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THERE is everything to play for as Bahrain’s top women footballers gear up for a crack at winning the highly-competitive GulfWeekly-sponsored Bahrain Ladies Football League which is now in its 10th season.
The 11-week-long eight-a-side tournament, staged at Soccer City Bahrain in Janabiya every Wednesday evening at 7pm, kicks off tonight with five teams competing for glory.
Co-ordinator Deena Rahman, a Bahrain national team player and a senior coach at Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain, said: “We’re very excited about Season 10 of the league. It’s fantastic that we have made it this far and it’s all thanks to the growth and quality of women’s’ football in the kingdom.
“It’s a positive sign for us. The standard of football has improved and continues to grow from strength-to-strength. The players are fitter, skilful and more experienced than ever before.”
In the line-up for this autumn’s action are RCSI, Arsenal Ladies, Arsenal U21, Seef Dental and last season’s champions Venus. Unfortuanely, after nine consecutive seasons, fierce femmes Joga TFA, a side considered the bridesmaids of the tournament having gone close to securing the title of several occasions, will not be joining the fray along with Arsenal U18s and Saudi Arabia’s representatives Eastern Flames.
Rahman said: “We welcome back RCSI who will now be coached by Arsenal’s former player Alana McConologue. Unfortunately, Joga TFA, who have not missed a season since the start of the ladies league, are taking a break as they cannot recruit enough players for this season.
“It works out well though for the others, as many of Joga’s most prolific performers will be joining other teams. In fact Seef Dental is hoping to snap up three of them!
“Joga aims to return the following season with an even stronger team I’ve been informed.
“Unfortunately, The Eastern Flames fell off the radar after their coach left and Arsenal U18s are taking a break to focus and develop as players and a team this term.
“We would like to wish all those competing ‘good luck’ and encourage any ladies wanting to take part in football to please make contact and I can get them involved with the programme.”
This season a number of the U18s have also been moved up to the U21s squad. Arsenal Ladies and U21s have welcomed a crop of new players to training and look capable of achieving league or cup success, although Venus will be aiming to retain their title this season, and remain the side to beat.
Venus’s midfielder, captain and co-ordinator, Esra Ahmed Nuruddin, 27, said: “We can’t wait to start.
“It’s good to see so many of the girls from exiting teams still motivated to play and holding trials with the remaining sides. It’s also great to see some of the teams merge, like Joga and Seef, so it is likely to be more competitive but still fun.
“We are still aiming to win it this season. We are in good form and have been playing friendlies in preparation for the season. May this be another great one for everyone involved, with exciting contests played in the right spirit and in a friendly environment.”
* To sign up and receive more details contact 17561615 or email deena@arsenalschoolbahrain.com or visit www.arsenalschoolbahrain.com
