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SOCCER-loving children who train at a rugby club in Bahrain enjoyed an international adventure … thanks to an Italian connection.
Twenty-four youngsters, aged between 12-14 years, travelled from Saar to Italy’s Bologna for an international week-long football tournament.
Representing Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) they have just returned thrilled and very excited after being pipped to the champion’s post by S G Fortitudo, the home side in the annual competition.
The children were accompanied to Italy by their soccer coaches Brian Cross, Chris Kennedy, Marcus Van Dieman and family members.
Two other coaches, Greg West and Zaher Asbool, who also trained the children, could not make it to Italy due to work commitments in Bahrain.
The footballing adventure began last August when the club launched its weekly training sessions which attracted more than 250 boys aged from five to 15 years.
The club was in regular contact with a former Bahrain resident and member Angelo Agostini who suggested the visit.
Mr Cross explained: “His son Cesasre was a keen footy player and played with the mini football on a Thursday at BRFC.
“The town where they live in Italy, Bologna, stages yearly tournaments and we were lucky to have such contacts and be invited to take part in this year’s tournament.
“It was a dream and did not seem possible at one point to be able to take three teams to Europe.
“We had a load of difficulties to overcome such as getting the children time off school and making the travel arrangements which proved a nightmare. Anyway, we all rose to the challenge!”
Twenty-two players went on the trip and in between them took part in a seven-a-side tournament and a series of friendly fixtures.
The event attracted sides representing Ancora, Santeramo, Fortitudo, Rapid Bucarest, Valsa and, of course, Bahrain.
The coach added: “I have to say the sides were all pretty impressive and the atmosphere was amazing.”
To the club’s delight the U12s came second, losing only one game in a five-strong league, and the U13s came fourth. The U14s played in a number of friendly fixtures.
The club would like to publicly thank sponsors Terry Churchill from TCL, Sean Murphy from Karting for ME, David Hadfield from HPC and BRFC members for making the trip possible.
Fellow coach Mr West, who is leaving Bahrain next week for San Deigo to train a Navy team, said the club has now received invitations from Holland, UK, Spain and France and a visit to the US is also on the cards.
“There are some really talented young footballers here,” he said, “and, in my opinion, some could one day play for a living.”
l Those interested in football training can call the Bahrain Rugby Football Club on 17695809 for further information and to register.
By Sahar Mulla
sahar.mulla@gulfweekly.com
