Held over two weeks of competitive play, the 2025 LAU High-School Tournament welcomed high-school athletes from across Lebanon, from December 6 to December 21, across LAU campuses, as well as selected schools and stadium courts, reaffirming LAU’s role as a meeting ground for emerging talent, school pride, and community connection.

Organized by the LAU Athletics Department, this year’s edition welcomed 31 participating schools and approximately 650 students, reflecting its continued growth and strong reputation among Lebanon’s secondary schools. Competition unfolded across four disciplines—men’s football, women’s futsal, men’s volleyball, and women’s volleyball—creating a dynamic environment in which students could test their skills, teamwork, and resilience.

Such a scale was matched by extensive preparation. Planning began months ahead of the opening matches, with the Athletics Department coordinating closely with participating schools to confirm registrations and develop detailed schedules tailored to each sport. Venue bookings, officials’ assignments, and equipment readiness were finalized early to ensure uninterrupted play throughout the tournament. These efforts were supported by close collaboration with the Student Recruitment Office for data coordination and campus security to ensure a safe and well-organized experience for all involved.

LAU student-athletes also played a central role in the tournament’s success. They supported event operations and assisted visiting teams throughout the tournament, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines LAU’s athletics culture. Their involvement added a peer-to-peer dimension to the experience, helping high-school students feel welcomed and engaged on campus.

On the courts and fields, competition was fierce across all sports, culminating in memorable finals and standout individual performances. In women’s futsal, Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé claimed first place after a strong showing throughout the tournament, with Collège Saint Joseph Antoura finishing as runners-up. Ayana Rizkallah was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her exceptional performance on the court. Men’s football saw Lycée Franco Libanais Verdun emerge as champions, followed by Collège du Sacré Cœur–Gemayzeh in second place, while Ibrahim Farshoukh earned the MVP title.

The volleyball courts were equally competitive. In women’s volleyball, Rawdat Al Fayhaa School from Tripoli secured first place, with Collège des Sœurs des Saints Cœurs–Jbeil finishing as runners-up. Abir Mawlawi was recognized as MVP for her leadership and skill.

On the men’s side, SABIS International School–Adma took home the championship, followed by Monsif International School, with Tarek Chahine named MVP.

As LAU Athletics Director Joe Moujaes noted that “the tournament offers high-school students a competitive yet educational experience that fosters teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.” He added that it also serves as an important platform for talent identification and recruitment, while strengthening LAU’s relationships with key feeder schools.

Reflecting on the event’s overall success, LAU’s Sports Events and Recreation Coordinator Lara El Hachem highlighted the strength of this year’s edition. “Overall, the tournament ran smoothly, with strong participation, good organization, and clear talent identification across multiple sports,” she said.