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Bahrain Rugby Football Club launched and hosted the first leg of the inaugural U-16 Gulf Academy football tournament with 150 youngsters from across the GCC joining 150 of Bahrain's most promising players.
Games were played simultaneously across four pitches. The day included four age categories - under-10, under-12, under-14 in which BRFC's academy team secured the runners-up spot - and under-16.
In the under-16 league, Bahrain Rio's took four points to the return leg, which will be held in Dubai, on February 12, 2010.
Teams are competing for the 'Regional Gulf Academy Trophy'.
Paul Geddes, BRFC academy coach, said: "We are extremely proud of the Bahrain Rio's U-16 boys who showed excellent team spirit, playing together for the first time and competing in the first Gulf-wide league.
"It was a fantastic learning experience for the young squad, with half the team aged under 15. The future bodes well for the newly-established academy and provides a great foundation for its continued development.
"We look forward to the second phase in Dubai and the boys are eager to show they can improve on their performance to compete at the highest standard.
"The Bahrain Astros U-16 side also finished runners-up in the Saturday Challenge tournament narrowly losing 1-0 to Abu Dhabi Thistle. Well done to all the boys who participated in what was an excellent weekend of football. "
Bahrain Duty Free sponsored the team tents. Further information about the event can be obtained by visiting: www.theonionbag.net
