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Bahraini teenager Manea Fouad Al Maslimani’s dreams of football glory are closer to fruition after he scooped the player of the week award at the VIVA Manchester United Soccer School (MUSS) initiative in UK.
The 15-year-old football ace, who plays left wing for Busaiteen Club and the Bahrain National Under-17 team, was among the top 22 talented players chosen to take part in a week-long training adventure at the state-of-the-art academy in Manchester United’s Carrington grounds.
According to the coaches, Manea deserved the award for his dedication and hard work on and off the pitch and for always heeding their advice. His teamwork and excellent performance also made him the perfect candidate for player of the week. Manea not only received high praise but also won a jersey autographed by striker Robin van Persie.
The Al Hedaya Al Khalifiya Secondary school student from Busaiteen said: “Taking part in such an initiative was amazing and fulfilling. What better place to learn the grassroots of football than at a reputed club such as Manchester United, which is my favourite team.
“My dream is to become a professional footballer and I would love to play for them one day. I have learned a lot from the coaches in terms of technique and how to conduct myself on the pitch. It was truly a beneficial experience which I will never forget.”
The training was led by Paul Wroe and Andy Cunningham who have been actively involved in conceptualising and executing a number of soccer schools’ programmes. They focused on three core traits including self-confidence, hard work and, most importantly, working together as a team.
To accomplish this, the players were encouraged to grow in a variety of areas including technical skills, tactical understanding, physical and mental skills. They were exposed to both practical and classroom sessions learning how to dominate the one-on-one battle, combine to attack, make it count and win the game, using the Manchester United philosophy.
Aside from the intensive course, the aspiring footballers were given a tour of Old Trafford – the Theatre of Dreams. They also visited the players’ changing room, the museum and the club’s trophy room. They even got the chance to walk through the 100-year-old players’ tunnel onto the pitch.
At the end of the camp, players were presented with medals of participation and player development books. It included a full record of their week’s performance highlighting areas of improvement to help them continue with their soccer development.
Manea is already putting his new tricks and techniques to good use as he prepares for the 2014 Under-17 Gulf Cup which will take place in neighbouring Doha, Qatar next month.
Although at the moment, he is taking a much-needed rest after suffering a leg injury while playing for Busaiteen Club against Riffa.
As he recuperates at home he gets to spend time with his biggest fan, his father Fouad who works at the Ministry of Interior.
Manea said: “My father has been by my side from the beginning. He is very excited for me and encourages me to go after my dream of becoming a professional footballer. He will always try to come and watch me play. I want to make him and the kingdom proud.
“Although my mother worries about me, as all mothers do, my entire family is very supportive and constantly take me to practice at Busaiteen six-times-a-week.”
Manea thanked VIVA and MUSS for the great opportunity as well as Busaiteen Club coach Jamal Al Ghareeb, for being such a great teacher.
