For Audrey Alviar, football began by playing with her brothers and discovering a love for the game. Eight years later, the 15-year-old BISP student-athlete is balancing IGCSE studies with high-performance football while representing the Philippines at youth international level. 

“I used to play with my brothers a lot, and I really enjoyed it. They made me realise my love for football,” Audrey says.

Life as a student-athlete requires discipline. Between school, training, homework and recovery, Audrey has learned the importance of managing her time and knowing where to focus her energy.

I prioritise schoolwork and football, and I just have to know when I have to rest, when I have to do schoolwork and when I have to focus on football.

Audrey believes many of the qualities developed through football also support her academically, particularly discipline, patience and commitment. At the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy, she has also had opportunities to compete internationally, including tournaments in Spain, Singapore and Borneo, as well as celebrating a first-place finish at Soccer 7s.

Representing the Philippines

One of Audrey’s proudest achievements has been taking her football to international level with the Philippines, an opportunity that has challenged her to push herself further.

The national team just made me push myself even more because it’s like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it just can’t go to waste.

Competing at national level has brought new expectations and pressure, but also greater confidence.

“My proudest moment is playing in the national team because I got to wear my flag,” Audrey says. “It made me feel more confident, but it also made me push myself more.”

Looking ahead, Audrey hopes to complete her IGCSEs and explore opportunities to trial with clubs in Europe or the United States. For other young players with similar ambitions, her advice comes back to one thing: consistency.

I think the most important thing is consistency. I prefer hard work and consistency over talent because I feel like that’s where you see yourself improve most.

From playing with her brothers to representing her country, Audrey’s journey reflects how commitment, confidence and a willingness to keep challenging yourself can create opportunities both on and off the pitch.