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The Bahrain Amateur Football League, formed to promote competitive play across the kingdom and offer a platform for soccer fanatics to enjoy, is set to kick off its second season next month.
Seven teams have already registered to battle it out for the coveted trophy in the 11-a-side competition, founded by physics teacher Colin Kerr. More teams are expected to join in the coming weeks.
“We are hoping to get to 12 teams,” said Matty Rees, a 26-year-old teacher from Saar who moonlights as the league’s social media secretary.
The league, which starts mid-September, operates the same way as all other FIFA-affiliated leagues with three points for a win and one for a draw.
Mostly adults make up the teams, although under 18s can play with parental consent, with waivers signed by parents or guardians.
The season will see each team playing each other twice.
There will also be a competition called Diogo Pires Memorial Cup, which will consist of two groups of four. The Cup was named after the late Diogo Pires, who played for the Hamala Hurricanes and passed away last year.
The teams currently involved are Janabiyah Juggernauts, Hamala Hurricanes, Bahrain Rugby Football Club, British Club, Juventus Academy U23, Muharraq Youth Centre and Black Castle. Each of them will play once a week, on a Tuesday and Thursday.
“Last season Black Castle Academy won the league but the Diogo Pires Memorial Cup was cancelled due to Covid-19,” said Rees, a defender for the Juggernauts.
“This season is looking very good with lots of good competition in the cards. Most of them are to be played at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club while some games will be held at the Shakhura Youth Centre and Um Al Hassan Club.
“The Janabiyah Juggernauts have lost their key man in Ryan Conway this season, so they will be looking to fill that void. The Hamala Hurricanes have made some exciting signings and the Rugby Club have a unique style of play which is difficult to counter.
“All teams have their own style. Black Castle went undefeated last year, so they are the ones that all teams need to try and overcome this year. Juventus U23 was mainly made up of 15 to 17-year-olds from their academy. Despite their age, they were very competitive and we’re excited to see them develop further this year.”
While the league is already gaining a football following, Kerr, who is also the registration secretary, dreams that it will grow further with more teams being involved over the coming years.
“I started the Bahrain Amateur Football League because I wanted to create a platform that made 11-a-side football more accessible for the community in Bahrain,” Kerr said. “Despite a disruptive first season due to Covid-19 restrictions, the league achieved this. I am very excited to be part of an initiative that has so much potential for growth, to work with local businesses and partners in the community and, most importantly, to be the outlet for amateur football to thrive.”
Health precautionary measures will be taken before each game. Temperature will be recorded at all venues and any player who has been in close contact with a Covid-19 case will not be allowed to take part.
For details, follow @bah.afl on Instagram and the Bahrain Amatuer Football League on Facebook.
