iServi News | 25 November 2022 | Term 4, Week 7
Documentaries give students access to essential information about global, societal, and political issues they may otherwise not be exposed to. It is important for Year 8s to challenge their own perspectives and find inspiration to make a change to their own lives, or those around them.
The documentary ‘One Shot: The Football Factory’ follows a group of promising young football players from South London trying to make it professionally. It demonstrates the values of perseverance and resilience, and the lengths people go to achieve their dreams. Students were captivated watching individuals of a similar age group striving for success. They utilised documentary techniques to write about how the documentary engaged viewers and emphasised the main ideas that were presented. One of the participants from the documentary, Mr Nathan Laleye, relocated with his family to Portugal in the hopes of making it professionally. The season ended with him signing a contract with U.D. Vilafranquense.
After contacting Mr Laleye, he agreed to do a Zoom Q & A session with the students in class. He mentioned that the documentary was as authentic as it could be and that he was filmed around the clock. He spoke about setbacks, resilience, and pursing goals. When asked what advice he would have for anyone pursing their dreams he said, “Once you find something that you really want to do. Stick to it and don’t ever stop doing it. Work hard at it and even if you fail, it will come. As long as you keep practising and working hard, it will come.”
The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to engage with Mr Nathan Laleye, although they may disagree with his choice to support Portugal in the World Cup.
Ms Hannah Gibson
Teacher
Our Year 8 English class had the opportunity to Zoom call Mr Nathan Laleye from a soccer documentary we have been studying in class. During this call we were allowed to ask him any questions about the documentary and soccer. This call was inspiring as he gave our class multiple tips on the harsh reality of soccer and how he dealt with it. One person in our class asked about whether he has received hate during his career. He answered truthfully whilst giving us the great advice that if you receive hate when striving towards your dream that you should, “block the person out and not listen to them.”
Nathan’s answers to all our questions inspired us to follow our goals and gave us a deeper understanding of the different struggles and highlights he has experienced throughout his career.
Isha Mishra (OLS6)
The meeting with Mr Nathan Laleye inspired the class to chase our hopes and dreams. I was very motivated by his answers to our questions, especially the ones about soccer.
Jesse Rogers (AN7)