Nguyen Tran Phuong's team celebrating with the football trophy

Sport & Teamwork · 2016–2026

What Football Taught Me About Teamwork

Years on the pitch taught me discipline, responsibility, trust, and how to contribute even when my role was not the most visible.

01Playing since age 7
022026 champion
03Defender & midfielder

01

No one wins alone

I began playing football at seven, when the game was simply a ball, a small patch of ground, and friends chasing it every afternoon. As I grew older and played as a defender and midfielder, I began to understand the structure behind the excitement.

A team does not depend on one star player. Every position has a responsibility, and a missed connection can affect everyone. Progress comes from ordinary training sessions, honest communication, and the willingness to cover for a teammate.

Nguyen Tran Phuong with his football team
The team after a school tournament.

02

Pressure tests a team

At the end of 2025, my class team won bronze against Physics-class alumni. At HSGS Cup 2026, we defeated the runners-up and defending champions to take the title. The trophy came from the whole team understanding its role and continuing to work together under pressure.

Those matches taught me to stay aware of the whole field rather than focus only on the ball. A good decision depends on position, timing, and what other players are about to do.

03

Becoming someone the team can rely on

Playing as a defender and midfielder taught me that an important contribution is not always the most visible one. Sometimes it means covering an open space, supporting a teammate after a mistake, or continuing to work when someone else receives the recognition.

Over time, football made me more disciplined and responsible. I learned to accept criticism, recover after setbacks, respect opponents, and put the needs of the team ahead of the desire to stand out.

What stayed with me

“The best teammate is not always the one who stands out, but the one others can rely on when the match becomes difficult.”