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The kingdom’s young footballers will be kick-starting the new year by scoring for green crusaders Bahrain Beachcombers in a first-of-its-kind charity competition.
More than 200 boys and girls from various teams, including players from Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain, Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) and Ibn Khuldoon National School (IKNS), will be vying for honours in the Bahrain Youth Football tournament on January 23.
The day-long competition, to be held at the BRFC, will feature skilful soccer fanatics playing for cups and medals in the under-9 and under-11 age groups.
Organiser Paul Vrijhof, 41, managing director of Dutch independent tank storage provider Vopak, has been working alongside BRFC to stage what he hopes to be the first of many football events to come.
Vrijhof said: “There is a lot of young football talent in Bahrain but, unfortunately, there isn’t any youth league and a lot of kids would love to play matches. I thought, why not create a tournament for these youngsters?
“It is important that the kids get a chance to play football and this way they will enjoy their hobby whilst supporting a good cause. Every child taking part will pay BD1, which will go towards the charity.”
Bahrian Beachcombers, the charity champions, have been cleaning up the kingdom’s shores of dirty nappies, plastic bags, bottle tops, oil bottles and the odd tyres.
Darren Schneider, founder of the environment-friendly group, has been working tirelessly with more than 35 volunteers of different ages and walks of life to ensure that the kingdom stays debris free, including the popular beach at Nurana Island, off Karanah, near Seef.
Schneider is thrilled for the support. He said: “The money raised will go towards some signage that will be placed at certain points along the beach as well as some promotional items. The signs will advise people not to dump their rubbish along with some sort of fine imposed on those that litter, especially the fishermen or the boat owners.
“The Northern Municipality has announced that all violators will be prosecuted, so hopefully this step will make our efforts easier.
“The money raised will also help with purchasing cleaning materials and possibly some t-shirts and hats that will promote the Bahrain Beachcombers.”
There are 19 teams taking to the pitch, of which 10 are in the under-9 category and nine are in the under-11 group.
The competition format will feature group stages of four to five teams that will cross each other in the finals.
Football teams are also looking forward to the competition. Paul Shipwright, director of the Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain, said: “We are entering as many boys and girls in the different age groups so that they get the opportunity and experience of playing in matches.
“We are looking forward to a fun and friendly event.”
Paul’s sons, Cesar, eight, and Vince, 11, will be playing on one of the Arsenal Soccer School teams. They are both excited to be part of the action.
Vince, a St Christopher’s Junior School student, said: “I think it’s a really good idea to have this tournament and I can’t wait. I used to play on a weekly basis back home in Holland with one team and compete. But we rarely have that in Bahrain. It will be great to be a part of a competition again. Also this tournament is for a good cause. Perhaps, when the beaches are clean we can start playing there.”
Although registration to the tournament is currently closed, Vrijhof is planning to host another competition in spring for children under-8 and under-12.
Organisers are working on finalising the fixtures and sponsors are welcome to join in the fun.
There will also be a raffle draw which will include flight tickets, sponsored by RCI Tickets, to a European League football game.
For details, email paul.vrijhof@vopak.com
Under-9:
IKNS 1
IKNS 2
Al Hekma
Arsenal 1
Arsenal 2
Arsenal 3
Rugby Club 1
Rugby Club 2
Soccer Stars
BSB
Under-11:
IKNS
Al Hekma
Arsenal 1
Arsenal 2
Arsenal 3
Rugby Club 1
Rugby Club 2
Soccer Stars
BSB
