Getting picked for my school’s under-17 football team was a big deal. We headed to Jaipur for the ISSO tournament, where schools from all over India competed. Those six days were packed with real-game action, and I learned a ton about teamwork, skill-building, and making the right choices on and off the field.

LO1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth:

At the tournament, I discovered what I was good at in football and what I needed to work on. Each match threw new challenges at me, like handling tough situations and keeping my cool during intense games. It was a chance for me to grow not just as a player, but also as a person.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively:

Playing at ISSO meant working closely with my teammates and coaches. We came up with game plans together, supported each other during matches, and communicated on the field. This experience showed me the power of teamwork and how much we can achieve when we work together.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions:

Being in a competitive tournament made me think a lot about fair play and sportsmanship. I had to make quick decisions during matches while making sure I played by the rules and showed respect to everyone. After each game, I thought about how I could improve and make better choices next time.

The ISSO tournament was an incredible learning experience for me. It wasn’t just about football; it was about growing as a player and as a person. Learning my strengths, working with my team, and playing fair were lessons that will stick with me on and off the field. I’m excited to keep playing and keep learning from experiences like this one.