18th March 2016:

A memorable day for the Al Ain English Speaking School boys under 19 football team. It was a day that was filled with many unforgettable memories, those of which beginning from 4:30 AM and lasting all the way through to the evening. It truly was one to remember.

In and around school the boys may not all spend the most time around each other due to the different age ranges/year groups, but there is no denying the fact that once they come together as a team, they are one united brotherhood. This was evident today, as they performed exceptionally well together throughout all of their games, displaying some of the best teamwork and cooperation they have shown all season. Although the boys were a lot physically smaller than all of the opposition in their categories, they were the biggest and strongest team there when it came to heart, as they went out and battled phenomenally well, showing great courage and determination, not allowing themselves to be intimidated by any of the suspiciously older-looking “Under 19’s”.

The boys made it through to the Quarter Finals. AAESS knew a tough game was in store, but a tough game is what they also brought. They battled long and hard throughout the game, only to fall short of victory due to a controversial goal 2 minutes before the end of time. Nonetheless, the boys still walked off with their heads held high, showing great sportsmanship at the end of the match.

Although they did not come home with a trophy, the boys knew to themselves that they were all champions to each other, especially their Coach, Mr Islam Gamil. It was a day to go down in the history books of sporting excellence at AAESS and shall not be forgotten by any of the team any time soon. Congratulations to all the boys. (Team captain Adnan Shadid, Daques Sterling, Fauz Hendriks, Nagi Bakoush, Sofiane Zitouni, Sher Gul Gazdar, Zachary Ramuran, Adam Sheperd, Elijah Chan, and Daulet Abdukhalikov).

Daques said, “It was an honour to have played beside such a talented group of young men. We have had our fair share of joy and sadness throughout the season, but overall I could not be more proud of us today. We all played our hearts out and showed to those present the capability of our school, so none of us should be downhearted. Of course I would have loved if my final contribution to the team involved us winning the trophy, but seeing us play such good football and performing so well was a victory I would happily take over any silverware. Today in general was incredible and I’m privileged to have spent it with such an amazig set of people. A lot of memories were made and I’m proud to leave on such a high, positive note. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to leave. I wish the boys and girls, and everyone else in AAESS the best of luck, and hope to return soon.”

Daques is sadly leaving the school now his time has come to hit university in the UK.  We wish him all the very best and he will be an absolute credit to his chosen institution.

Principal Andrew Thomas added, “What a superb account of the day by Daques; it has made me smile once again to know that there are such a superb bunch of youngsters at AAESS, that are representing the school, themselves, and their families with such pride.  Daques will be missed for sure when he leaves for Uni, but following days like this, he will never be forgotten and will become another of AAESS’ legends.  I look forward to hearing more about Daques’ continued success in his future.   Congratulations to all of you today, it has been great to see the support of the U19 Men and Ladies given to each other today.  Many thanks to Mr Islam who has made this all possible with the much needed support of Mrs Ledger”.