[ SPL News ] Great End to a Great SPL Season!

Amigos and Amigas,

What a fantastic day we had to close out the SPL 2010/2011 season!

The night before, Shanghai was hit by a typhoon—but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, clearing the air and bringing an end to the plum rains. By morning, we were greeted with sunshine and perfect conditions to wrap up the year.

⚽ SPL Cup Final: A Match to Remember

The day kicked off with the 2010/2011 SPL Cup Final between the Hawks and the Lions. Kevin brought in a top-tier female assistant referee from the Chinese FA, helping us build a stronger connection with the CFA and bring in promising officials for our league moving forward.

The final itself was a high-level battle between two great teams.

• The Hawks, boasting the SIFL and SPL top scorers, were expected to come out attacking—but it was the Lions who struck first after capitalizing on a sleepy defense.
• Moments later, the Hawks responded with a low strike by Adam to level the score.
• In the second half, the Lions switched to counter-attacking football and found the net again—2-1 with ten minutes to go.
• But the Hawks never gave up, and in the dying moments, a poor goal kick fell straight to Romilson, who made it 2-2.

Penalties followed, and once again the Lions held their nerve:
✅ All Lions scored (5)
✅ All Brazilians for the Hawks scored (4)
❌ Unfortunately, their non-Brazilian player hit the post.

It was a fantastic game of football—fair, intense, and brilliantly officiated by Kevin and his team (special shoutout to the assistant referee duo!).

🏆 End-of-Season 8-a-Side Tournament

Right after the final, the SPL hosted its 8-a-side end-of-season tournament across three pitches, with all SPL teams participating. Despite fatigue from the final, both the Lions and Hawks gave it their all.

However, it was Pistolera Bulls who stole the show—playing exciting, attacking football and emerging as tournament champions. Well deserved! Their trophy is on the way.

🎉 SPL Awards & Afterparty

After all the action, it was time to unwind at Latina’s with great food, summer vibes, and Brazilian beats courtesy of the Hawks players. One of the evening’s standout moments? When one of our local referees took an accidental dive—right into the fish pond by the stage—as he was called forward for his award. Thankfully, no injuries—just laughter!

We took time to thank the many people who made this season a success:

🙏 All the team captains (who received a special SPL poster on canvas)
🙏 The referees, sponsors, Angela, Cai, all SPL players
🙏 Golden Bridge Company, Dulwich College, Frederik, Yamada-san, Adam the “Grass Master,” families, and friends.

☀️ See You Next Season!

Wishing everyone a great summer—stay fit and healthy! The 2011/2012 SPL Season is shaping up to be bigger and better.

Cheers,
Freek (SPL President) on behalf of the SPL Committee