“Aloha College’s aim this year is to raise the profile of sport in the school even further. One of the ways to do that is to compete on an international basis. This year from 23rd to 26th of November, the Aloha College U18 Boys and Girls football squads travelled to compete in the 8th International Schools Algarve (ISA) tournament held in Vilamoura, Portugal.

After a number of resounding victories, the girls made it to the final to play against the International School of Nice, France. The game ended nil nil and went to a nerve-racking penalty shoot out. The girls were victorious 2-1 with Carla Menendez and Bea Capote both scoring, and Katia Borisova saving penalty number one against the French side.

The boys’ team qualified for the final by beating a very hard and physical Moroccan side from George Washington School of Casablanca. After a 1-1 draw and playing with only 6 men after a harsh red card, the team were cohesive and kept their shape to take the game to penalties. James Navagh saved the first, Tommy Tonge calmly converted his and when the Moroccans missed their second it was left to James himself to convert and put us through to the final.

The boys managed to win 1-0 against local rivals Sotogrande International School in what was an extremely tense and aggressive affair. Ali El Basir was the difference in the encounter netting with two mins left after a fantastic give and go. It was one of the best team goals of the tournament and a fitting end to a great adventure.

Miss Dry and Mr Toal are very proud of each team member as all treated the experience with great professionalism and set the bar high on and off the field for many more generations to follow.