Day 8

This morning the team headed to Twitti school for the second and final day of the tournament. It was a complete contrast to the setting of the tournament yesterday at St Patricks. The tournament today consisted of each of the teams our groups have been coaching throughout the week. These included, Twitti, Yanos, Lilayi, Grand IQ as well as dancers from Guardian Angels who kicked off the tournament. There was a real buzz to the day with team supporters chanting and dancing around both pitches in support of their team. All teams worked extremely hard to perform to their best and this was very much evident through the tears and laughter that came with games won and lost. Again all our Esher team rocked hard together to organise and run a very successful event.

Georgia Mercer - "Today was tournament day number 2. Today's tournament was very different to yesterday. There were less people in the crowds but much more noise. The atmosphere was really incredible, there was so much passion from the children, the parents and the coaches. The fields were packed with teams in brightly coloured tshirts whooping and cheering. not forgetting the organisers and managers running around with stressed faces making sure everything is running smoothly. All their hard work paid off in the end to make a really fantastic day for the children and everyone else. Well done teams Grand IQ and Yanos!"

Megan Gregory - "The week has been tiring but fun. It was good to see all the training we've done with the children go into the tournament. It was sad to see the children who didn't win upset. But really nice to see Yanos (the poorer school) win against Twitti. The hardest part wasto see St Patricks yesterday, it was far more upsetting to see in person than on tv shows like Comic Relief. But really nice to talk to the families that lived there. Overall it was a really good experience and I won't forget it."

Miah Gayle - "It has been 8 days and I'm still having such a great time in Zambia. It was the last day to see the children and it was the last tournament. I had a lot of fun teaching the lovely children rugby and every time I see the children smile or winning a game, it really puts a big smile on my face. I wish I had more time with them because it made me realise how grateful I am and that I should appreciate that I have a nice place to live, going to school, medical care and people like my family that take good care of me. I really do think this trip has opened my eyes."

Hannah Lumsden - "Today was tournament number 2. We really enjoyed it and it was more exciting than yesterday because the teams that we playing were the teams we coached throughout the week. It was really nice to see all the children together, having fun, and competing against each other. It was also very emotional to say goodbye to them but we are all glad we have made a small impact on their lives."

Charlotte Wilsdon - "Despite the early start, today's tournament was an enjoyable day for everyone. Held at Twitti school, there was a competitive but supportive atmosphere, raising spirit throughout the day. It was great watching the matches as most of us knew the teams or players."

Catie Mackie - "Today was our last day and really put into perspective the difference we've made in the children's lives. Throughout the week, I've really been able to see how lucky we are at one compared to the children over here. I've been really fortunate and visited many of the schools we have been going to as well and it has also been very interesting to see the differences between the schools in virtually the same area. I've really loved being around the children, playing rugby and doing dance. I will never forget this week."

Olivia Koplick - "It was a day we had all been waiting for! The final tournament between the teams we had been coaching. The atmosphere was incredible as all the teams lined up to start the fixtures. The tournament began with the Guardian Angels children performing the dance we had recently taught them. This was a proud moment for all the dancers. Following this, the tournament kicked off with all the teams trying their hardest. To mine, Elisha and Megan's delight the Grand IQ team we had coached in the week got through to the semi finals of the bowl cup. Before the match, me and Elisha gave the team a prep talk and in the first 7minutes our team scored two try's. After winning the semi finals, the Grand IQ team went on to play Lilayi. The final had everyone holding their breath, watching mesmerised, crossing their fingers. Finally after a tense 14minutes, Grand IQ scored the final try and won the game! I felt so proud to see the children we had coached lift the trophy that they deserved!"

Katy Cooper - "Today was the second tournament which was held at Twitti school and had the teams which we had been coaching competing against each other. For the past few days we have been visiting Guardian Angels school teaching them a dance we had put together and today we performed it in front of everyone at the tournament. All our hard work paid off and it went really well. The whole tournament ran smoothly and it was great to see Yanos win!"