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THE search is on to uncover Bahrain's top soccer starlets who will be flown to the UK for an all-expenses paid international gathering of school talent, writes MAI AL KHATIB.
The dream trip is the main prize on offer to youngsters taking part in the first Middle East Arsenal Soccer Festival on April 3 and 4 at the Bahrain Football Association's ground in Riffa.
Youngsters from schools and local clubs across the kingdom, aged between 14 and 16, will be invited to take part in the event which aims to showcase 17 talented players for the "Best of the Best" in the under-16 age group category.
Shaikh Ali Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Football Association said: "We are delighted to host the festival here and I believe that this event will present a great opportunity for all young players in the kingdom."
The selected squad of players will fly to London to compete against teams from around the world in an eight-day Arsenal International Festival in July.
In Bahrain more than 350 youngsters representing 50 teams are expected to sign up for the challenge which organisers say will be a memorable and educational event. The Arsenal Soccer School is bringing three senior staff members to sit on a judging panel.
Grant Myburgh, director of the Arsenal Soccer School in Bahrain, said: "All around the world children dream of emulating their heroes. Offering the kingdom's talented players the opportunity to play in the Arsenal Soccer Festival, and a chance to be selected to go to London, will give the children an opportunity to achieve their dreams."
Already soccer-loving youngsters cannot wait for the challenge. Arsenal fan and street footballer Yohahn Ribeiro, 14, a Scared Heart School pupil from Adliya, said: "I hope the judges notice me and take me back to London. Maybe, if I am lucky, I will get to meet the Arsenal players!"
The festival consists of two days of football, skill sets and fun. It aims to create a truly multi-cultural sporting environment that fosters teamwork, self development and confidence and provide a unique sporting occasion that promotes fun, friendship and healthy competition.
For more details and to register visit www.arsenalschoolbahrain.com
One lucky team from Bahrain can win the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow in the footsteps of some of the world's best footballers in the annual Budweiser Cup.
Over 40 teams from around the world are being invited to participate in the 6 v 6 Football Tournament to be held at the home of Manchester United - Old Trafford.
Giving the aspiring footballers of Bahrain the chance to live their dream, the Bud 6 v 6 Football Tournament invites all amateur teams to sign their team up today.
The qualifying tournament will take place from 9am on March 27 at the Bahrain Rugby Club. Open to 32 teams, each with a line-up of eight players and one manager, the format will see eight groups of four teams play each other in 20-minute games. The winning team from each group will then progress to the knockout stages on April 11, with one team emerging victorious.
This triumphant team will then go on to represent Bahrain in the international tournament at Old Trafford in May, with an all-expenses-paid trip to Manchester that will include four days and three nights of football excitement.
An orientation day will see players being treated to a guided tour of the facilities at Old Trafford Stadium, followed by a training session.
United coaches will be on hand to dispense expert advice, with a special visit from the existing first team players who will pass on valuable tips.
Register before March 17 by calling BMMI on 17364000 or sign up online by sending an email to janetd@bmmi.com.bh All members must be over 18, have a valid CPR card and hold, or be able to obtain, a valid visa/passport for entry into the UK.
