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YOUNG Bahraini soccer ace Ali Al Nusuf was named ‘player of the tournament’ in the first ever Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup contest.
He was in a party of players representing Tekkers Football Academy which has its headquarters in Busaiteen.
Tekkers Blue U12 reached the cup final, beating club teams such as Al Wahda and Al Jazira on route to a clash with Abu Dhabi Thistle who narrowly edged them from further glory.
Despite losing by a single goal, St Christopher’s School pupil Ali, 12, who lives in Adliya, shone brightly and received the prize accolade after being judged by all the coaches present.
His coach Deena Rahman said: “We were delighted that Ali received this award. The competition was very strong but he stood out, especially on the second day and during the important matches.
“Ali is very skilful with an outstanding football brain and has the ability to score goals himself and create opportunities for others.”
The attacking midfielder was recently selected for the national youth squad, alongside his twin brother, Saif, who is also described as a fine footballing prospect.
The Liverpool supporter’s prize was a ball signed by the entire Manchester City first team squad – his favourite team’s arch-rivals for a spot in next season’s European Champions League. It was handed to him on stage by tournament organiser, Simon Zappia.
Modest Ali said: “I was surprised to win because there were so many good players at the tournament, but I am very glad I did! I am lucky to have a great team to play in.”
Manchester City, the English Premier League giants, are owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahayan. Many children in the UAE have already signed up for City Football Schools. Boys and girls, from three to 16, are taught by professional coaches using the same methods employed at the Etihad Campus in Manchester, including those used for the first team players.
Tekkers, named after the British soccer slang term for technique, is operated by Paul Shipwright and his wife, coach and Bahrain international, Deena, with a team of coaches based at the RCSI sporting facility, with sessions also staged at Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Soccer City in Janabiya and Jari al Sheikh in Riffa.
They took 50 players, comprising of five teams at U10 and U12 level, to the event. Tekkers Blue U10 finished fourth out of 30 teams.
Rahman added: “We were delighted to give so many children the opportunity to play in such a prestigious event. The facility, organisation and standard of play were very high and all of our players gained valuable experience from this trip.
“We were very happy at coming second in one event and fourth in the other, but equally pleased with the performances from some of our younger, developing players. We aim to give these opportunities to as many players as possible, and to take 50 children away was amazing.”
