Friendly Competition in Volleyball Teaches ISG Dammam Athletes Valuable Lessons Beyond Sports

ISG Dammam welcomed the U16 and U19 girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams from ISG Jubail for a series of friendly matches as both schools look ahead to the upcoming ISG Jamboree. While the games offered an opportunity for athletes to prepare for the competition, they also gave students a chance to experience playing against teams they had not faced before.

For ISG Dammam's athletes, the matches provided a valuable opportunity to see how their preparation translated into an unfamiliar competitive setting. Facing new opponents encouraged players to think on their feet, adapt their approach and make decisions as a team while following the strategies developed during training with their coaches.

Speaking about the purpose of these games, Coach Sara Moustafa highlighted how friendly matches help students prepare for the demands of larger competitions. She explained that these experiences allow athletes to become more comfortable with the unpredictability of a game while learning to maintain their enthusiasm and composure throughout the competition.

For Coach Sara, the lessons of sport extend well beyond the court. She emphasized the importance of teaching students to respond to both victory and defeat with respect, recognizing that how they conduct themselves during a game matters just as much as the final result. As she shared, coaching is about more than developing athletic abilities. It is also an opportunity to guide young people as they develop values that will remain with them throughout their lives.

As the jamboree approaches, the friendly matches between ISG Dammam and ISG Jubail have offered students a meaningful part of their preparation. The opportunity to meet new opponents, learn from one another and experience competition in a supportive setting reflects the role that school sports play in bringing communities together. With their coaches guiding them along the way, students are preparing to take the lessons from these games into their next sporting challenge.