The Middle School Boys competition took place at FK BASK Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia. There were five traveling teams from Riga (Lynx), Kazan (Kazan Dragons), Sarajevo (Wolves), Krakow (Hussars) and Tirana (Tigers). This is the first time CEESA has used the new divisional realignment in soccer, after a successful trial in basketball the previous year.

The tournament saw four teams position themselves for a run at the championship after day one, with the Dragons, Hussars, Lynx and Tigers all in the mix. Championship Saturday began with the teams enjoying a local Serbian league game, before the important final group games and placement fixtures. Following the completion of the group stage there was a tie for second place, and the all-important goal difference of the Hussars put them over the Tigers into the final, to face the undefeated Belgrade Dragons.

The Dragons would go on to complete a perfect weekend, winning 5-2 in the final over the Hussars, to the great delight of the hometown supporters.

The Middle School Girls competition was held in Riga, Latvia over the same weekend. The defending champions from Baku, Azerbaijan (TISA) were back to defend their title from a year ago, but the Dragons were an improved team and looking to wrestle that trophy away.

The Dragons and TISA would play the opening match and again in the final, as both advanced from the group stages into the final. The Dragons gave it their all, but TISA were just too strong and came out eventual winners 4-1.

There has been a lot to celebrate at ISB, and we look forward to continued success on the fields, courts and classrooms of CEESA throughout the year.

Dave Horner, AC/AD
The International School of Belgrade