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Over the weekend more than 120 football-mad youngsters played their hearts out at the Bahrain Football Association training ground in Riffa, all for a chance to win a coveted spot in the Viva Manchester United Soccer School programme.
The event initially kicked off with more than 600 candidates all vying for a chance to live, train and play the ‘United Way’ for a week at the club’s renowned English residential camp at Myerscough College.
During the first round of seven-a-side try-outs, former Bahrain national team players who are now amongst the kingdom’s top coaches, judged the participants’ performances and shortlisted the roster of hopefuls down to a more manageable number.
The telecom company then called in United’s own UEFA-qualified coaches Kevin O’Connell and Andy Robinson to conduct the final trials and select 18 starlets aged between 12 and 15 for the trip of a lifetime.
The duo evaluated the participants on three main skill criteria: passing, keeping possession and close ball control and came away impressed. Coach O’Connell said: “I must say they surpassed my expectations. They know the game, they come together well as a team, and I love the attitude they’re displaying out here, especially the girls.
“We were looking to identify players who possess good technical skills and have the confidence to express themselves by dominating one-on-one scenarios in both defence and attack.
“Every single player we saw deserved this opportunity. We were thrilled with their attitude and inspired by their enthusiasm. Not only did they play well but they were having fun out there. You would expect them to be nervous but all we saw was confidence and a shared love of the game.”
Coach O’Connell joined the English Premiership club’s set-up five years ago and has been involved in its international projects in Asia taking in China, India, Philippines and Singapore. He is also currently the coach for neighbouring lower league Stockport County’s under 14’s Centre of Excellence team.
He said: “My role obviously within the business is to visit lots of different territories on behalf of Manchester United FC and give a little back to the fans.
“Just recently figures were released that we have over 659 million fans worldwide so we basically go and work closely with our partners just like with Viva doing projects such as this.”
At the training camp, the lucky chosen youngsters will be given a further understanding of the game.
According to coach O’Connell, the winners will take part in technical sessions, games and workshops as well as work on what is needed to reach a professional level.
He added: “They will also look at the social aspects of the game, how they need to get along as a team. We will also talk about nutrition, the right food to eat as well as the mental aspects of the sport.
“Hopefully, when they come back from the programme with a greater understanding of the game, want to pursue it further and also pass on some of the things they had learned to their friends.
“Of course, not everybody is going to become an elite athlete but the ones that do continue, have the right mindset and are willing to practice on a daily basis, working with both feet, then, who knows?
“The industry is a very difficult and competitive one. There are hundreds of thousands of young players out there that want to play for Manchester United.
“At the end of the day, we are here to guide them. It’s a great opportunity offered to them by Viva. The chosen 18 will enjoy a great experience and be motivated to keep trying and to always do their best.”
Many parents cheered on their children from the side-lines, as the young players kept their concentration on claiming a place on the plane.
Bahrain Bayan School classmates Ahmed Kamal and Ahmed Al Mahroos, both 14, were among the shortlisted.
Kamal said: “It’s a great experience particularly as I am a Manchester United fan and my favourite player is Wayne Rooney.”
His friend Al Mahroos added: “I want to become a better football player and I want to follow in the footsteps of Ryan Giggs, the United winger. I play at the European Football Club in Bahrain and I love the spirit of the game. It would be a dream come true to end up playing for Manchester United.”
Meanwhile, Ahmed Nayaf Al Jowder , also 14, from Creativity Private School, hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps Abdulrahman Al Jowder who has donned the shirt of one of Bahrain’s top sides, Muharraq.
He said: “I want the chance to learn more skills to become a better player. It would be the first step to reaching my goal of becoming a professional player. I enjoyed the trials and just hope to learn more.”
At the end of their training session the 120 youngsters were each awarded medals to mark their achievements to date.
The crucial date however is July 8 when the successful youngsters will head to the UK for seven days of sensational soccer experiences.
