Dragons Ready to Roar: Middle School TISSA Soccer Tournament Preview

By Amy Ryu & Alexandra Varemaki, Grade 9

Excitement is building as the Middle School TISSA Soccer Tournament happens this weekend. Teams from international schools across Taiwan are gearing up for a weekend packed with intense competition and dedicated teamwork.

Our very own Middle School Soccer Teams have been logging countless hours after school, sharpening their passes, improving their shots, and bolstering their teamwork and communication.

To capture the buzz leading up to this major island-wide tournament, we spoke with several players and some coaches about their preparation, expectations, and goals for the highly anticipated tournament. Last year, our current Grade 8 boys team won the whole thing. Will they repeat this year? Former Coach, Matt Bailey said, "I would be highly surprised if they're not in the top two... We've got the stuff. It's always been between us and TES, so I'm sure the story will be the same this time."

TISSA Grade 7 Champs (last year).

Coach's Corner: High Hopes and Team Spirit

We first checked in with Coach Audrey Sifunganyambe, a crucial force behind the team's spirit, effort, and results, who currently coaches both the Middle and High School girls’ soccer teams. Coach Audrey shared her immense enthusiasm for the TISSA Tournament.

“The girls have shown immense determination and dedication throughout the season, and I have high hopes for them,” Coach Audrey stated.

Showing great confidence in her squad, she believes, “we’re ready to surprise everyone.” Her most vital piece of advice for the players is simple: trust their training and soak up the experience. “What matters most is that they do their best and enjoy every moment. Go Dragons!”

Players Anticipate Tough Competition

Zara Cowie (Grade 8)

Zara Cowie, a crucial member of the KAS middle school girls’ team who plays midfielder and occasional striker, shared her excitement. “I began playing football in 7th grade because I wanted to try something new,” she explained, adding, “I enjoy the sport because you're always on your toes.”

Acknowledging the hard work invested, Zara noted, “Our team has worked hard and I believe we’ve made lots of progress from the start of the season.” While anticipating a challenge—“TISSA will be competitive, especially because the other teams are very experienced”—she is dedicated to bringing back their “best result of the tournament.”

Yeong Ryu (Grade 7)

Defense player Yeong Ryu has shown outstanding performance on the field and is determined to bring home a trophy. Despite this being his first TISSA Tournament, he is confident in his team’s potential. He recognizes that the competition will be strong, but he hopes for an engaging match full of effort. Yeong expressed his desire to feel proud of himself and all his teammates at the end of the event.

Nadeem Ahmed (Grade 7)

Goalkeeper Nadeem Ahmed, often a game-changer with his fast reflexes, spoke with confidence about the team’s preparation. He complimented his talented teammates and the strong teamwork they’ve built this season, projecting a finish of at least 3rd place. Nadeem’s passion for soccer began at age eight, watching Match of the Day every morning with his father—a long journey that contributes to his outstanding play. The team also views Nadeem as their “lucky charm,” noting his consistent ability to perform under pressure.

With the tournaments happening this weekend, it’s clear that our coaches and players are primed with determination and excitement.

From their dedicated training on the field to their shared passion for the game, the KAS Middle School Soccer Team is prepared to give their all.

No matter the results this weekend, their hard work and teamwork have already made them champions in our eyes.