I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the American International School Dhaka. We are excited to be hosting the 2023 Boys Soccer tournament and wish you all the best as the competition gets underway.  As many might know, it has been over 7 years since AISD hosted a SAISA tournament.  Our school and community are excited to be hosting again and look forward to having you on our campus.  

I would like to give a huge thanks to Mr. Mike DeNeef for his coordination and leadership of this year's event. Alongside him are the many coaches, teachers, staff, and parents who have made this tournament a reality Students, over the next few days please demonstrate your appreciation to these people in every way possible as well as to your own coaches who make these tournaments possible.

The soccer tournament this week is far more than who wins or loses. During the next four days, you mix with a unique group of students arriving within the SAISA region and from different cultures and backgrounds. I encourage you to take time and get to know your competitors; you will likely find there are far more commonalities than differences among the different SAISA teams.

Of course, what brings us together is competition, and to that end I wish everyone the best of luck as you pass, deke and nutmeg your way through each game. My hope is that sportsmanship, above all else, is on full display.  Please be respectful and appreciative of the opportunity to compete and win or lose, you should hold your heads high. If we all can accomplish that, then it will indeed be a successful tournament.

Best of luck to all of our SAISA soccer teams!

Sincerely,

Steve Herrera

Head of School

Welcome to Bangladesh, the American International School of Dhaka and to the 2023 SAISA Boys Soccer tournament. We are so happy that you are here. There are approximately 150 students and coaches from 29 different countries at this tournament. Throughout this weekend you are sure to broaden your horizons as you interact with people from all over the world.

SAISA allows players and coaches to pursue excellence, rekindle relationships and to push the limits of what is possible on the soccer pitch. Participating in athletics is about more than winning or losing - it is about developing confidence, defining character, and embracing challenge.  Win or lose you will grow as a person and a player throughout these 3 days.

It has been a short and hectic soccer season filled with hard work and sacrifice. Appreciate your time here and the people you meet - this is your reward.  Play with passion, compete with character, and laugh freely. As we engage in this tournament coming on the heels of the global pandemic shutdown – please reflect on the role an active lifestyle plays in promoting a long and healthy life and be grateful for the moments and memories you are making. 

I wish you great success on and off the court. Thank you for coming. – we all look forward to ‘discovering more about you’.

Mike DeNeef

Athletics and Activities Director