Urban Academy has been growing its Athletics Program over the years, but something was missing. This season, that changed. It all began with a passionate group of Grade 5 and 6 students who approached the coaches, full of energy and determination, asking for the chance to form a team of their own, UA’s first-ever Grade 5/6 girls soccer team!
However, there were obstacles. First was the issue of not quite enough players. They rallied their friends to sign up, eventually reaching the required numbers to move ahead. Then they learned that the only available practice time was early in the morning, so they agreed to come in for 7:30 am starts. Finally, the last hurdle to overcome was that there was no field available in the mornings. The girls then proposed using the gym. There wasn’t an obstacle that would stop them or a hurdle they wouldn’t jump over. The girls committed without hesitation, showing up early in the mornings to train, work hard, and grow as a team. Like many UA students before them, they demonstrated excellent problem-solving skills and a good measure of entrepreneurial spirit to make it happen, no matter the challenge.
An Unforgettable First Tournament
After a few weeks of practicing, their first real test came at an invitational tournament against several of the larger ISABC schools, featuring Grade 6 teams from across the city. Despite being newcomers, our team stormed through the round robin, winning four games and tying one, remaining undefeated. Their grit and teamwork earned them a spot in the final, where they faced off once again against a very strong team they had only narrowly beaten earlier in the day.
The final was a nail-biter, which was a hard-fought match finishing in another tie that then all came down to a penalty shootout. Tensions ran high as our girls fell behind early in the shootout, but they didn’t give up. One by one, our players stepped up with confidence, scoring crucial goals to even the score. Then in dramatic fashion, after our keeper kept us alive, our leading scorer placed a perfect penalty into the left side netting, securing the gold medal for our team! Parents and supporters erupted in cheers as the girls embraced in centre field, celebrating a historic victory. You couldn’t write this story, but the girls were living it!
True to their character, our athletes showed incredible sportsmanship, joining the other teams for the medal ceremony, congratulating the second and third place finishers, and posing proudly for a group photo with the trophy. The next day, they wore their medals and jerseys to school, beaming with pride as the newest addition to our trophy case took its rightful place.
And they weren’t done yet.
Just a week later, the team faced their finals opponent again, but this time on a full-sized field, 11-a-side, with Grade 5 students joining in. While the opposing team had the advantage of Grade 7 players, our team stuck to their game plan and pulled off yet another impressive result: tying 2-2, proving that heart, hustle, and teamwork can overcome even the toughest challenges.
This week we soared to another victory and are now looking forward to our final playday on Tuesday, May 13, at Southridge School with our heads held high after a miraculous inaugural season. Parents are more than welcome to come and support if they can! Whatever the final results, we are incredibly proud of the spirit the girls have shown and how well they have come together as a team, as well as the fantastic performances so far.
Go Lions!
Mr. Neilson & Mr. Craven
Grade 5-6 Girls Soccer Coaches