16 Apr 2013
?The second edition of the Aspire Academy International U-18 Tournament 2013 kicks off today Monday, April 15 at Aspire Zone with teams travelling in from the Europe and Bahrain to take on the best players at the Academy, Aspire Team A and B.
The under 18’s side from the Premier League club and former FA Cup winners West Bromwich Albion launch the competition in a match with Spain’s top tier football club Seville’s under 18’s at Aspire Academy outdoor football pitches. In what will certainly be a clash of titans in terms of football, a high level of football skill will be on display as Seville has previously been named the best club in the world.
Aspire will get an opportunity to shine against Benfica, considered to be one Portugal’s ‘Tres Grandes’ or Big Three - the nickname given to the top three clubs in the country on Monday at the same time, 4.30pm. Bahrain’s under 18’s side will take on Benfica the following day at the high-tech and well equipped sports stadium.
Mr Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy said, “This is certain to be a thrilling and exciting tournament. The Aspire Academy team have much to gain from hosting these challenging matches and the international teams benefit from the calibre of training and facilities on offer here.”
The five day tournament wraps up on Friday, April 19 .The games get underway at 4.30pm every afternoon with two matches taking place simultaneously. The event is open to all and spectators are encouraged to come along to cheer on the young teams.
The Aspire Academy International U-18 Tournament 2013 follows on from the Triangular Local Tournament that took place last month which pitted the 1998 and 1999 teams against top European clubs Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy and Schalke 04.
Aspire Academy regularly organizes and hosts international sports tournaments at Aspire Zone giving their young players exposure to the competition environment and giving all teams involved the opportunity to practice their skills. In January 2013, Aspire Zone Foundation co-hosted the second annual Al Kass Tournament with Qatar Football Association and Al Kass Sport Channels bringing together 12 teams from around the globe over a ten days competition.