30 Apr 2019
Doha, 30 April 2019. On Tuesday, large numbers of enthusiastic young footballers representing 16 independent and international schools in Qatar took part in a closing tournament and ceremony to mark the end of the end of the season for Aspire Academy’s Football Skill Development Centre (FSDC).
The tournament was organised in partnership with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the Ministry of Interior (MoI), Community Policing Department at MoI and the Qatar Football Association (QFA). The tournament provides a platform for the country’s passionate young players to showcase their footballing skills and fulfill their sporting potential. It reflects Aspire Academy’s commitment to supporting the development of local athletes.
In a series of closely fought, competitive matches young footballers from grades 1 and 2 took part in a series of matches from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Amongst the grade 1 age group, Simaisma Primary Independent School ran out overall winners, with Abu Hanifa school coming second and Arab International school coming third. Amongst the grade 2 age group, Simaisma Primary Independent School also triumphed, with Al-Khor Independent school attaining second place and Compass International School coming third.
The ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials from Aspire Academy including Badr Al Hay, Director of Education and Student Care; Ali Sultan Fakhroo, Director of Corporate Services; Edorta Murua, Technical Director of Football Department; Jassem Al Jaber, Academy’s School Principal; as well as a number of coaches from the Academy who refereed the matches and oversaw the students’ participation.
Commenting on the tournament, Saeed Al Marri, Football Operations Manager, said; “This year’s tournament has reached a fantastic conclusion and this closing ceremony is the ideal way to celebrate the distinguished footballing champions of our 2018 – 2019 season. It provides young players with great opportunities to showcase their talents to the country’s top clubs.”
Mr. Bruno Pereira, Coach of the Football Skill Development Centre (FSDC) Administration said: “At Aspire Academy, we’re focused on providing youngsters with the best opportunities to hone their competitive skills. We’re very pleased with the standard of football and the success of all the teams this year. This year’s event has introduced us to a number of very talented young players. Participation and levels of interest continue to grow, and we had 120 schools compete in this year’s tournament – double last year’s number.”
Commenting on their participation in the tournament, Ahmed Abdulkarim Al-Hammadi, a Captain from the Community Police Department at the Ministry of Interior said “These types of events are ideal for young players to develop their skills and experience a positive, competitive environment. I believe that it’s important too for parents to encourage participation in such events, as they are a great way to nurture talent in children.”
Commenting on their participation, Hussein Al-Sharshani, Amir cup tour coordinator at the QFA said: “We’re delighted to be present during this ceremony to mark the closing of the season for Aspire Academy’s Football Skill Development Centre (FSDC). The atmosphere is fantastic and such a tournament is a great way for young footballers to have their talents recognised.”