Sports and physical education sometimes take second place to academic pursuits in the result-oriented world of education today. Yet, they are just as important to a child's physical and emotional development, and often impart valuable life qualities that would not be found in the classroom.
Since its inception in 1995, the American International School - Chennai (AISC) has always recognised the importance of health and physical education, something which is fully incorporated into the curriculum of this 254-strong school. And in 1999, AISC formed Chennai's first Boys Soccer League, involving some of Chennai’s leading schools in a 6-to-8 week schedule of games. With the inauguration of AISC’s 10-acre campus at Taramani in 2003, most games are played on AISC’s home turf, kept green year-long by a water harvesting and recycling system.
The Soccer League is run along the lines of a typical US high school sports league, with all participating teams playing each other once in a round-robin format. Year on year, schools like St Bedes, Lady Andal, Bala Vidya Mandir, Abacus and Chettinad Vidyashram vie with each other for the coveted trophy. (This year, the hosts were the victors, bringing home the championship after a 2-year interval.) The culmination of league games is usually celebrated with a two-day tournament, involving all participating teams and sometimes a guest team (for example, Ellen Sharma Memorial, this year’s guest players).
Not content with a Boys Soccer League, Kelly Sundaram, one of AISC’s athletic directors, went on to found Boys and Girls Basketball Leagues in 2001, and a Girls Soccer League in 2003. Enthusiasm for these sports has grown as a consequence, and the past year has seen a number of other Chennai schools establishing tournaments alongside
AISC.
While playing in the competitive environment of sports leagues and tournaments gives every player a chance to prove their abilities on the field, being a member of team is what builds sportsmanship and valor, both invaluable qualities throughout life. These qualities are strengthened by the time that one spends with one’s team mates and with one’s coach, on the field, in the locker room before and after a game, and during the practices necessary to be successful.
It can be very challenging for a high school student who chooses to play on a team to cope with multiple demands of practices and games, as well as school and homework assignments. Being a member of a team requires a commitment by a student, and by his coach, to do what is best for the team and not for the individual. It is this commitment that builds motivation, mutual respect and the discipline to dedicate oneself fully to any undertaking, in any aspect of life, not just team or sports-related activities. We must applaud all the young athletes who take part in team sports for their commitment, and admire for their courage to make that commitment.
For more information about the American International School – Chennai, please visit
www.aisch.org
School soccer
Sports and physical education sometimes take second place to academic pursuits in the result-oriented world of education today. Yet, they are just as important to a child's physical and emotional development, and often impart valuable life qualities that would not be found in the classroom.
While playing in the competitive environment of sports leagues and tournaments gives every player a chance to prove their abilities on the field, being a member of team is what builds sportsmanship and valor, both invaluable qualities throughout life. These qualities are strengthened by the time that one spends with one’s team mates and with one’s coach, on the field, in the locker room before and after a game, and during the practices necessary to be successful. 
