SAMAR Al Ansari 2008-2009 IKNS Sports Award

Samar Al Ansari Award 2009
for Outstanding Contribution to Girls Soccer at IKNS

At the beginning of 2006-07 school year, the school community was stunned and devastated by the passing of one of the most capable students IKNS has produced, both academically & on the sports field! Samar Al Ansari was tragically killed in a car accident on the 4th September 2006. She was to begin her tertiary education studying at University of York in England, the same university as her older sister Qadar, something Samar was really looking forward to.

It is a privilege but tinged with much sadness, I wish to present the Samar Al Ansari Award to the girl who has made an Outstanding Contribution to Girls Soccer during her time at IKNS on behalf of Samar’s Parents, Dr. Ahmed Anasri & Dr. Randah Hamadeh.

In my 1st 5 years as the Senior Girls (SG’s) Soccer Coach, there has been an Ansari in the team. To be honest Samar’s passing hurt, and we have all asked why?
Someone so young, so capable & her life beyond IKNS all in front of her.
Some parents have said to me life’s order is supposed to take the parents first, not their children.

On the soccer field, Samar was potentially one of the best players in the SG’s.
Samar, in the JG’s acquired the nickname “crazy legs” & it stuck.
When she ran her legs simply went everywhere. Anatomically, definitely not one of the great running styles. She was actually very fast off the mark, & one of the few SG’s who had ‘wheels’ (speed).

On the academic side, Samar acheived 42 out of a possible 45 for IB.
I am sure any of the IB students here tonight would be overjoyed to receive such marks in their IB exams this year.

One of the fondest memories I have of Samar Al Ansari is of her & IKNS Girls SG’s Team in Dubai watching a video at some rather late hour when they should have been asleep. Imagine 15 SG’s girls on 3 single beds & one asleep in the middle of them all watching the video. The Dubai soccer tournaments are a special part of the IKNS sporting calendar & the highlight for many of you. Samar was no exception & really enjoyed her two trips to Dubai.

How many of you have hugged the camel at Rashid School?

The two previous winners of the Samar Al Ansari Award were Rania Mashouk & Fatima Mahmood.

The award is to recognise a student for their Outstanding Contribution to Girls Soccer during their time at IKNS.

This girl has played soccer for the IKNS Senior Girls for the last 3 years, and has played a major role in contributing to our successes during those 3 years.

This person realised academy success was important to her & what she wished to achieve & came to IKNS at the start of Grade 10. Even before then we had met, I had to chase her up & down the soccer field in Dubai refereeing, thinking this girl can play. Even then she supported IKNS.

This person has been part of one of the most successful sports teams at IKNS ever.
2 BPSSL SG’s titles, 2 end of season titles & 2 3rd places in Dubai in her time. And I think she has had 4 trips to Dubai tournaments. The SG’s are good enough to seriously compete in the Gulf & this girl is one of the reasons why.

Her contribution on the goal scoring front is 2nd to none! Think of a number, then times it by 2, you might by close. This person has scored 40 goals for the SG’s in her time. Like Fatima Mahmood with 88 appearances in games or at practices, is a record that, I think, will never be broken!

As a coach I get a lot of satisfaction from the person who set-up the goal, & not necessarily the one who actually scored the goal. This persons vision & awareness are best illustrated by the fact her fellow strikers scored many goals as well; Areej Abulla scoring 5 goals, Basma Ajoor 7, Jawaher Zayani 20, and Majda Maskati 9 apiece. All these girls really appreciated their opportunity to play with her, & confidence breeds confidence.

Her best goal – vs. Shaikha Hassa School in the 2006-07 season. This person started with the ball in deep in midiield, lifted the ball over a defender while keeping the ball in contact with her left foot the whole time, ran to the left around the next defender, then veered right in field around the next defender. By now on the edge of the 18 yard box, stuck a superb foot blow curling the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal. The goalkeeper did not have a chance. I said to the SG’s after the game the crowd should have paid to see that goal – it was that good! Her 2nd goal against SHaikha Hassa this year to bring us back into the game at 2-2 was pretty special tool!

With all the skill she possesses, I think the one thing I have taught her is to run first, then do the things she can & likes to do. Not the fancy stuff 1st. Space is a wonder thing on the soccer field – use it.

Although Samar Al Ansari played her soccer as a defender on the right, she loved to attack from deep inside our half; this person definitely knows how to attack. Sometimes, out of position in the midfield. But then again attack is best form of defense. Girls, I don’t know if you have noticed this persons interesting running style,– her legs go out & round, but rather fast. Not to dissimilar to Samar’s & her “crazy legs” style.

Academics - with plans well underway, realising academics are important. This person is enrolled to attend a University in Boston, USA on a sporting scholarship for next year. One of the 1st for an IKNS student. She has the skills, is more than ready for the opportunity to play soccer at a higher level & I wish her well. I hope she responds well to this opportunity, remember Samar really wanted to go to university & did not get the opportunity.

It gives me great pleasure to present the 3rd winner of the Samar Al Ansari Award for Outstanding Contribution to Girls Soccer and one of the most talented players IKNS has ever produced . . . Zain M. Al Khalifa.

Mr Mark Clarke

IKNS Soccer Coach