In a season that unbeaten Uptown School Girls’ Under-11s team will not want to forget, they completed a treble after beating Repton School 2-1 in the GoPro Dubai Schools’ League Grand Finals.
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Having secured the Northern Division and the Jets tournament titles earlier in the season, the Dubai-based school entered the competition as defending champions as well as the in-form side with a record of 24 goals scored and only four conceded.
And they lived up to the expectations in the event which saw other Dubai school league winners go head-to-head.
Having scored a brace in the 2-1 semi-final win over Wellington International School, player of the season Maram Ismail repeated her heroics by netting the extra-time winner in the closely-fought final victory.
It was a deserved win for the team, who showed no signs of buckling under pressure. They stuck to their basics instead, playing attractive football.
Having been held to a goalless draw by Jebel Ali Primary, Amina Abu-Jalil’s double and Zoe Konti gave Uptown a comfortable 3-0 win against GEMS Wellington Academy.
Uptown sealed their place in the last-four with midfielder Konti scoring in the 1-0 win over Jumeriah Primary. For Konti, who has excelled in many games this season, the latest title success was no surprise.
“From the first time I saw our team, I thought we would be really strong and win lots games. I am really, really happy that I was right,” she said.
Delighted coach Robert Ingham emphasised his players should get the full credit. He said: “From our first friendly game of the season, right through to winning the Grand Finals, the commitment, positive attitude, desire to improve as individuals and as a team has been absolutely incredible.
“All eleven girls in the team can feel immensely proud of their achievements this season. I most certainly am.”
He added: “They really stepped up and showed they were more than worthy of building on the formidable reputation that Uptown girls have begun to build for themselves.”