GIRLS WATER POLO

The U15 girls water polo team has had an outstanding season, claiming victory of the league. First match against DESC was an impressive 8-4 scoreline. Ale was the star of the show, securing a stunning hattrick that left the opposition reeling.

While the news of the season's limited matches is disappointing, the team remains optimistic about the experiences that lie ahead. Our final match was a nail biter against JESS which led us to an 8-4 victory securing a win and league winners. Having a blend of talented Year 9 and 10 girls, swimmers, and even some who may hate swimming, the team will work tirelessly to develop our skills and achieve success. Many of us players are in our second year of playing water polo, and we are all eager to build on the successes from last year and be even more successful this season.

As our season comes to an end, we need to say a massive thank you to the coaches, Miss Paice and Coach Christos, they have already played a critical role in the team's first success and hopefully will help us with them all.

All in all, it has been an excellent season, and the team is excited to see what the future holds.

Why are ACL injuries so common in sport?

Sport is a great way to keep oneself physically active and mentally fit. However, with the thrill and excitement of sports come the risks of injuries. One of the most common and devastating injuries that athletes face is an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. This injury can result in long-term disability and the end of an athlete's career. In this article, we will explore why ACL injuries are so common in sports from a biological sports science perspective.

What is the ACL?

Firstly, let's understand what the ACL is and what it does. The ACL is a ligament that runs through the knee joint and helps stabilize the knee during physical activities such as running, jumping, and pivoting. When the knee is forced beyond its normal range of motion, the ACL can tear or rupture, causing pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.

Factors that cause an ACL injury: The most common reason for ACL injuries in sports is the nature of the movements required in the particular sport. Many sports require athletes to make sudden and quick changes in direction, jump and land, and stop and start abruptly (sports such as basketball and rugby). These movements put a lot of stress on the knee joint and can cause the ACL to tear or rupture.

Secondly, the anatomical structure of the knee joint can also contribute to ACL injuries. The knee joint is made up of three bones - the femur, tibia, and patella - and several ligaments, including the ACL. The anatomy of the knee joint makes it vulnerable to twisting or hyperextension, which can result in ACL injuries.

Thirdly, biological factors can also increase the risk of ACL injuries. One of the most significant factors is gender. Studies have shown that female athletes are more likely to suffer from ACL injuries than male athletes. This is because female athletes have a higher Q-angle, which is the angle between the hip and knee. This angle puts more stress on the knee joint and can cause the ACL to tear or rupture.

Fourthly, muscle imbalances can also contribute to ACL injuries. Athletes who have weak hamstrings, quadriceps, or gluteal muscles are more likely to suffer from ACL injuries. These muscles help stabilize the knee joint and prevent it from moving in unnatural ways. When these muscles are weak, the knee joint is more vulnerable to injuries such as ACL tears.

Lastly, previous injuries can also increase the risk of ACL injuries. Athletes who have suffered from previous knee injuries, particularly those that involve the ACL, are more likely to suffer from a repeat injury. This is because the knee joint is already weakened from the previous injury, making it more vulnerable to further damage.

In conclusion, ACL injuries are a common and devastating injury that many athletes face. The nature of the movements required in sports, the anatomical structure of the knee joint, biological factors such as gender, muscle imbalances, and previous injuries can all contribute to the risk of ACL injuries. It is essential for athletes, coaches, and trainers to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of ACL injuries. This includes proper warm-up and stretching techniques, strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee joint, and using proper equipment such as knee braces. By understanding the biological factors that contribute to ACL injuries, we can take steps to prevent them and keep athletes healthy and in the game.

Nooralain

Year 12

Player of the Year Awards 2023

Mark

Athletics Boys

Athletics Girls

Basketball Boys

Basketball Girls

Cricket

Football Boys

Football Girls

Netball

Rugby Girls

Rugby Boys

Swimming Girls

Swimming Boys

Tennis Boys

Tennis Girls

Water Polo Boys

Lia

Amal

Keira

Kushaan

Alberto

Danielle

Alex

Tatum

Jack

Jodie

Amaan

Raeyaan

Aditi

Christos

Mudiwa

Jodie

Nandan

Sophie

Zain

Matthew

Ilham

Charlie

Femke

Charlie

Li Wei

Mark

Nikhil

Aditi

Ahaan

Half Colours

The students who have achieved half colours have been able to show, regular participation at 1st team level throughout their time as a senior athlete, a track record of good quality performance in their sport throughout senior school, ecellent sportsmanship and a positive influence on the culture of their respective squad and DC Sport and a positive influence on the culture of their respective squad and DC Sport.

Well done to the following students:

Ahaan Punjabi, Alberto Pamias, Ben Morgan, Kushaan Sainani, Max Ridout, Mikey Cordahi, Nandan Dhanesh, Nikhil Menon, Pranav Sangwan, Raghav Awasthi, Rugby Sheehan and Zach Saldanha.

Full Colours

The students who have had full participation at 1st team level throughout their time as a senior athlete, performance to a high standard in competitive fixtures in their chosen sport, excellent sportsmanship and a consistently positive influence on the culture of their respective squad and DC Sport and a positive role model for all sports students at Dubai College.

Well done to the following students:

Alex Craig, Amal Dhanesh, Annabelle Garner, Charlie Preston, Christos Papathanasiou, Evie Fuller, Femke Soens, Iman Humphrey, Jodie Qursha, Kate Lewis, Keira Boucher, Mark Agent, Sasha Darre - Paylowsky, Sophie Siffre, Tatum Muller, Tom Haigh and Zain Rana.

International Honours

Dubai College will recognise the achievement of every student who represents their country in the sport of their choosing, the student must have performed in a recognised international event.

Well done to the following students:

UAE Open Netball - Charlie Preston, Kate Lewis, Sophie Siffre and Alana FarrellMorton

UAE U17 Netball - Molly Fuller, Jemma Eley, Maria Michailidou and Chloe Andrews

UAE U18 Rugby Boys - Charlie Pollard, Heinrich Du Plessis, Jack Drew, Luke Dreyer and Mudiwa Mtemererwa

UAE U20 Rugby Boys - Max Ridout

UAE U18 Rugby Girls - Adina Hunter, Annabelle Garner, Tatum Muller and Femke Soens

UAE U20 Rugby Girls - Annabelle Garner, Tatum Muller and Femke Soens

GB U17 Triathlon - Ben Morgan and Mark Agent (GB U17 Champion)

Pakistan Swimming -Amaan Siddiqui (4 x National Record Holder)

Amaan (Y11), recently took part in the 34th Pakistan Games, which is the country's equivalent to the Olympics. He came away with 6 gold medals and 1 silver medal. Amaan currently holds 4 national records and he is going to be competing in the World Aquatics Champs in Fukuoka, Japan over summer.

Ayaan won the first prize in pairs shamble JGE golf tournament over the weekend of 23rd April. He was one of 30 players competing in an adult’s tournament and was one of the youngest players in the competition. The tournament saw some of the finest golfers competing for the trophy and it was a commendable moment of pride!

Charlie, Kate, Sophie, Alana, Alex, Ms Sdao and Ms Jones travelled to Wales for the European Challenge Cup in Cardiff. Alana and Alex received their first UAE Cap and UAE Netball were hugely successful beating Ireland in the Final, our very own Charlie was presented with Player of the Tournament. Well done everyone!

Isabelle recently competed in her club gymnastic competition. She achieved first on the bar, first on the vault, second on the beam, second on the floor and first overall and club champion. Well done!

Kaan has had a very successful swimming season. In his 10 races throughout the year, Kaan has won 57 Medals (36 gold, 18 silver & 3 bronze) plus 4 Awards in Top Boy Selections for 12-yearold boys groups in competitions. He raced in 2 competitions out of UAE; in December; he raced in the Turkey Nationals and has achieved 4 top level cut offs in his 4 races and in April he raced in Norwich, UK and received 9 golds, 1 silver & 2 bronze medals and was the Top 12 YO Boy. Kaan has also achieved 4 UAE Swimming records. Well done, Kaan!!

We want to hear from you, if you have any individual or team successes please inform the PE department via email or through our socials!