Panthers of ISKL #281: Lorenzo and SunBeen - The U13 Football Champs
When it comes to football, every goal tells a story, and for ISKL’s U13 Boys Football team, their recent victories at two major tournaments represent more than just numbers on a scoreboard. Crowned AIMS U13 Football Champions and securing a third-place finish at the prestigious BISP Soccer 7s in Phuket, these young athletes showcased more than skill; they revealed the strength of teamwork, determination, and resilience.
We met with two Grade 7 team members, Lorenzo C. ('30) and SunBeen H. ('30), to hear their reflections on this incredible journey. From powering through tough matches to savoring the thrill of scoring in the final, they shared what it meant to represent ISKL with pride, how setbacks became fuel for comebacks, and how the experience brought them closer as a team.
Their stories are filled with moments of challenge and triumph, like a comeback victory driven by teammate Tommy’s free kick and semi-final nerves that tested their resolve. But above all, they reflect ISKL’s commitment to inspiring students to shape their path as global citizens, whether on the field or beyond.
Here are their stories:
Lorenzo C. (‘30)
Congrats on being crowned AIMS U13 Football Champions and securing 3rd place at the British International School Phuket (BISP) 7's in Phuket. What do these achievements mean to you and your team?
This was a great achievement because we could power through certain downs and ups, which helped us get out of the group and into the semi-finals. We were extremely proud because we knew we had lost to a team better than us, but we also knew we had pushed ourselves to the limit. This all came together nicely, and we celebrated well as a team.
However, we were all extremely happy for AIMS since it felt good to be crowned champion after a while. Being through these thrilling moments helped us come closer as a team.
What was the most thrilling moment for you during the AIMS experience? What challenges did you and your team face, and how did you overcome them?
The most thrilling moment of the AIMS experience for me was probably the final match, during which I scored two goals to help us gain the upper hand over the other team.
However, the semi-finals against International School @ Parkcity (ISP) were the most challenging. We started the match at a low point, missing passes and losing possession, but later, we better understood the other team and won in the end.
Who or what motivates you to keep pushing yourself?
Some people who motivate me to keep pushing myself are my teammates and family members, who are there with me on and off the field. While playing the match, I continued to think about what I should do at that moment and how I should execute it.
Most of my friends at school also tell me to keep pushing myself and come home with the win!
What was your favorite part about traveling to the BISP Soccer 7s tournament in Phuket?
My favorite part was spending time with all my teammates (which sometimes got intense) and traveling together as a school to show the other teams what we were made of.
I also really enjoyed the location where we stayed and all the different opportunities we had.
Was there a memorable on or off-the-field moment that stood out to you?
The most memorable moment I experienced during the Phuket tournament was when we had drawn almost all our games and had one last game we had to win. On the pitch, we started off losing the match 1-0; however, Tommy could score a powerful free kick past the keeper; later, Tommy scored again off a deflection. In the end, we brought one more goal to the table and won the match 3-1. This moment was memorable because it gave us so much joy and pride.
What advice would you give future U13 players who want to compete in AIMS and the BISP 7s?
I would give future U13 players some advice, such as bringing snacks just in case.
I'd also tell them they should be ready to fall asleep early because they'll have a lot of games to play the next day. Be ready for whatever happens; if it happens, stay strong and push yourself to the limit. The whole experience is really amazing!
SunBeen H. (‘30)
Congrats on being crowned AIMS U13 Football Champions and securing 3rd place at the British International School Phuket (BISP) 7's in Phuket. What do these achievements mean to you and your team?
Thanks. These achievements are meaningful to our team. Winning and getting third in those big tournaments recognize the hard work and dedication we have put in over the past few weeks. Also, we had a lot of challenges during those tournaments, but we overcame them in our own way by never giving up.
What was the most thrilling moment for you during the AIMS experience? What challenges did you and your team face, and how did you overcome them?
The most thrilling moment during the AIMS tournament was the semi-final against International School @ Parkcity. In the first half, we dominated the game and were up by 1-0. But in the second half, I made a big mistake by losing the ball near the box, conceding a goal. The score was now 1-1. I was being cocky at that moment, and that was the reason why I conceded. So I told myself, "Focus, SunBeen, this is the tournament's semi-final, lock-in."
The focus paid off; at the last minute, Mehdi scored a last-minute goal, and we went to the final!
Who or what motivates you to keep pushing yourself?
My teammates played with me on the field, and our parents always supported us from the sidelines. Especially for my teammates, even if I'm so tired and
I want to give up, but when I look at their faces, I can see that they are so focused and trying their best, which motivates me.
What was your favorite part about traveling to the BISP Soccer 7s tournament in Phuket?
My favorite part was the amazing opportunity to compete in big tournaments with our teammates and coaches from different countries.
Was there a memorable on or off-the-field moment that stood out to you?
The most memorable moment was in Phuket, during the last game of the group stage against BISP. This game was crucial to us because if we had tied or lost this game, we would have failed to expand it to the cup, which we didn't want. We started the match weak, conceding 1 goal halfway through the game. At half-time, I told my teammates, "We can do this, we are the better team, we got this, Go Panthers!" I saw our team getting more motivated and hoped to score two goals in the second half.
In the second half, Tommy scored a beautiful free kick early. This goal made us feel like we could win this. We kept attacking until Tommy took another shot, which went into the net beautifully, and we celebrated like crazy. We were so hyped up. With that energy, Graham scored another goal, and the game ended 3-1 for us. We were able to go to the cup and get third place!
What advice would you give future U13 players who want to compete in AIMS and the BISP 7's?
If I could give one piece of advice to future players, I would say, “Never Give Up!” Even if it looks like you cannot win the game, never give up. Just try your best, and you might win, like we did in Phuket.
Do you know of any student, teacher, parent, or staff who always have an anecdote to tell, love to share some insights into their passions and interest, or simply is a Panther through and through? Nominate them to be featured in our Panthers of ISKL stories by sending in your submissions here.