"What will you take away from your time in the Keilor Downs College Soccer School?"

"Being in the program since year 7 I’ve learned how to work with people, how to talk and understand people have different views on things. I’ve also learned how to work in a team and to communicate with people."

Audrey Diaz

"The KDC Soccer School taught me that when it comes down to business, you have to be able to push aside any problems or issues you may have with someone else because at the end of the day, you're all there trying to reach the same goal and you won’t be able to do it without each other. I’ve also learned that the bond you have with the people around you is so incredibly important for the team to flourish and reach its full potential in training and in a game. 

I have learned to enjoy, find happiness and fulfillment in the small things in life and give things a shot you may have second doubted yourself, this led me to apply this mentality to other things in life outside of soccer, and above all, I’ve learned that no matter what’s being said even if it can hurt, it’s a joke and I learned not to take it seriously."

Aliah Alejandra Segovia Acevedo

"Amongst a lot of things that I will take away from the program, the most important thing that I will take away is the understanding that I am never alone and that I can proudly walk away knowing that during the time in the KDC Soccer School, I gave every session, game and time with my teammates my 100% effort, knowing that this won't last forever. I can walk away knowing that I have a massive family supporting me with whatever I do, no matter how far I am from each and every one of them. I can't pinpoint the MOST important thing because everything that I have learned in my five years was important to me, but if I had to weigh it down to the number one lesson, it would be to never take anything for granted and to always be kind. We are very blessed and lucky to have access to facilities like a full-sized pitch, multiple goals, good quality balls, cones, etc, and have access to those things nearly whenever we wanted. For the many kids in the community, having access to these things is a massive privilege and I learned that lesson on my journey with the time I had at the KDC Soccer School as well as many more."

Ayah Karim

"The one thing I’ll take away from the program is if you want something you have to go and get it. Only so much can be spoon-fed to you to the point where now it’s all up to you for where you want to take it and to what extent. Being independent (during these times) and believing in yourself is key because at the end of the day everyone is here for themselves and you have to know when to keep pushing yourself. I also learned that in order for the team to work, you have to be able to work with your teammates. Soccer isn’t an independent sport where it’s all up to one person, it’s up to the 11 players on the pitch, working together, to reach the goal we all want at the end. And also, don’t take anything for granted because it can all just be taken away from you just like right now with COVID; you actually never realise until now how much soccer actually helps you grow and how much it makes things better. 

In the program, I never really looked at us like one big family, I always thought how can we be a family when I’ve always got someone hating on me or have an issue, but I learned from two great coaches with different yet helpful advice that once you’re on the pitch nothing else matters and you all become together as one."

Emel Fehmi

"The program basically taught me everything I know about the game but other than that, it helps you grow as an individual and learn about your own strengths and limitations. You can definitely take away crazy memories you make with your teammates across the 6 years as well as some long-lasting friendships. Something I’ve learned the past few years is not to give up when things seem tough but to keep pushing."

Navleen Kaur