Victoria Soccer Challenge 2010
by Nur Iskandar
The light drizzle was not able to douse Victorians’ passion for soccer. The Victoria Soccer Challenge (VSC) 2010, now in its 3rd year running, has continued to be the main draw for hundreds of Victorians to come together to play the game we all love. The past two VSC (2008 and 2009) were been held in Victoria Junior College. This year, soccer came home to Victoria School.
Decked in various-colored team jerseys, Victorians, young and old, were seen warming their muscles to prepare themselves for the much awaited annual tournament as early as 8am. Some teams were clearly determined to lift the prestigious Victoria Soccer Challenge Trophy that has evaded them for the last two years; while others were just happy to be back in the school that we all love so dear. Regardless the reason, one thing was certain, Victorians were just happy to be back to catch up with old friends.
The VSC aims to cater to all Victorians and the format allows Victorians, young (at heart) and younger, the chance to show off their footballing skills and footwork. This year’s tournament saw 5 teams taking part in the Seniors (U-17) Category and 22 teams taking part in the Open Category.
For the (U-17) category, the 5 teams were grouped under the Kapor House – for the House color, ‘green’, was aptly reserved for our ‘greener’ Victorians. It was heartening to see the younger Victorians playing their hearts out and displaying the kind of footballing skills that will continue to identify Victoria as a soccer powerhouse. But on display as well, was more precious than footballing skills; a Victorian was seen going over to a player of the opposing team who had just lost the game, to shake his hand and gave him words of encouragement. It was the kind of sportsmanship behavior that all Victorians are proud of.
For the record, the Seniors (U-17) Category result was as follows:
1st Place – Unnamed FC (Led by Ling Wei Jie)
2nd Place – Grandeur FC (Led by Darius Iskandar)
There were a lot more action in the Open Category. The teams were divided into 4 houses (groups) namely Kallang, Glam, Whampoa and Rochor. And competition was a lot keener in these groups. It was rumored that some teams held secret training sessions to prepare themselves for this tournament. Judging from the standard of soccer on display, such rumors could not have been far from the truth. Victorians of various ages were showing the deft touches and the footballing footwork that has made the name Victoria synonym with ‘soccer powerhouse’. And as the tournament progressed, the firm favorites were began to stake their claim on the much coveted Challenge Trophy.
In the end 3 teams emerged to take the top 3 placing:
1st Place – VS Staff (Led by Mohd Zabid)
2nd Place – Soccer with a Vision (Led by Vincent)
3rd Place – VS Old Boys (Led by Zulhairi)
Also, this year, additional recognitions and awards were included. These awards were validated by the 4 impartial referees of the day.
Most Valuable Player – Prabin Tamang
(Sponsored by Arjuna Entertainment)
Most Supported Team – Bandz Bazookas
Victoria Soccer Challenge 2010 has been another successful event in the OVA Calendar. Special mention is to be made to Dexter Chua, Zulhairi, Wong Loo Hua, Nur Iskandar, See Wee Yang, Lim Zhi Yang, David Law, Puar Si Wei, Lee Ming Hui, Ashraf Kumar, Prabin Tamang, Sanjay, Muhd Hadiz and many others who help to prepare in the run up and also after the event. The ‘unseen’ work is really tremendous.
Special thanks to Victoria School’s Principal, Mr Low Eng Teong for supporting the event and the use of Victoria School field for the venue, OVA First Vice President Mr. Kevin Lam, Mr Ho Kiat Chong, Mr Sng Yiam Kwee, Mr John Yap, Mr Kelvin Gan, VS Photography Club (Nathaniel [Teacher], Keith, Ganesh and Ryan) and everyone who has made this event unforgettable.
Nil Sine Labore
Article contributed by Nur Iskandar
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The Victoria School Art Elective Programme is twenty-five this year.
