Gurtej Singh Bhamra, Grade 11
UWCEA Moshi Campus
I can hear the pin drop silence and the roaring of a crowd. I can smell the freshly cut grass and rising dust after a tough tackle. I can feel the piercing heat and the thumping rain. The first place at school that truly made me feel that I belong here was the football pitch*. From P2 up to D1 (grade 1 to 11), this is where I have met some of my best friends and where I transformed myself as a person, through triumph and defeat.
I vividly recall the training sessions I used to have with my coaches, namely Coach Nick, Coach Noah, and Coach Jacob. The gruesome ten-lap warm-ups, the endless cone drills, shooting, passing, dribbling, and more. More importantly, I remember the laughs, when someone would sky the ball and everyone would be hysterical. I remember how we learned from our never-ending mistakes. I remember all the friendships and amazing people we met, in training, competition, and just as fans. The pitch may not be the most pristine and well maintained, being described as an air strike zone from “Call of Duty”, due to its paths of dirt. Nonetheless, it still houses many memories.
I share both good and bad moments here. It was our coach’s and my friends’ last ever tournament with us and after losing terribly every year this year, the trophy stayed home, winning us our first Sports Weekend. We beat every single team, did not concede a goal, and celebrated as the team that beat us last year (IST) walked off in tears. On the other hand, we lost countless games, tournaments and conceded several goals. The time staff thrashed us by upwards of five goals or when we were playing so poorly that our supporters started cheering for the other team. It is fair to say this pitch has seen our very best and worst, whatever the case, lessons were always taken from each moment.
Though much of my experience on this pitch is to do with football, I have also played touch rugby, track and field, field hockey, and years’ worth of PE sessions here. All of which have taught me different skills and introduced me to people from all walks of life. I reminisce about my first Secondary Sports Day. I was set to run the 1500m and was terrified to run with all of these giant and older students on the sidelines. Then, just as soon as the race started, it ended. In a thrilling performance, I finished first, clear by only two seconds. The same people who I was scared of were the same people cheering me on, which had instilled a lot of confidence. Afterward, I came to realise that it was the same pitch, just a different event, I just needed to do what I have always done here.
My development as an athlete, as a healthier individual, and as an overall person took place here. My literal blood, sweat, and tears are ingrained in the soil, in both high and low moments. On this pitch, I have also been able to play alongside incredible teammates and coaches, many of whom have become my lifelong friends. Although the pitch has not changed much in over a decade apart from the two removed goal posts. What is constantly changing are the people who stand on it, memories that are made, and the lessons that are learned.
Notes:
Add a quote at the end
I reminisce
*There are two pitches at the school, top and bottom pitch, however as they are so close together and linked, they will be referred to as one.
I vividly recall the training sessions I used to have with my coaches, namely Coach Nick, Coach Noah, and Coach Jacob. The gruesome ten-lap warm-ups, the endless cone drills, shooting, passing, dribbling, and more. More importantly, I remember the laughs, when someone would sky the ball and everyone would be hysterical. I remember how we learned from our never-ending mistakes. I remember all the friendships and amazing people we met, in training, competition, and just as fans. The pitch may not be the most pristine and well maintained, being described as an air strike zone from “Call of Duty”, due to its paths of dirt. Nonetheless, it still houses many memories.
I share both good and bad moments here. It was our coach’s and my friends’ last ever tournament with us and after losing terribly every year this year, the trophy stayed home, winning us our first Sports Weekend. We beat every single team, did not concede a goal, and celebrated as the team that beat us last year (IST) walked off in tears. On the other hand, we lost countless games, tournaments and conceded several goals. The time staff thrashed us by upwards of five goals or when we were playing so poorly that our supporters started cheering for the other team. It is fair to say this pitch has seen our very best and worst, whatever the case, lessons were always taken from each moment.
Though much of my experience on this pitch is to do with football, I have also played touch rugby, track and field, field hockey, and years’ worth of PE sessions here. All of which have taught me different skills and introduced me to people from all walks of life. I reminisce about my first Secondary Sports Day. I was set to run the 1500m and was terrified to run with all of these giant and older students on the sidelines. Then, just as soon as the race started, it ended. In a thrilling performance, I finished first, clear by only two seconds. The same people who I was scared of were the same people cheering me on, which had instilled a lot of confidence. Afterward, I came to realise that it was the same pitch, just a different event, I just needed to do what I have always done here.
My development as an athlete, as a healthier individual, and as an overall person took place here. My literal blood, sweat, and tears are ingrained in the soil, in both high and low moments. On this pitch, I have also been able to play alongside incredible teammates and coaches, many of whom have become my lifelong friends. Although the pitch has not changed much in over a decade apart from the two removed goal posts. What is constantly changing are the people who stand on it, memories that are made, and the lessons that are learned.
Notes:
Add a quote at the end
I reminisce
*There are two pitches at the school, top and bottom pitch, however as they are so close together and linked, they will be referred to as one.
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