iServi News | 18 November 2022 | Term 4, Week 6
The World Cup Is About More Than Just Football
The world has waited four years but finally the wait is over. We are all ready for the biggest tournament in football – the FIFA World Cup. I know not everyone is a football fan, but I am pretty sure deep down you have a soft spot for a certain team. This year’s tournament will be held in Qatar, with 32 teams from across the globe battling it out to be crowned the champions of the world. Besides the incredible skills and the chants from the fans, there are some life lessons we can learn from the FIFA World Cup; and things I hope the students at Servite College can take away from the tournament.
1. We can’t win alone
Football is a team sport. Whilst teams have superstars like Messi, Pogba, Ronaldo, Salah and Van Dijk, these superstars cannot win the world cup without a team. I am sure that at some point this year you were asked to be part of a group assignment or team sport. In order to make the group successful you must first identify each member’s strengths and challenges. In a World Cup team not everyone is a goalkeeper or striker; players are assigned positions based on their strengths.
Each team at this year’s FIFA World Cup is aiming to leave the tournament as the winning team. But to achieve that, all individuals in the team need to put in the best in their respective positions. As a College, we are a team. Always remember the people around you have their strengths and challenges, but together we are Servite.
2. Don’t be intimidated
When you look at the list of teams competing in the World Cup you understand why they are there, teams such as Brazil, France, Portugal, and Germany. They have a proven record of winning and a passionate culture which runs deep in their homelands. You then scan the list and notice countries such as Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Australia. How can countries without the history, culture and infrastructure compete against some of the favourites?
Don’t be intimidated! If you want to excel at school and in life, you need to have a winning mentality. Don’t let the big talk scare you. Tackle every assignment and exam with a winning mentality. If countries like Australia see themselves as inferior to the rest of the teams, then they will not progress beyond the group stage. Motivate yourself even when the odds are against you. Believe in your talent, skill, and excellence. Remember in 2016 Iceland knocked out England from the Euro tournament. Let your previous success serve as a reminder that you can conquer your current challenges. You are a winner.
3. Set goals not wishes
Every team at the FIFA World cup is after the golden trophy, and in order to get it the coach needs to set a formation and the team needs to score goals. The goal for every team is to be crowned the champions of world football. As you pursue your studies determine what your goal is. What do you want to achieve this semester, year, or next year. Once you have done that you need to ‘set a formation’ or ‘make a plan’, by listing down how you plan to achieve the set goals. Keep in mind that “a goal without a plan is just a wish”.
4. Handle the unexpected
In your school day or your school year not everything goes to plan. We need to be flexible and handle the unexpected. At the World Cup, depending on the score-line or the individual performances, the coach can make changes to the squad or formation during the game. The coach can substitute a striker for a defender, depending on the situation. The same thing will happen in life as you will encounter different challenges and obstacles which will force you to change some plans and arrangements. As you make the changes never lose sight of your destination (goals and dreams).
5. Play until the final whistle
Goals matter most at the end of the match. It doesn’t matter how much ball possession or goal attempts the opponent had. What matters at the end of the game is the score-line. I have seen teams with a three or four goal lead losing the upper-hand and conceding more goals to either draw or lose the game. Don’t become complacent and comfortable. Keep pressing and attempting. There may be challenges and you might sometimes be losing, but play the whole match, don’t give up.
6. Be patient and work hard
The World Cup is played every four years, which means that teams need to train; make adjustments; and play in the qualifying rounds. It takes years of hard work and perseverance to qualify for the World Cup. Great things in life take a lot of hard work, dedication, and a little time. You don’t just wake up being a holder of a Year 12 Graduation certificate – you have to study hard for many years. Work hard, don’t be in a hurry and be proud of your progress along the way.
7. Honour your fans
The World Cup is about the players and the football. However, surrounding all the teams are their adoring fans. These fans are proud and make sure their players know how much they are cared for and honoured. We, all of us here at Servite, are your fans. We are with you and support you both when you win and when you lose. We are always cheering for you!
Therefore, as the world prepares for one of the greatest tournaments in sport, I challenge you to take some lessons from the games. Only you can determine how far you will go in this tournament which is your time here at Servite.
All the best for your team. We know we may have some tired students in the next few weeks, please ensure you are getting enough rest for school. Go Australia!
ACC Spirit Awards
The Associated and Catholic Colleges of Western Australia (ACC) is an independent secondary school sports association providing sport programs to more than 60 schools around the State.
The ACC recognises the contributions of member school staff, employees and appointed officials through the ACC ‘Spirit’ awards. Award recipients have demonstrated a long standing and significant contribution to the mission of the association and actively embodied the ACC maxim of ‘Sport in the Right Spirit’.
At the annual awards presentation ceremony this morning, two College staff members were recognised with Service Awards for their continued commitment to ACC events and activities. Service Awards may be presented to individuals who have completed 10 or 20 years of service in the implementation or support of ACC programs. Congratulations to Mr Merv Baptist (10 Years) and Ms Nerida Williams (20 Years) on receiving their Service Awards!
Our 2022 ACC Premier teams were also recognised for their success in this year’s competition and received a special plaque. Congratulations to all members of our Year 9/Year 10 Girls Badminton and Senior Girls Beach Volleyball teams!
Thank you to all College staff for their ongoing support of sporting opportunities for our students.
Ms Silvana Vicoli
Principal