This year, two of our Year 10 students, Aishah Arain and Hooda Emin, joined the Plenty Valley Lions Football Club and participated in a season of weekly training sessions and weekend competitions.
We are proud of our girls who have not only managed their increasing academic demands but have also maintained an active lifestyle through their soccer routines. Whilst their team did not win in their division this season, they did play for the 2018 Girls Under 14 Macedonian Cup just two weeks ago.
The Maco Cup is a game played by all Macedonian teams around Victoria. Much to their delight, they defeated the other teams and came FIRST! Well done to our girls. Please read their reflections below.
"I still remember my first goal for the team earlier this year. It was on a wet, rainy day, and the team was cold and tired. I had never really believed the term, ‘time seemed to stop’, until I experienced it myself. The moment the ball left my foot, everything started playing in slow motion, and somehow so many things were running through my head in those few short moments it took for the ball to reach the goal. ‘It won’t make it’, ‘someone will stop it’, or ‘oh no! The goal keeper is going to catch it!’ All these were thoughts that I couldn’t help thinking, so that if I had missed, I wouldn’t have been too disappointed.
When it did score, I felt as if it was not real, which was pretty odd, as everything always seems real to me! Everyone was smiling and the coach was happy. Alas, my little goal didn’t lead to a final victory, as our team ended up losing 4-1. However, the memory of that cold, rainy day has stuck with me ever since and brings a smile to my face.
The team I play for is the ‘Plenty Valley Lions Football Club’ Girls under 14. We came fifth in the season, however, we were the only team that the final winning team couldn’t beat. To make up for the season, we won the Macedonian Cup! The day was intense and tiring, but the most intense moments, were the ones in the Final game. We had made it into the finals, and were versing the only team that we previously couldn’t beat, in the first round. When we won the game, everyone was ecstatic, and we sang our team song. Although the day was hard, we felt great about it. Our team was awarded the cup, and we each received individual medals. (No, they aren’t plastic). I think it was a great decision for me to join a sport this year, and it’s been a pleasure to play with the Plenty Valley Girls.
- by Aishah Arain (Year 10G) -
The day started by waking up sooo early and before you know it we made it to the finals... and we won that too! So we won the whole Macedonian cup! It was a crazy day! We had a few girls who joined us from other clubs and even with the new girls we still had really great team work. It was an amazing experience, not just the Macedonian cup but the whole soccer season. I got to know many talented players and I learnt so many new tactics. My fitness skyrocketed to a whole new level and soccer opened up many doors for me including a leadership program. I encourage everyone to join an activity outside of school that you enjoy and that teaches you new skills.
- by Hooda Emin (Year 10G) -