Doha: The second edition of the Aspire Academy International Under-18 Tournament 2013 kicks off today at Aspire Zone with teams travelling in from Europe and Bahrain to take on the best players at the Academy, Aspire Team A and B.
The Under-18 side from the Premier League club and former FA Cup winners West Bromwich Albion launch the competition in a match with Spain’s top tier football club Seville’s Under-18 at Aspire Academy outdoor football pitches.
In what will certainly be a clash of titans in terms of football, a high level of football skill will be on display as Seville has previously been named the best club in the world.
Aspire will get an opportunity to shine against Benfica, considered to be one Portugal’s ‘Tres Grandes’ or Big Three - the nickname given to the top three clubs in the country today at 4.30pm. Bahrain’s Under-18’s side will take on Benfica the following day at the high-tech and well equipped sports stadium.
Ivan Bravo, Director General of Aspire Academy said: “This is certain to be a thrilling and exciting tournament. The Aspire Academy team have much to gain from hosting these challenging matches and the international teams benefit from the calibre of training and facilities on offer here.”
The five-day tournament will end on April 19.
The games get under way at 4.30pm every afternoon with two matches taking place simultaneously. The event is open to all and spectators are encouraged to come along to cheer on the young teams.
The Aspire Academy International U-18 Tournament 2013 follows on from the Triangular Local Tournament that took place last month which pitted the 1998 and 1999 teams against top European clubs Gheorghe Hagi Football Academy and Schalke 04.
Aspire Academy regularly organises and hosts international sports tournaments at Aspire Zone giving their young players exposure to the competition environment and giving all teams involved the opportunity to practice their skills.
In January this year, Aspire Zone Foundation co-hosted the second annual Al Kass Tournament with Qatar Football Association and Al Kass Sport Channels bringing together 12 teams from around the globe over a ten days competition.
The Peninsula
