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Twenty-four football teams – 18 sports clubs and six private schools – from across Bahrain put up a fantastic show as the VIVA Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) 2014 tournament came to an exciting end.
The two-day 7-a-side event was power-packed and full of energy as the players knew their performance on the ground would realise their dream of professional training with one of the most renowned football clubs in the UK.
The tournament culminated with the top three boys’ and girls’ teams in addition to top eight performers and 14 players who were recognised for their outstanding display of skills by renowned coaches from MUSS who flew in especially from the UK to judge the competition.
The UEFA-qualified coaches – Michael Bennett and Matthew Graham – were impressed by how well the players knew their game and their willingness to learn more to improve their game.
Coach Graham said: “As per Manchester United’s training guideline and code of conduct, we look for three important qualities in any player – passion for the sport, desire to work hard and the eagerness to play together as a team.
“Given the right coaching and exposure to the sport, these players have the ability to excel even further in their game and represent Bahrain at any of the international tournaments.”
The Indian School student Ghufran Ghanim said: “As a team, we are always keen to participate in football tournaments which motivates us to practice even more and work hard on our skills. Having participated in a number of competitive games, we are always prepared to tackle any level of competition, learn from the experience and apply it to perform well in future tournaments.”
The top three boys’ teams were Al Shabab, Muharraq and Budaiya clubs while top contenders for the girls included St Christopher’s, Al Noor and The Indian School. Moreover, eight players were recognised individually – best defender: Saud Ramadan Al Assam (boys), Lauren Moir (girls); best striker: Yasser Ayoob (boys), Rawan Nabeel (girls); best goalkeeper: Ahmed Hamdan (boys), Yasmin Nader (girls); and best player: Jassim Khalil (boys) and Ella Huckvale (girls).
One of the winners, Lauren Moir, a student of St Christopher’s school, said: “We are a family of aspiring footballers. My sister Nicole won last year and had the opportunity to train in Manchester and this year, I get to undergo professional training with one of the greatest football clubs which will help me improve my skills. I am extremely happy and and look forward to the great football experience in the UK.”
The 22 young footballers, hand-picked by MUSS coaches, won a fully-paid trip to Manchester for a week (June 15-21) of training under UEFA-certified Manchester United coaches. It also includes a visit to the Old Trafford – Theatre of Dreams.
