The English School Girls Shine at 2025 Ayia Napa Soccer Festival

On Sunday, 13th April, The English School Girls’ Football Team travelled to Ayia Napa to participate in the prestigious 2025 Ayia Napa Soccer Festival, one of the largest and most competitive football tournaments in Europe.

The tournament kicked off in thrilling fashion with our first ever international match against the Beirut Football Academy, where the team showcased both skill and determination. Goals from Kyveli Matsi and Nayia Stephanou, both brilliantly assisted by Maria Leandrou, secured a 2-1 victory and a confident start to the competition.

Advancing through the group stage, the team faced a formidable AEK Larnaca side in the quarter-finals on Monday evening. Rising to the occasion with an exhilarating performance full of attacking flair, intensity, and passion, the girls earned a stunning 2-0 win. A precise header by Kyveli Matsi (again assisted by Maria Leandrou) and a spectacular long-range strike from Marina Loizou sealed the win and a place in the semi-finals.

On Tuesday morning, spirits were high as the team faced Olympiacos Nicosia WFC—the eventual winners—in the semi-finals. Despite a valiant effort and tremendous resilience, the girls were defeated 2-0. Nonetheless, reaching the final four in a tournament featuring top-level and international competition is a remarkable accomplishment and a proud moment for our school.

It was particularly rewarding to witness the growth and development of the team throughout the tournament, including the impressive debut of our Year 1 newcomers in their first competitive experience. The team made a strong and positive impression on the organisers, opposing teams, and match officials alike.

For the third consecutive year, The English School was honoured with the Fair Play Award, a powerful testament to the team’s outstanding sportsmanship, respectful conduct, and integrity—both on and off the pitch.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents for their unwavering support throughout the three-day tournament, and offer our warmest congratulations to all the girls for their individual contributions, exemplary teamwork, and the spirit that led to both sporting success and recognition for fair play.

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