. Our U14 Girls’ Volleyball squad travelled to Qatar Academy Doha, accompanied by Mr. Eduardo Cary and Mr. Paul Vaughan, to play three matches against Park House English School, Doha College, and Qatar Academy Doha. With yet very little experience, and despite losing all three games, the U14 Girls opposed well against Qatar Academy Doha.

Squad: Gabriela de la Cuesta, Gabriela Ponte Brito, Katerina Darby, Laila Shokair, Maria Claudia, Maria Emilia, María Isabel, Salma Elbechouti, Tsunami, Victoria Perez.

On Tuesday, 27th of October, our Boys’ Basketball squad participated on a the second stage of the Schools Olympic Program. The boys were enthusiastic to compete again, after a great participation on the first stage of the S.O.P. Level 1. However, with just 1 field goal scored by Filip Loncaric the match ended at 6-2 against SEK Qatar. Great participation, and teamwork between Grade 2, Grade 3, and Grade 4 pupils.

Squad: Filip Loncaric (G.3), Gabriel Elbechouti Salvador (G.4), Guillermo López Doblado (G.4), Humberto Filipe Rego Baptista (G.2), Ignacio Narro Tebar (G.4), Javier Pombo Rubio (G.2), Leonardo Bettoni (G.4), Martin Utrera Valle (G.2), Omar Mohamed (G.4), Simon Humphrey Reverdy (G.4).

One month into the Academic Year 2015-2016 marks the start of the new season of inter-schools competitions across Qatar. This year SEK Qatar will continue to participate in the Schools Olympic Program (SOP), and Qatar United English Speaking Schools (QUESS).

This year SEK Qatar will compete in the SOP in Football and Basketball (Level 1 for Pre 5 and Grade 1); QUESS Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Netball, Rugby, and Volleyball; QPPSSA Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, and Football (Level 1 for Grade 2-3, Level 2 for Grade 4-5).

In 2014-2015, SEK Qatar won the QUESS Newcomer Award for its’ successful results in different sports tournaments.

The Physical Education Team looks forward to another year of sports competitions. We would like to wish best of luck to all coaches and players. Have fun!

On June 7th, SEK Girls’ Basketball team travelled to Mesaieed International School (MIS) to play two basketball matches. SEK draw 8-8 against MIS A team, and lost 12-4 points on the match versus MIS B team.

On the 9th of June, SEK hosted the Boys’ Basketball matches. Doha College (DC) A team won 13-12 points against SEK on what was a very competitive dispute until the end the match. SEK played a second match against DC B team with a final score of 17-4 points to DC B.

We would like to congratulate the SEK Boys’ Basketball team who at the start of the season lost 45-0 against DC A team, and now managed to come close to a win. Well done, team!

These matches finalised what was SEK International School Qatar first academic year participation in the Qatar United English Speaking Schools (QUESS) league. This was a successful first year participation for SEK Qatar and its’ Physical Education team. Well done to all the coaches, and many thanks for the support of all staff involved.

On Wednesday 11th of March, SEK Qatar hosted another QUESS basketball game against Compass International School. Al Khor International School (AKIS) was also scheduled to compete but, due to the U11 British Schools of the Middle East (BSME) Games taking place in Qatar, AKIS was unable to attend. SEK led the first half of the game. However, was unable to keep the lead in the score losing the game by 8-17 to Compass.