The U-19 Boys Football team entered this season with one clear goal: winning the ACAMIS Championship—and on Saturday, April 19, they accomplished just that.
The journey began bright and early on April 17, with a 6AM wake-up and a focused mindset. The boys then launched into five intense round-robin matches.
Game 1 saw a slow start as the team adjusted to the grass pitch, but Evan broke the ice, leading the team to a dominant 6-0 win over YCIS Qingdao. That momentum carried through to Game 2 against QISS, ending in another impressive 8-0 victory. Game 3 tested the Bobcats’ resilience as fatigue and injuries began to show—but a quick goal by Zoro off Alex’s corner kick set the tone for a commanding 4-1 win over hosts DCSZ.
Day 2 brought rising temperatures and even tougher challenges. In Game 4, a 4-1 win over QSI Shenzhen secured the Bobcats the top seed in the group. Their final round-robin match against YCIS Pudong was a tightly contested battle, ending in a 1-1 draw after an unlucky own goal in the final minutes.
With four wins and a draw, the Bobcats advanced to the semifinals later that day for a rematch against DCSZ. The boys rose to the occasion, playing smart, cohesive football and securing a clinical 3-0 win to book their place in the final.
Championship Day
The team watched the second semifinal over breakfast to find out their opponent—YCIS Pudong once again. With the last match ending in a draw, the tension was high. Both sides went head-to-head in an exhausting, back-and-forth final. Then, in the 32nd minute, Cassio’s chance forced a corner. Alex delivered a low, fast ball that clipped Zoro’s foot and deflected off the keeper into the net. The final eight minutes felt endless, but when the whistle blew, the Bobcats erupted in celebration—they were ACAMIS Champions.
The team finished the tournament with an incredible 27 goals scored and only 3 conceded. Evan led the scoring with 10 goals, followed by Zoro with 7, Jerry with 4, and Nicholai and Alex with 3 each. Though only two players could officially be named All-Stars, the coaches would like to recognize Alex, Zoro, and Evan for their outstanding tournament performances.
Huge congratulations to all the players for an unforgettable season, and best wishes to our seniors Alex, Zoro, and Nicholai as they head off to university. The legacy of this championship team will surely inspire future Bobcats for seasons to come!
Thanks to Coach Manderville and Coach Bartlett for all of their hard work.
Our U-19 Girls’ Soccer Team Shines at ACAMIS!
Our U-19 Girls’ Soccer team recently competed in the ACAMIS tournament hosted by Dulwich College Suzhou. While they finished in fifth place, their performance was nothing short of inspiring.
This young and developing squad showed remarkable grit, teamwork, and resilience from start to finish. Despite opening the tournament with three hard-fought losses against top-tier opponents, the girls kept every match fiercely competitive, never backing down and always learning. With each game, their confidence grew, and their on-field chemistry became undeniable.
Their breakthrough moment came in a thrilling 3-2 win over YCIS Qingdao, where Isabella stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick—each goal more spectacular than the last. In a closely contested playoff rematch, the team gave it their all but narrowly missed out on another win to close out the tournament.
A special shoutout to our senior players, Alisha and Aliana, whose stellar play and steady leadership anchored the team. They led with heart and resilience, leaving a powerful legacy for the next generation of players.
Coach Hambrook extends heartfelt thanks to Coach Laura who generously volunteered as a parent-coach, and to Athletic Director Brett Mitchell, for traveling with the team and ensuring the trip ran smoothly from start to finish.
We couldn’t be prouder of this incredible group. Their progress is a testament to their dedication, and with continued hard work, the future is looking very bright for this team!
