TIPS NACE Soccer Challenge 2015

Day 3
The festivities this day started off very early in the day. The atmosphere was buzzing with energy,
for this was to be the most exciting day of the tournament.
The day started off with a celebration of India's 69th Independence Day. The flag was hoisted and all
members of the CAS team and volunteers present stood up and proudly sung the National Anthem.
They then promptly dispersed and began getting the venue ready for the exciting day of football to
come.
The matches began with the first Under-10 quarter-final match between TIPS Karur and Vidhya
Niketan CBSE. The stands were packed with fans of both the schools who had come to cheer them
all on.
The game began with much gusto from both the sides. In a matter of 10 minutes, both teams had
scored one goal each and the score was locked at 1-1. The ball flew back and forth across both sides
for the next five minutes before Vidhya Niketan scored another goal just before half time.
In the second half of the game, Vidhya Niketan made an amazing goal from outside the D-line via
free kick. The goalie of TIPS Karur jumped and tried his best to save the goal, but the ball flew over
his hands and into the goal. TIPS Karur tried its best, but Vidhya Niketan took home the game in the
end 3-1.

The amazing free kick by Vidhya Niketan

Ashwin of TIPS Karur won the best player of the match award.
Vidhya Niketan has trained very hard and worked very hard and they will be very hard to beat,
said a player from PSBB.
Vidhya Niketan has a really strong player on their offense and he helps them win a lot
The second Under 10 qualifier of the day took place between PSBB and Vidhya Niketan
Matriculation. The game started at 10:20 am and within the first 5 minutes, Vidhya Niketan scored
the first goal. Vidhya Niketan pushed PSBB hard the whole time, and PSBB bent under the
pressure. They were unable to score back and the match ended 1-0, sending Vidhya Niketan to the
next round.

VNS and PSBB

The third Under 10 match of the day was scheduled between TIPS Erode and Lisieux. Both teams
were extremely pumped up and determined to win over the other. TIPS Erode was especially
determined.
We have practiced really hard and we have good co-ordination, a player said.
Lisieux started the match with the kick-off, and TIPS Erode immediately went into attack. They
immediately stole the ball and pushed back Lisieux. Within the first few minutes, they had already
scored 2 goals. Lisieux tried their best to push back, but their morale was low, and TIPS Erode
continued to dominate the field. By the end of the match, TIPS Erode took home the game 6-0.
Shastha of Lisieux was awarded the player of the match award.
The first Under 12 quarter final was played between CS Academy and Yuva Bharathi. From the
beginning, Yuva Bharathi pulled out all the stops and played relentlessly, pushing back the CS
Academy defense line. They quickly took a 2-0 lead and kept it for the rest of the game. Despite all
they tried, CS Academy could not score and the match ended in favour of Yuva Bharathi 2-0.
Dharshan of CS Academy was awarded the player of the match.
The second Under 12 quarterfinal of the day was played between Gopal Naidu and Vidhya Niketan.
Both of the teams were extremely motivated and determined to take the win and advance to the
semi-finals.
Vidhya Niketan is a very strong team and I think they will win, said a PSBB student in the
audience.
The match kicked-off exactly at 1:37pm and Gopal Naidu took the first strike three minutes later.
Vidhya Niketan's morale fell and Gopal Naidu struck again nine minutes later.
During the second-half, Gopal Naidu suffered an injury and consequent retirement of one of its
players. But they were not fazed, and carried their lead through to the end. The match finished 2-0
in Gopal Naidu's favor at 2:13. The best player award was given to Kishore of Vidhya Niketan.

Kishore receiveing his award

The third Under 12 quarterfinal match took place between TIPS-B and Karunya. These two teams
seemed to be the most evenly-matched in the tournament. The ball flew back and forth across the
half-line with neither side getting close to a goal until half-time. Late into the second-half, two
minutes before the end of the game, TIPS-B managed to sneak through Karunya's defenses and
were able to land a goal! Though Karunya went on the offense and pushed back TIPS B, they were
not able to pass the defense line and TIPS B won the game 1-0. Neeraj of Karunya was named the
player of the match.
At this point, all the quarterfinals were over and there were only four teams left in each category. In
the Under 10 category, only TIPS CBE, Vidhya Niketan CBSE, Vidhya Niketan Matriculation and
TIPS Erode remained. In the Under 12 category, TIPS A, TIPS B, Yuva Bharathi and Gopal Naidu
remained. It was now time for the semi-finals!
The first Under 10 semi-final pit one TIPS team against another, as TIPS CBE squared off against
TIPS Erode. Throughout this match, the audience in the stands did not pick any one side, yet
cheered for both sides together.
The match started at precisely 3:20 pm, with TIPS CBE having the first kick. Their first play was
offensive and they immediately rushed forth to the goal with the ball. The TIPS Erode defense line
was rather bewildered at the sudden offensive and TIPS CBE was able to sneak through and score
the first goal, putting the score at 1-0. Yet TIPS Erode was not demoralized at all. They went on
their own offensive and scored again five minutes later to tie the score at 1-1 before half-time.
During the second half however, TIPS CBE was able to gain the upper hand as they scored 3 goals
to put the score at 4-1. TIPS Erode was not able to score any more goals and the match ended with
the same score, advancing TIPS CBE to the finals.

TIPS Erode attempting to score a free-kick goal

Darshan of TIPS Erode was lauded with the player of the match award amidst much cheering from
the crowd.
We played well, but we were unable to keep up in the second half, said a student of TIPS Erode.
The second semifinals of the Under 10 category was much like the first one, except it saw Vidhya
Niketan CBSE play against Vidhya Niketan Matriculation.
The match started precisely at 4:00 pm and right from the get-go, both teams gave it their all. It
appeared initially that Vidhya CBSE had a stronger offense than Vidhya Matric., which helped
Vidhya CBSE strike first to claim the first ever goal of the match. Vidhya Matric was still
undaunted and they launched a strong offensive which was just narrowly thwarted by the Vidhya
CBSE defenders. However, Vidhya Matric did end up with a penalty kick: the perfect opportunity
for a goal.
Vidhya Matric sent its best striker up to kick the penalty and even the score. The penalty was placed
very well, but not well enough, because the Vidhya CBSE goal keeper managed to smash the
speeding ball away from his goal to keep his team's lead until half-time.
The second half saw Vidhya CBSE score another shot to make their lead 2-0. Vidhya Matric tried
their very best to come back, and sent all their players to offense to try to score a goal, but they
were unable to beat the Vidhya CBSE defenders. Vidhya CBSE took home the game 2-0 and
advanced to face TIPS CBE in the finals.
Now that the Under 10 semifinals were finished, it was time for the Under 12.
The first game saw the home team, TIPS A , square off against a redoubtable Gopal Naidu.
I think TIPS will win this match, they have very good co-ordination, said a spectator from the
stands.
I believe Gopal Naidu will come out on top. They seem to have a much better offense than TIPS
said another.
The atmosphere was full of tension as the game started out at 4:42. Gopal Naidu immediately
launched an offensive for the first strike, but the TIPS defense line was on top of its game: they
cleared the ball to the TIPS offense line before Gopal Naidu could even near the goal. At 4:45, three
minutes into the game, a hand-ball was called on a Gopal Naidu defender, giving TIPS A a free kick
from outside the D-line. TIPS stepped up and took the kick swiftly, aiming it at the top left corner of

the goal. The ball found its mark and TIPS A took the lead 1-0.

Ball in play during the TIPS vs Gopal Naidu Match

Gopal Naidu was not at all demoralized, but more determined. They pushed back TIPS defense
even harder, but the TIPS players kept clearing the ball away successfully. This put the TIPS offense
in a prime position to score and they did so, making the score 3-0 before half-time. They maintained
this lead for the rest of the game, propelling them to the finals!
Lokesh of Gopal Naidu was bestowed with the best player award after the match ended t 5:20.
The second and final semifinal match of the Under 12 took place between TIPS B and Yuva
Bharathi. People had begun to crowd the stands at this point in the tournament, as the finals were
drawing nearer.
TIPS B began the match at 5:29 pm, just as the sun was beginning to set. They immediately
attacked Yuva Bharathi's goal, but the Yuva Bharathi defenders cleared the ball away quickly
enough and it was Yuva Bharathi who claimed the first goal at 5:41. Though TIPS fought hard, the
score remained as such until half time was called.
TIPS went back and discussed a new strategy for the second half of the match. When they came
back, they seemed more confident, and their teamwork and co-ordination improved. At 5:54, 6
minutes after half-time, TIPS B scored and equalized the score at 1-1. For the next 9 minutes, both
teams played their hardest to try to score the decisive goal, but neither was able to get the better of
the other.
The match went into a nail-biting penalty shootout. Both teams were pumped up and tried their best,
but Yuva Bharathi was able to win out narrowly by 1 goal, ending the shootout at 1-0.
The crowd gave a tremendous round of applause as Sampras of TIPS B received the player of the
match award.

Sampras proudly receiving his award from Mrs. Anuradha

We are really proud of our victory, said a Yuva Bharathi player, We hope to do as well in our
final match against TIPS A.
Now, it had finally come, the moment many had been waiting for. It was time for the finals of the
Under 10 category: TIPS CBE versus Vidhya Niketan CBSE.
The crowd was equally divided in support for Vidhya Niketan and TIPS respectively. So when the
match started at 6:15, there were mixed cheers for both teams from the audience. Both teams
immediately went on offense, because they both knew how critical the first goal of the match could
be.
The golden first goal of the game ended up going to TIPS at 6:19 after a brilliant shot from the TIPS
striker. TIPS celebrated this important goal and the crowd went up in cheers. Vidhya Niketan started
off their next play more determined to score a goal than ever, but they were unable to penetrate
TIPS' bulwark of a defense line.
The TIPS offense shone out in this match as they were able to score 5 more goals. Despite all they
tried, Vidhya Niketan could not get the ball into the net. They put up an extremely valiant fight,
eliciting loud cheers from the audience, but in the end, their efforts fell short and TIPS took home
the trophy 6-0.

TIPS CBE Celebrating

As TIPS CBE celebrated their new victory, hoisting their players up into the air, the officials
scrambled to get everything ready for the Under 12 finals: TIPS A versus Yuva Bharathi.
Coincidentally, the previous year had seen the exact same Under 12 finals, and Yuva Bharathi had
won the game to become the defending champions.
We really want to take home the trophy this time, said a player from TIPS, But it will be a really
tough match; Yuva Bharathi is really experienced and they have good players too.
The field was ready, the crowd was anxious, the sun had set, and the players were determined. It
was time for the finals.
The kick-off took place at 7:34 pm and both teams went on the attack immediately. However, the
first few plays saw TIPS gain ground on Yuva Bharathi and take two attempts on the goal, which
were blocked. Yuva Bharathi then adjusted its strategy by concentrating more on defense. They sent
their mid-fielders back a little, let TIPS come in, then cleared the ball all the way to their offense,
who attacked the TIPS defense line for the goal. TIPS realized this strategy and put its strongest
defender near the goal. With his help, the defenders were able to consistently clear the ball back to
the TIPS offense.
At 7:35, TIPS had a breakthrough goal and took the lead 1-0.
Half-time was called and the score remained 1-0 in favor of TIPS. Yuva Bharathi came into the
second half determined to equalize the score. They began attempting really long shots to get the ball
over the TIPS goalie. Their kicks were extremely powerful and they were viciously attacking the
goal. However, the TIPS defenders did an amazing job of intercepting the Yuva Bharathi offense
and preventing them from taking shots. The ball flew between both sides, spending quite a lot of
time in the air.

The epic finals underway

At 7:56, TIPS broke Yuva Bharathi's defense and came close to the goal. However, the Yuva
Bharathi goalkeeper quickly cleared the ball. A TIPS midfielder intercepted the ball before it could
go to the Yuva Bharathi offense. However, instead of passing, he quickly launched the ball straight
at the goal. The ball found its mark, just above the goalie's reach. TIPS' lead went to 2-0.
Yuva Bharathi fought hard, but time was finally called at 8:04. TIPS won the match 2-0 and became
the new reigning champions.
As TIPS celebrated, the field was quickly cleared and the prizes were brought forth for the prize
distribution.
In a matter of minutes, the valediction ceremony had begun. All the teams were assembled as the
M.C's gave a small speech thanking everyone involved, including the teams, sports staff and CAS
volunteers. Then, the prize distribution ceremony began.

Gopal Naidu celebrating their achievement

First, the 3rd place teams were awarded. In the Under 10 category, these were Vidhya Niketan
Matriculation and TIPS Erode. In the Under 12, TIPS B and Shri Gopal Naidu tied for 3rd. All
players received a certificate and a medal commemorating their achievement.
Next, the two 2nd place teams were lauded. In Under 10, Vidhya Niketan CBSE claimed 2nd while
Yuva Bharathi claimed the same for Under 12. Each player was presented with a certificate and
trophy, while the whole team was given their rolling trophy.
Then, Mr. Ashok Kumar, Managing Director of TIPS NACE, was called upon to distribute the
individual best player prizes and the winners' trophies. First, the individual prizes were given.
In the Under 10 Category:

M.N Nithish of TIPS CBE won the Best Goalkeeper award.

Jeewan of Vidhya Niketan CBSE was proclaimed Best Defender.
Moorghen of TIPS CBE was given the Best Forward award.
In the Under 12 Category:
Aakash of Gopal Naidu was bestowed with the best Goalkeeper award.
Prathick of PSBB was proclaimed Best Defender.
Param of TIPS CBE was given the Best Forward award.
Finally, Mr. Ashok presented the coveted trophies to the respective winners of each category: TIPS
CBE and TIPS A.

Victory!

The tournament ended with a bang as fireworks were launched into the sky, bringing hues of color
to the black canvas of the night. The M.C's thanked Mr. Rolf and Mr. Sounder, who had been in
charge of the whole event. Finally, a large group photograph was taken as the M.C's signed off and
invited everyone to next year's event.

The TIPS NACE Soccer Challenge 2015 comes to a close