27 Apr 2016
Doha, 26 April 2016. The fourth edition of the ‘Aspire Academy Schools League’ for eight year olds drew to a close on Tuesday at Aspire Dome, after a dramatic finals and a celebratory closing event attended by officials from the Academy, participating schools and a number of Qatari institutions.
The league, which was organized by the Football Skills Development Center at Aspire Academy, started at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year with the involvement of 18 independent schools and 22 private and international schools competing in two groups. The first, second and third place teams from these two groups qualified for Tuesday’s final.
The celebration began with a recital from the Quran, followed by a rendition of the Qatari national anthem performed by musicians from the Qatari Armed Forces band.
In their opening remarks, Mashael Ismail Al-Sharshni from the administrative team of the Football Skills Development Center at Aspire Academy said: “Through the Football Performance & Science department, Aspire Academy is proud of its role in organising and hosting various school festivals and tournaments. Such events reflect the emphasis we place on supporting the development of young players technically, physically and psychologically – helping lay the foundations for future success in their athletic careers. This success of this league highlights the levels of cooperation and collaboration that exists between stakeholders and partner organisations that are committed to enhancing performance amongst Qatar’s young athletes.”
The final matches took place following the opening remarks and featured three independent schools along with three international schools. The independent schools taking part were: Joaan Bin Jassim; Al Khor Independent and Qatar Academy Al Khor Branch. The three international schools taking part were: Sherborne, Al Khaleej School and Qatar International School.
Qatar International School was crowned overall champion of the league following a closely-fought final match against Al Khor Independent School in which Qatar International School ran out 2-1 winners. Joaan Bin Jassim Independent School secured third place following a 3-2 win against Al Khaleej School.
Following the matches, Mr. Ali Salem Afifa, Deputy Director General of Aspire Academy together with Mr. Badr Al-Hay, Director of Education and Student Care and Mr. Ali Ahmed Al-Hitmi, Head of Student Care, presented the first, second and third place teams with league cups and medals.
Academy officials also paid tribute a range of organisations that have contributed towards the success of the final day of the Aspire Academy Schools League, including the Traffic Department, the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Interior, the Qatar Police Sports Association, the Community Police Department, the Qatar Military Sports Association, the Qatar Armed Forces Music Band, Qatar Television and Al Rayyan TV.