A podium finish at the prestigious ISSO North Zone

A defining milestone unfolded at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park. Young footballers stepped onto the prestigious ISSO platform for the very first time, competing among some of the finest international schools in the country. Participating in the International Schools Sports Organization (ISSO) Football Tournament in the North Zone, the teams faced strong international curriculum institutions from Delhi-NCR, gaining exposure to a highly competitive and professionally managed sporting environment.

The ISSO platform is known for its structured organisation, quality refereeing, and high standards of competition. With multiple zones and broad participation from international curriculum schools, it offers students an opportunity to test their preparation against experienced and well-trained teams. Participation at this level allows learners to experience sport beyond routine school fixtures, helping them understand what disciplined preparation and collective responsibility truly demand.

Such tournaments play an important role in shaping students beyond the scoreboard. Competing alongside diverse international schools nurtures teamwork, leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship. Students learn to represent their school with pride, respect officials and opponents, and handle both victory and disappointment with maturity. Such exposure strengthens confidence and supports holistic development, aligning closely with the values of an international education.

Football Coach Vikas reflected on the experience with pride. “Participating for the very first time in the tournament was truly an amazing and memorable experience. It was a proud moment to provide our students with the opportunity to compete at a high level in the North Zone.”

Teams were fielded in both the boys’ and girls’ Under-11 categories, largely comprising PYP students from PYP 1 to PYP 5. In contrast, many competing schools presented older and more experienced players from senior PYP grades. Despite this, the young athletes displayed discipline, composure, and growing tactical maturity throughout the tournament.

The defining highlight was the girls’ team securing the second runners-up position and bringing home the Bronze medal and trophy. Their performance stood out not merely for the podium finish but for the character they displayed in every match. The girls demonstrated steady teamwork, intelligent positioning, and an impressive ability to remain balanced during crucial moments. Their achievement reflected consistent training, focus, and collective belief.

“I am extremely proud of the dedication, discipline, and teamwork shown by our players throughout the tournament,” Coach Vikas shared. “Competing against such talented teams helped our students grow in confidence, resilience, and match awareness. A special highlight of the tournament was our girls’ team securing the second runners-up position, which was a remarkable achievement and a testament to their hard work and commitment.”

Beyond medals, the tournament reinforced the strength of the school’s sporting philosophy. Training emphasises inquiry, independent thinking, and thoughtful decision-making rather than rigid instruction. Students are encouraged to analyse situations in the field, communicate effectively, and take responsibility for their actions during play. This approach was clearly visible in high-pressure scenarios.

 Communication, both verbal and non-verbal, emerged as a key area of growth. Players learned to signal intent, anticipate runs, and execute timely passes with increasing confidence. Exposure to varied coaching styles and strategies broadened their understanding of the game and enhanced their strategic awareness.

For the coaching team, the larger objective was always development. “Our aim was mainly to give our students exposure,” Coach Vikas explained. “This was the Under-11 category, so participation and experience were important for us.”

Sharing his experience at the tournament, Charl Ashraf Talat Latif of PYP-4 shared, “I gained valuable experience from the match. I learned that winning is not everything, but giving my 100% in every game truly matters. I understood the importance of passing, teamwork, and showing respect to opponents and referees. Even though we lost, the experience strengthened my stamina, focus, and team spirit.”

Aarya Nandwani of PYP-4 said that it was fun and exciting to play football as an outdoor sport. “It was fun and exciting to play football outdoors. The matches were intense, and I felt strong and determined on the field. This was my first tournament, and I felt proud to be selected. Training helped me improve my passing and dribbling. Though I was nervous at first, it became a great learning experience,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Sufyan from PYP-5 said that since it was his first time participating, it was a new and different experience. “Even though the tournament was challenging and did not go exactly how I expected, I learnt that losing or facing difficulties helps us grow and improve. This experience has encouraged me to practise more and do better in the future,” he shared.

Enas Khater, also from PYP-5, truly loved the overall experience and said, “I really liked the venue and the atmosphere during the tournament. It was exciting to play and be part of such a competitive event. I would love to have a similar experience again. It was one of the most memorable and favourite moments of my life.”

The trophy now proudly displayed at Apeejay’s IB School reception symbolises more than a tournament finish. It represents courage, preparation, and the spirit of a young team willing to challenge itself on a larger stage.