Aspire Academy U16 wins latest Tri-Series tournament
Doha: The latest edition of the Tri-Series football tournament organised by Aspire Academy has successfully drawn to a close.
The latest competition saw Aspire Academy’s U-18 and U-16 players compete against visiting teams from Shandong Luneng FC (China), Leeds United FC (England), whilst Aspire Academy’s U-17 team competed against Shandong Luneng FC and Apoel FC (Cyprus).
Aspire Academy’s U-16 team dominated its group after defeating Shandong Luneng FC 1 – 0 in the opening match and then securing victory over Leeds United FC by a margin of 3 goals to 1 in their second match.
Meanwhile, a 1 – 1 draw against Apoel FC left Aspire Academy’s U17 youth team in second place, losing out on post-match penalties. In their opening match, Aspire’s team impressed during a 3 – 0 win over Shandong Luneng FC, who finished in third place.
The Academy’s U-18 team also secured second place in their group after defeating Shandong Luneng FC, and losing 2 – 0 against Leeds United FC, who proved to be a tough side to beat.
Commenting on their participation in the tournament, Apoel FC Academy Manager, Georgios Markides, praised the facilities at Aspire Zone, and Aspire Academy’s hospitality and organisation saying: “We’re delighted to be invited to take part in the Tri-Series tournament and it has been a very good experience for us (in Qatar) to play against sides from Aspire Academy and Shandong Luneng FC. It’s our first time here (in Qatar). This rich experience will really help our youngsters develop further as players. We’re returning home with some very positive memories and valuables lessons learned.”
Meanwhile, Leeds United FC Academy Director, Adam Underwood added: “Our participation is part of our existing and ongoing partnership with Aspire Academy. Both our institutions are very much focused on youth development and we intend to explore further areas of cooperation for our mutual benefit as we seek to identify and nurture talented young footballers capable of successfully playing at the top level for their clubs and countries.”
Representatives from Shandong Luneng FC, one of the top youth academies in China, also expressed their gratitude for the invitation from Aspire Academy to participate in the tournament.
The preceding round of the Tri-Series tournament featured teams of young players from Aspire Academy born in 2003, 2004 and 2005 who competed against their age mates from Japanese Club Shonan Bellmare and Red Bull Salzburg from Austria.
