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Triple champions Arsenal Ladies celebrated the conclusion of Season 10 by securing the coveted GulfWeekly Ladies Football League title.
The ladies in red, who won the cup in seasons seven and eight, completed a hat-trick of collecting silverware at an awards ceremony at the Soccer City Stadium in Hamala.
Before the ceremony, the champions took on a team selected from all the other sides forming the league’s own ‘Team of the Season’.
Deena Rahman, competition organiser, said: “This game was a new initiative we brought in to play as we thought it would be a brilliant way to end the season.
“It proved to be a great way to bring all the teams together and recognise the way these players had performed throughout this season. We will definitely be continuing the formula because it was such a success.”
The all-stars ran out 2-0 winners with goals from Arsenal U21’s duo Aya Ashraf and Teddy Walton but nothing could dampen the spirit or remove the smile off the faces of the Arsenal Ladies. Captain and striker Rama Salem, who has been playing in the league since its inception in 2010, was proud of her team’s latest success.
The 28-year-old graphic designer, from Riffa Views, said: “It’s so amazing playing with this team and every year we seem to grow stronger and stronger.
“Our new recruits, Kajsa Svensson, Linda Tran, Dana Black and Gemma Stollery, have added a great dynamic to our multi-national team.
“We are always happy playing together and training is so much fun. Playing with these girls is pure bliss and winning trophies is the cherry on the top.”
The Arsenal squad proved almost invincible by remaining undefeated until the last match, losing against their younger counterparts, the Arsenal U21s.
Salem said: “It was very well deserved and I am so proud of them because they are the future ladies team. If anyone was going to beat us I’m glad it was them!
“This season thoughout was very competitive and every season the teams seem to be getting stronger. Perhaps it’s because people are becoming more familiar with how each team plays and it’s become more about tactics.
“There have been some amazing goals scored too. I think by far the goal-of-the-season was notched by our own Leni Tsappis who scored a beautiful strike from the half-way line and it has been engraved in my mind.
“Next season we aim to retain our title, continue playing as a team and keep growing together although we will be losing a few players due to travelling and wedding bells.”
There was double delight for the team last Wednesday as midfielder Sam Rule collected the acclaimed Player of the Season award.
Rule, 36, a Year Four teacher at the British School of Bahrain, said: “I was surprised when they called my name and it feels really good. But I can’t take all the credit as it really is down to the girls that I play with because without them I wouldn’t be able to do half the things I do on the pitch.
“As for our title victory it’s a brilliant achievement.”
Rule has always had a passion for the game, playing with the boys near her home in the UK as a child before joining Liverpool Feds LFC. She is already excited about kicking off Season 11. Rule said: “I love the girls and I love the coach. This is the only team for me.”
The vivacious Venus took second spot in the league and they are just as determined to reclaim the title they won in Season Six.
The Arsenal U21s finished third and hope to give the big two another run for their money.
Bahrain international Rahman said: “We have had an exciting season and the competitiveness was superb. The Arsenal U21s are progressing well and Venus obviously continue to impress.
“It was great to see the RCSI team return to action. While the girls have been in and out of exams, their coach has come in and done an amazing job building them up.
“Seef Dental are always a solid side and although others have beaten them it was only by the odd goal or two.
“Again, on a weekly basis, seeing all these ladies playing football is fantastic. The improvement of the players has been impressive. We can’t wait to see what happens next season.”
The new season will kick off in January and run until June. Rahman added: “We would love to see another couple of teams join in the fray. Former competitors Eastern Flames and Joga have already shown some interest. It would be the ideal if we can get a couple more teams on board.”
* To sign up and for more league information, email deena@arsenalschoolbahrain.com or visit www.arsenalschoolbahrain.com
