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ARSENAL Soccer School Bahrain’s football squads were busy in training this week for their latest London challenge.
A total of 79 players will be travelling to the UK during the summer holidays making up six teams to compete in the 23rd annual London International Soccer Festival.
Paul Shipwright, the school’s director, will lead the delegation. Deena Rahman will manage the Ladies, John MacKenzie and Kishan Khetia the U14s and U15s, and Andy Collins and Liam Trigg the U11s and U12s.
“It’s a fantastic trip and tournament for the students,” said Shipwright. “They learn to integrate together as one club, supporting each other in games and events. It teaches them independence, teamwork and allows them to interact with children from other countries and cultures.
“They live as footballers for nine days – eating, playing, training and socialising together.
“It’s good for Bahrain because the kingdom’s flag will be waved with pride at an international event. Every coach and player, wherever they were born, will be proud to be playing for Bahrain.”
The children also get to see two professional matches on their trip, including Arsenal v Monaco at the Emirates Stadium.
The tournament attracts around 200 seven-a-aside teams and is now firmly established as the top event of its kind in the South of England.
Staged on the award-winning fields of the Royal Holloway University, in picturesque Surrey, the tournament places great emphasis on a competitive but sporting environment, which is demonstrated by the award of a fair play trophy in each age group.
The festival begins on August 2 and ends with Finals Day and presentations of trophies on August 10.
Meanwhile, 22 young VIVA footballers from Bahrain have flown off to the UK to taste life in the northern soccer stronghold of Manchester.
Eighteen boys and four girls will be learning the ‘United Way’ and experiencing a week of training sessions at Manchester United’s Carrington grounds, where the first team trains.
The action-packed programme, led by UEFA qualified Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) coaches, will have VIVA footballers taking part in a series of challenging and fun coaching sessions looking at all aspects of the game.
The VIVA MUSS programme is one of several grassroots initiatives the company has been involved with to raise the standard of football across Bahrain. The latest group were chosen after a contest involving the youth academies of the kingdom’s football clubs.
Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, VIVA CEO, said: “To date, 95 talented boys and girls have had the opportunity to train the ‘United Way’ through VIVA’s MUSS programme. We’ve been pleased to see that some of them have moved on to playing in the National League, inspired by what they learned during their experience in Manchester.
“This year’s MUSS programme has seen an incredible line-up of local talent. The youngsters are thoroughly enjoying their training at Manchester United’s Carrington grounds, which has not only boosted their football knowledge and skills, but has also given them the opportunity to gain insight that will hopefully inspire them to continue pursuing their passion for football once they return to Bahrain.”
The youngsters return on Saturday.
