The 5-A-side football, played on smaller turfs with compact goals, is rapidly becoming the new hotspot for young footballers. With its quick format and intense action, it tests players’ agility, decision-making, and teamwork in a high-pressure environment. Every player has to bring their A-game — goalkeepers must remain error-free, defenders need precision, and strikers must convert limited chances into match-winning goals.
Against this backdrop, the Under-14 boys of Apeejay School, Pitampura, proved their mettle at a 5-A-side Football Tournament organised by Snehdaksh Sports Association, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The tournament, held at St. Colombo School, Delhi, saw a series of gripping matches, where Apeejay School, Pitampura secured the third place among several competitive teams.
The tournament followed a league format, transitioning directly into the semi-finals. Rajdeep Singh, a class X student and the team’s central midfielder, shared insights into the team’s journey: “We played four matches in one day. After losing our first game, we regrouped, tied the second match 1-1, and won the third 4-0. The semi-final was intense and ended in penalties, where we narrowly missed out on the final.”
For defender Aarav Kaushik from class IX, the highlight was the decisive 4-0 victory in the third match: “Everything just clicked for us in that game. We played as a team, and it boosted our confidence. Our performance truly reflected the hard work we had put in during practice.”
A class IX student Shreyan Nagpal, who played on the left wing, recalled the motivation sparked by their first goal: “It was scored by Aarav, and it uplifted everyone’s spirits. From that moment on, we started playing as a cohesive unit, and our teamwork became our biggest strength. Parth Kalra (striker) and Arjun Shokeen (goalkeeper), our other teammates also put in great performances. Shresth Lamba, our substitute team member also played a decisive role by motivating us from the sidelines and giving crucial suggestions. ”
Their preparation for the tournament was no less rigorous. The team practised three days a week for three months under the guidance of their coach, Mr Ritesh Thakur. Morning sessions at the school’s football ground, combined with weekly practice matches, honed their skills and built camaraderie. “Coach Thakur has been instrumental in refining our techniques and motivating us to push our limits,” Rajdeep shared.
The school’s support played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Aarav shared: “Our school has always encouraged sports, providing us with the best facilities and fostering a competitive spirit. This tournament was another opportunity to showcase our skills and make our school proud.”
Although the semi-final loss in penalties was disheartening, the players took pride in their journey and the lessons learned. Shreyan summed up the experience: “This tournament taught us resilience and the importance of teamwork. Every match tested our abilities, but we emerged stronger and more united.”
Apeejay Pitampura football team’s performance is a testament to their dedication and the school’s commitment to nurturing young talent. With the fire to excel and the lessons from this tournament, the team is already looking forward to their next challenge on the field.