Fresh from winning a remarkable treble, GYS had the opportunity to speak to a delighted BSAK U16 Girl’s Football team to reflect on an incredible season.
The squad won the ADISSA League, Cup, and BSAK 7’s titles this year, and coach Ruairi Carr couldn’t be prouder of his players:
“When I started coaching this group it was obvious they had natural talent and they were capable of doing well,” he said. “I knew they had the ability to win everything this year but the fight and comradery they showed all season was amazing.
“There were a number of times that their backs were up against the wall, but the more experienced members of the team stood up and scored important goals at important times.
Their path to the treble began with a 3-1 victory over DESC in the BSAK 7’s. Fay Al-Quimi scored a hat-trick in a team performance that was all the more impressive considering DESC had beaten them in the group stages of the tournament.
In fact, it was the high point of the season for 15-year-old midfielder Amalia Angel Velasquez. She said: “The competition gets better every year in 7’s, so winning that was my personal highlight this year, especially having been beaten 1-0 by DESC in the group stages.
“It felt so good to come back in the final and regain the 7’s title.”
Carr concurred: “[The 7’s final] was by a distance the best game I have seen the players play all year,” he said. “The football that the girls played was outstanding, as was the fight from everybody on the pitch.
“It’s a game I will remember for some time to come.”
Victory against Brighton College in the last match of the league season meant BSAK finished the campaign with a 100% record, before a 4-0 victory over Raha International School in the ADISSA Cup final rounded off a fantastic treble.
And both Velasquez and Carr credit the team’s success to the bond and hard-working attitude of the squad.
Velasquez said: “All of the girls in the squad have gotten really close and it’s made playing and training with them so much fun.
“It’s massively helped our game and it’s one of the reasons why we were so successful.”
Carr added: “Every week at training everybody gave one hundred percent effort and – more importantly – we had a laugh; squads have been rotated to give everyone a chance to participate and show what they can add.
“We have a squad of 20 girls, and everyone got game time during the league; our one hundred percent record is credited to every member of the squad.”
Attitude is something Velasquez is quick to highlight, and recommends anyone looking to take their game to the next level remains committed and driven:
“Always keep a high work ethic and it will pay off,” she said. “Maybe not immediately, but it will come as long as you work hard for it and really, really want it.”
As for her and her teammates, the season is over and attentions turn to end of year exams, and Carr would like to take one final moment to thank his squad for their efforts over the season.
He said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say well done to everybody in the squad and wish all the very best for the future to the girls who won’t be with us at BSAK next year. Well done girls.”