Update on Varsity Soccer: Get Your Kicks

Despite the initial concerns that interscholastic events for varsity soccer would not transpire due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both boys’ and girls’ teams were given a number of opportunities in March of 2021 to compete with different schools situated in Guangzhou.

 

On March 13 at AISG, the first game occurred where the boys’ and girls’ soccer team competed against Clifford International school. The boys’ team started of shaky but ended the game with a 5-3 victory, while the girls’ team secured the game from the very beginning, winning by 7-0.

 

The second game was also hosted by AISG on March 20, facing against Utahloy. Both boys’ and girls’ teams had solid results, winning the game by 2-1 and 4-0, respectively.

 

On March 23, the boys’ and girls’ teams faced the Clifford International School once again. For the first time throughout this season, the boys’ team tasted a bitter loss, losing the game by 1-2. On the other hand, the girls’ team remained undefeated, with a close 1-0 victory.

 

“Our team bond is really strong, and we will easily be able to progress as a team in the future,” said Max J., a sophomore in the boys’ soccer team. We do not take these games for granted, and I feel very fortunate that we get to play in these games.”

 

“After two seasons where we couldn’t really compete due to the COVID-19 restrictions, I feel very grateful to be able to play against other schools during this season,” added May L., a sophomore taking part in the girls’ soccer team.

 

As soccer involves significant contact between players, it was highly skeptical that interscholastic games for soccer would take place. However, thanks to low COVID-19 rates in Guangzhou, along with numerous efforts made by the athletic department, the varsity soccer team was given several opportunities to compete in these games.

 

Nonetheless, all games were proceeded through strictly set precautions and guidelines to fully mitigate the virus’s spread. As a result, nonessential personnel and spectators–students, faculty, and parents–were not permitted to attend the event.

 

Founded in 1981, AISG is the first international school in South China, offering an international curriculum to its students. Guided by Western learning values and principles, AISG places great importance on nurturing “future-ready” individuals, even amid the pandemic and hybrid learning.