SPORT

ACTIVITIES REPORT

Participation in lunchtime and after-school activities at Dubai College continues to form a key part of what it means to be a student at DC. Despite the challenges this year of face-to-face activities being heavily restricted, the response of the staff and students this year has been outstanding! We have seen many examples of amazing resourcefulness and creativity and this has allowed most of our weekly ecas to continue almost as normal.

Total numbers of ECAs per term:

Term 1: 145 (185 last year)

Term 2: 160 (168 last year)

Term 3: 130 (0 last Year)

On an average school day, there will be between 30 and 40 different activities taking place on the school site, involving 300-400 different students!

Participation in ECAs continues to be an optional, though recommended, part of school life. Nevertheless, over 90% of DC students have taken the opportunity to involve themselves in at least one ECA in the school per week and on average, students participate in three ECAs per week.

A new focus for next term will be Academic Enrichment ECAs. These have steadily grown in number over the last few years and now every subject department is offering after school and lunchtime opportunities for students to deepen and extend their knowledge of and passion for their subjects.

Well-established examples of these are the Maths Puzzle club, where as many as 50 students every week, partly online, partly in the classroom, have engaged with fun and challenging Maths puzzles. The Junior and Senior Debating societies have continued to attract as many as 90 students every week, where they have been developing the oracy and critical thinking skills that are so important in the 21st Century.

Recent additions to these Academic Enrichment activities include societies and clubs focused on Engineering, Dentistry, Junior Medicine, Coding, Podcasting, Law and Astronomy.

A good example of students adapting well to the challenges of this year is the Dubai Keynes Society where they have continued to deliver weekly lectures on topics relevant to Economics, using Microsoft Teams. Another notable example is the relatively new Junior Law Society, where senior students have been teaching younger ones about the fundamentals of Law, and what a career in Law might involve.

With every passing year students are encouraged to see ECAs as an opportunity to develop leadership skills. They often will propose and plan entirely new activities, and then deliver the weekly sessions themselves, with teacher simply helping to guide the process. This year has maintained that tradition, with new additions including the Year 10 Case Competition, Junior TEDx, Dentistry, Veterinary, Mythology and Law societies.

Looking back over the last 16 months, at the wide variety of activities that have been available and the huge number of students who have made the most of the opportunities on offer, it is clear that the students at DC are indeed resilient, resourceful, and well-rounded individuals, who can feel proud of what they have achieved this year.

Mr Richard Dennis Director of Extra Curricular Activities

SPORT OVERVIEW

Times like these…

What a strange year to try and write a sports overview when there has been no competitive sport played! There have been no galas in the swimming pool, balls netted on the courts, tries or goals scored on the field or wickets taken at the crease!

However, rather than dwell on the negatives I have used last year’s staff song, ‘Times like these’ as an inspiration and have looked for the positives in this, the strangest of years.

Positive No 1 – The SPACE

Not only does this building hold the record for ‘fastest sports facility ever constructed’ but it also an amazing, world class facility. The wonderful new double Sports Hall and state of the art swimming pool both boast vast spectator seating and will become great venues for the return of competitive sport in the not-too-distant future.

Positive No 2 – The Fitness Suite

Having now experienced the new Fitness Suite in all its glory, the old ‘Hole in the wall Batcave’ gym seems like a long lost, distant nightmare. The new facility is one of the best facilities in Dubai and is extensively used by all ages throughout the week. As it is an Olympic year, the Games’ motto of ‘Citius, altius, fortius’ (faster, higher, stronger) perfectly encapsulates what is currently happening in this world class facility.

Positive No 3 – There’s more to come!

Although the sports facilities have been constantly in use, it is worth remembering that we have yet to swim a length in our pool and SP10 & 11 are actually exercise studios and not classrooms. Next year will bring back aquatics, whilst also introducing spinning, TRX, yoga, Zumba and so many other new fitness classes to DC. Exciting times ahead…!

Positive No 4 – The ECA programme.

Although Covid has meant a temporary ceasing of competitive sport and a whole plethora of restrictions, we must also be grateful that we are one of the few schools who have been able to run an Extra-Curricular Sports programme throughout this year. Although this has meant strict ratios, adapted rules and constant hand sanitizing, sport has continued and we have all benefited as a consequence of this.

Positive No 5 (Last but not least) – The future’s bright!

As we approach the end of this pandemic, we have to be mindful of what we have achieved and optimistic for what will come next year. As the UAE celebrates its 50th anniversary and we await the beginning of Expo, the future is bright. On a DC parallel, as all areas of our SPACE open and sporting normality returns, the future is very bright indeed!

‘In times like these we learn to love (sport) again’….

Work hard, play harder, have fun!

Mr Andrew Jones Director of Sport

ATHLETICS

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Our biggest achievement in athletics has to be the fact that we have been undefeated champions at the DASSA Athletics Championship for nine years in a row. The enthusiasm and determination that Dubai College has always brought to the competition has meant that we have consistently had many students across the school placing on the podium every year. It was always most inspiring seeing the Year 13s coming down to the Sports City track to represent the school, despite the fact that they were busy preparing for exams, or even had to sit mocks the same week in some years. Our success at the DASSA Championship has almost always followed a clean sweep at the Fab 5 athletics competitions, which bring together the five strongest athletes across each age group to represent the school. Dubai College has also won a number of awards, one of them being the 'Best School for Athletics' in the 2019 Ultimate Athletics league.

Thank you to all the coaches who have given up their time to help train and support the athletes throughout the past 7 years. The efforts of the PE teachers to organise events, provide training sessions and inspire us to perform our best is what makes athletics at DC particularly successful. We hope we have done you proud over the years, and hope we will continue to do so in the years to come.

Most memorable moments

While winning is always sweet and memorable, my best memories of athletics at Dubai College have come from the enthusiasm and perseverance that DC students bring to every event. If anyone from the original team is injured, the willingness of other athletes to quickly join and adapt to team is truly incredible to see. One of my highlights has to be from one of the Fab 5 relays, in which we accidentally dropped the baton during a change over, yet still managed to come first. It’s fun memories like this which I will always cherish!

Most inspirational team members and why?

Auxane Faye (Year 12) has been a committed member to the DC athletics team since Year 7. She excels not only on the track with her sprinting, but she is one of the most valuable members on the field, consistently getting on the podium in both high jump and long jump. Auxane has always been the type of teammate to jump in wherever she is needed, even if that means running the 300m when she really wants to run the 100m, making her a vital part of our team.

Lauren Agent is another inspirational member of the Dubai College athletics team, who shines on both the track and the field. Her success in middle distance events, like the 800m and 1500m, has been incredible to see. The only thing more incredible than her running is to see her throw the javelin beyond limits. She has always been the teammate to motivate people, and always brings her A game to the Fab 5 5x200m relay, despite her hatred for sprinting, making her an irreplaceable member of the team!

Advice for future teams at DC

My biggest advice would be to have fun and truly push yourself. Athletics is an individual sport, so it is up to you to be dedicated and work hard. Make sure you appreciate the chances you get, cheer on your teammates, but most of all, have fun! My favourite part about athletics at DC was the buzz and excitement at all the events. For future teams to come, I sincerely hope you get the chance to compete and experience athletics at Dubai College to its fullest once again. Good luck and thank you in advance for everything the coaches do for the team!

Emily Davidson, 12JMI

Emily Davidson Athletics Captain 2020/21 Benjamin Morris Athletics Captain 2020/21

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

As a cohort consisting largely of rugged, dominant athletes rather than basketball purists, I think our greatest sporting achievement as a basketball team was being successful as a perennial underdog and finishing 3rd overall in the 2019 DASSA Basketball Championship. That season was our most successful and undoubtedly our greatest achievement as a team unit.

Most memorable moments

Over the years, playing basketball for Dubai College was far from uneventful. Through the seasons, much like most teams, we faced adversity, triumph, joy, yet some moments stood out more than others.

Our 17-point comeback against Dubai International Academy at their own home court was a truly exceptional game and remains one of the most thrilling games of basketball we have ever played. Slowly chipping away at a lead held by the obvious favourites while the air was simultaneously sucked out of their rowdy crowd was unforgettable. Watching their star player lose his cool as we stood victorious and booked our spot in the semi-finals was a moment I and the rest of the team will never forget. Our epic subsequent battle with Wellington International School, going blow for blow right till the very bittersweet end was also an incredibly memorable night of basketball. We also had our fair share of ‘goofy’ and odd memorable moments like Arran Shah’s disallowed half-court shot off the roof and backboard suspender and Andreas Paschalis being dunked on by a towering WIS centre, as well as plenty of tough matches with opposing teams.

Mayansh Upadhyaya Basketball 1st V Captain 2020/21

Most inspirational team members and why

We were a team that loved digging ourselves into huge holes at the start of games and clawing our way back towards the end. I like to think it was simply because we enjoyed the challenge. However, due to this somewhat unfortunate trait, we have had many inspirational performances and comebacks and so it makes it impossibly difficult to pinpoint specific team members. This was, ironically, in fact, our best quality as a team unit - we never relied on any single player to carry us, much like many other teams did. Whether it was Ned Farrell making a brilliant steal, Tom Rose blocking shots left and right, Francis Evers making a super-contested shot, or Yash Singh and Matthew Johnstone unrelentingly driving to the rim we always worked well as a collective unit and that in itself was our most inspirational aspect.

Advice for future teams at DC

Instead of boring future teams with tactical advice (that’s Mr Riordan’s job!), I would like to give a more holistic stance – enjoy every second of your experience; every practice, every game, every long trip on the team bus, all the changing room banter, enjoy it all to the best of your ability. Winning and losing is a part of sport and while winning is, without question, the ultimate goal, but what you will retain with you, years beyond your time at Dubai College, are all the incredible memories which hopefully you will cherish just as much as I do now. Good Luck and win us some more trophies!

Mayansh Upadhyaya, 13SZO

GIRLS' BASKETBALL

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

In the 7 years of competing for the girls’ basketball team at DC our biggest sporting achievement was competing in the 7th Asia Pacific Basketball Youth Cup, in Singapore in 2018. We played against school and club sides from all over the continent and were faced with tough, competitive games. It was so fun to see the team finally being able to put into play the skills we had worked hard on in training on an international stage.

Most memorable moments

As a team, our most memorable moment was winning the Middle East Unity Cup, in Bahrain in 2018. It was our first tournament as a squad where we had the chance to compete against overseas teams and winning the final felt like a testament to our hard work during the DASSA seasons each year. We really proved ourselves to not just be a competitive team in Dubai, but also against teams from abroad.

Most inspirational team members and why

A special mention has to go to Daniela Pamias, Ebba Zickerman, Amy Mackenzie, Megan Parks and Reva Poddar who have all represented the girls' basketball team for the full 7 years of being at DC. They have all improved immensely and have been key team members in our DASSA and overseas wins. No matter the time or day, they will be at training with a smile on their face ready to have fun on the court and encourage others to do the same.

Advice for future teams at DC

My advice to future teams at DC is to continue to work hard to maintain the top level of girls’ sport shown at DC and remember to enjoy every moment of precious time on the court with your teammates.

Georgia Allen, 13JMI

Georgia Allen Basketball 1st V Captain 2020/21

CRICKET

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Starting DC as young Year 7s, we were all initially unaware of what the standard of secondary school sport would be like. We were eased into cricket at DC with the introduction of 'tape-ball' cricket. Competing in the DASSA tournament and coming up against a plethora of schools for the first time, we were soon to find that the quality of secondary school cricket was far higher than expected. However, thanks to the help of Mr Berkenshaw's intense training sessions, we were able to emulate our practices into the matches where we won our first tournament at DC. This was an important win for us as not only did it give us the confidence that we were ready to compete in this higher level of sport, but we had a coach who would fully support and ensure we were the best players we could be.

Most memorable moments

Many young sports fans have a dream of playing in an international stadium and fortunately, around the age of 15, we were able to do so. Playing at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, we were privileged to play against touring schools from the UK such as Hampton and Eton College when competing in the ARCH trophy. During these games we were able to sit in the same dugouts and play on the same pitches that we watch our favourite players play on when watching cricket on televisoon, which is an experience I’m sure many of us will cherish for a long time.

Eisa Hussain Cricket 1st XI Captain 2020/21

Most inspirational team members and why

I have had the privilege of playing with many inspirational teammates during my DC cricketing career. Initially, the name that comes to mind is Pranav Nanda. He always set an example to the junior players of playing in a calm manner, often which is needed in high pressure situations. On the contrary to Pranav we have Mayansh Upadhyaya. As our star wicket keeper of the team, he would always keep the team’s energy up by shouting words of encouragement throughout the game, even if we couldn’t always understand what he was saying! Veer Vohra would also keep energy levels high, whether this was through his high enthusiasm whilst training or purely by setting an example of what true fast bowling looks like! Lastly a special mention to Osian Thomas with whom I have played a lot of cricket the last few years. A true team player and a selfless individual, Osian has been a pleasure to captain. DC will definitely miss such a rare talented sportsman and a kind-hearted individual next year and I wish him all the best for his next schooling chapter in England.

Advice for future teams at DC

To the future teams of DC Cricket, enjoy every moment it goes by so fast; it really does. People focus on the matches but it's the training, the laughs on the bench, the fitness sessions and practice that makes the experience so valuable.

Cherish the invaluable advice of Mr Berkenshaw, he taught me not only to be a better cricketer, but the independence to be a better thinker and person.

Cricket is a unique sport, often you are on your own, batting, bowling, or dropping a catch! However, without your other teammates you cannot compete, so respect them, be on time, be aware that not everyone has had a great game or has the same ability.

When I was in Year 7 I used to watch the older players and think 'How can they do that?' A word from them or even some praise made me feel bigger (I needed it!), so don't underestimate how much other players look to their leaders to emulate their skill, approach and manners.

I wish you all the best going forward. Thank you teammates, teachers who have helped, ground staff and the legend that is Mr Berkenshaw.

Eisa Hussain, 13LCL

BOYS’ TENNIS

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

While we didn’t get the chance to organise inter- school competitions and our yearly game against Dubai English Speaking College, over the past 7 years I can look back and say that we have come out on top on several occasions. If I had to choose one moment it would be the most recent inter school DASSA tournament we played at Uptown School as spirits were high and we came first and runners up in three separate competitions, which was an outstanding performance and truly demonstrated the improvement we have made.

Most memorable moments

Competing at the Aviation Club for a chance at amazing prizes: there were so many schools and one of our teams managed to come fourth and had a huge crowd watching their semi-final. Unfortunately, my team came 21st so the other team will always have that to boast about.

Other moments, although not on the tennis courts, have to be the bus rides. A combination of the nerves and the excitement before every game created an amazing atmosphere and it was interesting to see everyone’s pre-game rituals!

Most inspirational team members and why

It would be difficult to pick a select few as everyone in the squad has given their all and shown massive improvement, but ultimately there are some players that have been part of the squad from Year 7 until now, such as Thomas Eley, Priyanka Israni, Aryaman Chawla and Pranav Nanda. As well as competing they’ve helped with the organization massively and they deserve lots of credit for their role in the tennis team as well as the girls' captain, Chiara Federico. Tennis at DC would be very different without them as they always put their time and effort into the team. As well as that, Mr Woolley and Mr Rushworth, while they may be teachers, have been the most essential part of the team and I am truly grateful that they gave all of us tennis lovers an opportunity to thrive at Dubai College, as well as the chance to face them on court! So I am truly thankful to have worked with such amazing people over these 7 years, being a part of the tennis squad has been an amazing experience that I will forever treasure.

Advice for future teams at DC

Work hard in training and always be of help to your teammates. Work even harder when playing against other schools, and work your hardest when that school is DESC. Even though tennis can be an individual sport, never forget that the school is a team, and the most important thing is to show an improvement as a whole team in ability and in communication and spirit.

Zeyad Salah, 13MDH

GIRLS’ TENNIS

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Our greatest sporting achievement has to be winning the DASSA U18 and U16 doubles. My doubles partner (Mira Kothari) and I managed to claim the title as DASSA U18 and U16 Girls' Doubles Champions two years in a row. Despite some questionable tactics from the other teams, we played well against the other doubles pairs, communicating with one another whilst also employing our own tactics.

Most memorable moments

My most memorable moment would have to be my most stressful one: we were playing a mini tournament against DESC, and both the girls and boys teams tied. I was chosen to play the deciding tiebreak for the girls, and it would be an understatement to say I was nervous! It was my first chance to 'prove myself' as the newly elected tennis captain. Some double faults and long balls later, I managed to scrape through a win of 7-6.

Most inspirational team members and why

I am inspired daily by all the students who attend practice and compete - their unwavering dedication and grit they bring to the sport is incredibly admirable. However, my heart goes out to a few select students: Mira Kothari, Sasha Darre-Pavlowsky, Nikhil Menon and Erin Keenan.

Mira and Sasha ground the girls' tennis team: they demonstrate highly technical and mature tennis play, and are always eager to support the team by dedicating their time to help coach junior players. Mira's humour and Sasha's competitive nature makes for a strong team that inspires and uplifts young tennis players.

Nikhil, a new member of the boys' team, has taken the sport in stride: he has risen from an unknown player to the winner of the House Senior Tennis Tournament. He is quietly very skilled and competitive, and continues to surprise us with his volleys and drop shots during training!

Erin is a highly committed, ambitious and tenacious player. Her improvement from 2019-2020/21 has been astronomical, which can be owed to her hours of training and match play. The immeasurable amount of effort she has dedicated to the sport makes her one of the strongest junior players. She is a role model to all young students and continues to inspire whilst training with the seniors!

Advice for future teams at DC

My advice for the future DC Tennis squads is that it is a mental game as much as it is a physical game. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the skill and physicality required to compete in the sport, your mentality on the court governs the quality of your tennis. As sagely put by Venus Williams: 'You win or lose the match before you even go out there.' Focus on one point at a time, play with the strengths you bring to the court, and strategies over analysing during a game. Stay humble, play hard, and learn. Match play and training shouldn't be as stressful as everyone makes it out to be. We need to start thinking about the result of a game as not winning or failing, but rather an opportunity to learn and celebrate our mistakes.

Chiara Federico, 12LCL

Zeyad Salah Tennis Captain 2020/21 Chiara Federico Tennis Captain 2020/21

GIRLS' FOOTBALL

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Due to COVID-19 regulations this year our team did not get the opportunity to play in competitive matches or tournaments, however through the girls' commitment to training we were able to finish the year as a skilled group of footballers. Having said this, the senior girls' football team had a tremendous season last year. One of our biggest achievements was playing in the BSAK Football Tournament and the Girls' Senior Final, where the girls show-cased amazing talent and skill; whether that was engaging in slide tackles, scoring headers, or shooting penalties in a tough round of ‘golden goal’ in the final. Although it was a close game and we were unfortunately unsuccessful, we made it our target this year to keep training in the hopes of perfecting our ball skills, dribbling, free kicks to hopefully play more football in future. As a result, the team has seen so much improvement this year due to a combination of Mr Day's advice and guidance as our coach, as well as the girls’ persistence, motivation, and commitment to training.

Sophie Tillon Football 1st VII Captain 2020/21

Most memorable moments

Some of the most memorable moments were the headers and penalties taken by the girls in the ‘golden goal’ round during the final. We were so close to securing the cup which would have been massive due to the fact that we had been training so hard during practice and that we were such a small squad in comparison to other teams, and it was one of the most thrilling games of football.

Most inspirational team members and why

The whole team are so helpful and motivating towards one another, and we have been so fortunate to play and train as such a kind, upbeat and determined squad. The girls' football team really reminds you why sport at school is so enjoyable, as the people are fun to be around and play with, and it at times makes a hard session training out in Dubai’s heat worthwhile. Amy Mackenzie has been such a vital member of the girls' football team throughout her time at DC. She is so incredibly skilled and has a real talent for football which we can see in both training and matches. Therefore, she deserves to be credited and thanked for her commitment to the sport, as she has undeniably contributed to a the amount of the goals scored in every single season of football.

Advice for future teams at DC

For all the future footballers: enjoy the whole experience of going to training, competing in fixtures and playing the sports you love with your friends. These will contribute to the bulk of memories you will remember when you reminisce on your time at DC when it comes to an end. Have fun on the trips and tours when you travel around the world and make lots of memories.

Sophie Tillon, 13ACR

BOYS’ FOOTBALL

Biggest sporting achievement:

With a myriad of successes throughout our years at DC, perhaps the most heartfelt achievement for the 1st XI was winning the DASSA 7s tournament during the 2019/20 season. Hosted on our own grounds, the tournament was a tense but electrifying experience, which closed with a penalty shoot-out in the final against Repton. With luck, Jake Hewer’s graceful – yet painfully slow – final stroke of the ball crowned us 7-a-side champions of Dubai. What made that tournament so special, I believe, was the fact that it was our first major achievement as a newly formed 1st XI. It was an unforgettable experience, and a testament to the countless other successes the boys could have gone on to achieve. The DASSA 7s could not have been conquered without the invaluable coordination of Mr Jackson and the zealous support of coach Ben Smith along the way.

Most Memorable moments:

As most of the 1st XI will agree, I think what will stay with us the most is the collective euphoria, misery, fervor, and everything in between, experienced by each and every member of the team throughout our 7-year journey. From last-minute-comebacks against Choueifat or Sunmarke, to winning the league away at DESC, moments like these, that nurtured and deepened our camaraderie, are the ones that are unforgettable.

John De Vilhena Rees Football 1st VII Captain 2020/21

Most inspirational team members and why:

Although every member of the team massively contributed to our success over the years, the 1st XI can agree that without certain boys our team would not have been the same. Thomas Rose was one of them, forming the backbone of the team with his top chat from the back, organising the team and ensuring we played as a unit. To mention a few others: Jake Hewer, needless to say, was a magician on the ball. A suave player off the field as much as on, his elegant touch never failed to leave defenders dazzled. Dominic Mamarchi, a pace merchant to say the least, was a striking forward who would find it hard to not leave his opponents in the dust. Francis Evers, a dangerously talented dribbler and crosser, inspired us with his passion and tears to leave it all on the pitch. Luke Surrey, a stealthy midfielder with a breathtaking heat map, had a hawkish vision and a mean left foot that would always save us when we needed it most. Benjamin Morris, was a nimble, lightning winger with a vicious Ronaldo chop and an unerring shot that gave us so many unforgettable victories. Morgan Thomas, with lethal headers and unparalleled strength, always reminded us to work hard play hard, in line with the Dubai College motto.

Advice for future teams at DC:

During my last couple years at DC, something I always tried to keep it mind, and what would be my biggest piece of advice to future teams at DC, is to enjoy every game as if it is your last. You will most likely only realise it at your graduation ceremony, but time really does fly. Even more now with the pandemic, you may unfortunately not know when your last ever game will be. With that said, I encourage you to work hard for every game, enjoy every game, and celebrate every game; cherish the time you have because representing Dubai College in any sport is a real honour and truly an unforgettable experience.

John De Vilhena Rees, 13CMO

NETBALL

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Throughout our time at DC, the current DC1 Netball team has achieved immense success in a range of tournaments and leagues, not only in the UAE, but also competing against international teams of a high calibre. While our U18A team continues to dominate the DASSA Netball leagues, our DC1 team plays at a more competitive level in the Dubai Netball League against women’s teams. Each season we have brought our best, every Wednesday evening, securing our spot within the top 3 of Division 1, year after year.

This team also competed in the Dubai International Rugby and Netball 7s tournament, and the past 3 years we have made it to the cup finals. This was a significant and momentous achievement for us, as we defeated all other Gulf teams in either the quarter or semi-finals and battled against international South African teams for the top spot. Although we lost, both in 2018 and 2019, we did not go down without a fight. Both times the game ended in a draw and we were forced to play on for golden goal, making it not only a nail-biting experience for the players, but also a stressful and exciting watch for the supporters. Achieving runners-up silver medals in such a prestigious competition, after a gruelling 3-days of netball, whilst maintaining our position as the best netball team in the Gulf, was the product of hours of training, teamwork, and hard work from every single one of the girls on court, as well as the coaches.

Most memorable moments

This season, however, symbolised perfectly the effort and dedication of our netball team. Despite the challenges surrounding the global pandemic, the girls stayed committed to weekly training, strength, and conditioning sessions in the gym, as well as weekly matches at the 7s stadium. The team

was able to adapt, and thrive, even when many girls on a team were wiped out by contact tracing or quarantining, and we have managed to have a very successful season. Evidently, our successes would not have been possible without the support of the entire Netball Squad, which extends to girls in Year 7, as well as our coaches, Miss Clohesy, and most importantly Ms Sdao, who has had such an impact in her first year as Director of Netball. So, I would like to thank Ms Clohesy, Ms Sdao, and the other coaches involved, on behalf of the DC1 Netball team, for their continued and tenacious support and commitment to us, both this year, and throughout our years at Dubai College.

Most inspirational team members and why

As a younger player in the 1St VII, I really looked up to the captains I had. Both Jemma Shand and Elanor Wright were inspirational to me since they played in my positions on court. Their dedication to the team and the sport, pushed me to work harder and become a better player and leader.

Advice for future teams at DC

My biggest advice would be to savour every training session, and every match or tournament. Although academic work can get on top of you and you may feel too stressed or tired to continue training or playing, keeping up netball until my final week of school was the best decision I made. You will make so many memories through playing sport at DC, and so many friends through your sports teams and teammates.

Lara Begley, 13KNO

Lara Begley Netball 1st VII Captain 2020/21

ROUNDERS

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

The past 7 years has been extremely successful for the rounders’ team. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic deprived the team of what was surely to be another strong season. Looking back through the years, winning the Latifa School for Girls tournament three consecutive times proved to be one my proudest achievements with the team.

Most memorable moments

Being part of this team has come with a lot of memorable moments notably building life long friendships with each team player and creating unforgettable memories we will take with us into our future particularly those created on long bus rides back from tournaments.

Most inspirational team members and why

Every player in the team played an invaluable part in our success over the years. Their outstanding ability displayed in every game never failed to amaze. Reva Poddar's consistently accurate bowling was a sure highlight of our team's performance as well as Georgia Allen's exceptional batting.

Advice for future teams at DC

I wish all future rounders teams at DC an incredible amount of success and I hope they continue to increase the strength of our reputation across the city. I would advise all players to actively work on improving the weakest parts of their game in every training session.

Daniela Pamias Lopez, 13LHO

Daniela Pamias Lopez Rounders 1st IX Captain 2020/21

GIRLS' RUGBY

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Over the past 6 years Dubai College girls’ rugby has grown from a social touch team, with little understanding of the rules and concepts of the game to one of the most competitive and successful touch teams in Dubai. This team have recently developed into a strong contact team under the direction of Mr Benade. The growth of the team is success on its own, however over the last few years, the team has also won countless tournaments and matches.

Most memorable moments

The 2018-2019 season was our most victorious one. We left as champions from the DC 10s tournament, the DESC 7s and the DASSA touch rugby league. During the DC 10s, we had lost to DESC in the pool stages and had to face them head to head again in the finals. It was one of the toughest games we had ever played with alternating tries for each team. In the final 3 minutes, the score was tied, and we managed to sneak one incredible breakthrough, followed by a strategic set play that led to the final winning try. It was an exhilarating experience and I was extremely proud of our team.

Most inspirational team members and why

In the early stages of building the team, we had very low numbers. There were only 2 young players in the team, myself and Emma Wade, who were led by some of the senior girls. Sophie Shams was a player who was influential, not only to me personally, but to the growth and development of the team at Dubai College. She grew up playing rugby with the boys and wanted to bring that same passion to the girls’ team. She initiated the start of girls’ rugby at DC and hoped that one day, there would eventually be a girls’ contact team. I have adopted her dream to try and cultivate contact rugby for girls in the school and I hope that future students will continue to do so. I look forward to playing for my school in our first ever contact rugby game next year.

Advice for future teams at DC

My advice for the future of the team is to just keep going. Keep playing, keep turning up and keep pushing for the change that you want to see happen, and I hope that one day I can return to Dubai to watch the Dubai College girls’ rugby team play in the auspicious Dubai Rugby 7’s.

Megan Theocharis, 12CMO

Megan Theocharis Rugby 1st VI Captain 2020/21

Matthew Johnstone 1st XV Rugby Captain 2020/21

RUGBY

Biggest sporting achievement at DC

Throughout our time at DC, the current 1st XV squad has achieved immense success in a number of tournaments and leagues across the UAE. Yet, the most significant and momentous achievement was in the U16 final of the DASSA league in the 2018/19 season where the team beat our closest rivals, Dubai English Speaking College. This season resembled what DC embodies most: a perfect combination of hard work, teamwork, commitment and the upmost effort which drove the boys to triumph and glory. This achievement epitomised the passion and drive that it takes to be the best DC winning team. Along with this, a number of the boys from this same squad were part of the Gulf U19 Dubai Emirates 7s winning team. To experience a final on the main pitch at the end of a gruelling two days and come out victorious was a special moment for the entire DC community. This of course would not have been possible without the support from the entire U19 rugby squad and the coaches involved. On behalf of the 1st XV, I would like to thank Mr Jones and Mr Benade for their unwavering support and commitment to us all throughout our years at Dubai College.

Most memorable moments

The most memorable moments of the current 1st XV team lie within the tours that we have experienced together. From the Rosslyn Park Tour back in Year 8 to the Singapore Tour last year, the boys have had countless memorable experiences. Looking back to Year 8, possibly one of the funniest moments of the Rosslyn Park tour was when Sean Ali stole Sebastien Springuel’s beanie, to which Seb, being the passionate, emotional man he is proceeded to chase Sean Ali throughout the forest surrounding the park. This moment was only narrowly beaten by the experience of hearing Jan Jirasek’s dulcet tones on the team bus on the way to our hotel in Singapore. Jan’s attempt at harmony was so atrocious that not even

Mr Jones could keep himself composed.

Most inspirational team members

As a 1st XV team, each and every single member of the squad has played well and performed when needed to. Every player has worked hard to attend training, put in the fitness and gym work and played to the best of their ability. Since Year 7, one player has stood out: Arran Shah. Arran has consistently showed up for training and given his all. He has became an outstanding role model for those he played with and he always backed up those around him. I have no doubt that Arran will continue to play rugby in the future, and he will be a very valuable asset to any side. Another member of the team who has inspired everyone is Andreas Paschalis. Andreas has, since Year 7, shown full commitment to rugby at DC and can always be counted on to make an impact to any game. Andreas is an outstanding rugby player and a valuable team member who always puts in 100% effort; he is an absolute nightmare to play against and thus a key member of the 1st XV rugby team.

Advice for future teams at DC

My first piece of advice to future teams at Dubai College is to wear your DC badge with the upmost pride. With this, you must work hard and for each other and play as if every game is the final. To do this it is imperative that you listen to each other, work together and have constant communication. Above all, it is absolutely vital that each and every one of you listen to Mr Jones and Mr Benade; they really do know best!

Matthew Johnstone, 13CMM