02 Feb 2015
Doha, 2 February 2015. One of the highlights of Aspire Academy’s football season is just around the corner. From February 5 to 15 the “Al Kass International Cup” will bring the best U-17 teams from all over the world to Aspire Academy making it the stage for football’s most promising young talent.
For the team of Aspire Academy it is another chance to compete against the elite of their generation. The goal of the Academy’s 20 players, who also participated last year when the competition was organized for Under-16 teams, is clear: “We want to represent Aspire Academy in the best way and qualify for finals action,” says head coach Ibrahem Mohamed Ahmed Al Shafai, a two-time Qatar Stars League championship player with Al Rayyan SC, who has been eagerly preparing with his team for the upcoming event. “Last year we struggled in the group stage, but since then the team has gained more experience and we are well-prepared for the challenges to come.”
This year, the Aspire Academy players will face Arsenal (England) and Vissel Kobe (Japan) in Group A. “There are no weak teams in this tournament, every team comes from a strong youth program. The group is an interesting one since our boys have to deal with different styles of playing, different mentalities and, of course, they also have to cope with the pressure of dealing with a larger crowd and media exposure. Tournaments like this are very important for their individual development as players and their collective development as a team,” observed Al Shafai on the draw.
For more information about the “Al Kass International Cup” please visithttp://internationalcup.alkass.net/.
Al Kass International Cup, Group A:Arsenal
Vissel Kobe
Aspire Academy
Schedule:
Thursday, 5 February 2015: Arsenal vs Vissel Kobe (16:30, Aspire Pitch 4)
Friday, 6 February 2015: Vissel Kobe vs Aspire Academy (17:40, Aspire Pitch 5)
Sunday, 8 February 2015: Aspire Academy vs Arsenal (17:40, Aspire Pitch 5)