Manchester Grammar School (MGS), winners of the International Hadaf football tournament and the Qatar-UK Challenge Trophy.
Doha: Manchester Grammar School (MGS) won the International Hadaf football tournament to clinch the Qatar-UK Challenge Trophy.
In the final match Manchester Grammar School defeat QUESS 6-1.
Three UK school teams competed with local youth teams in the under-17 competition, which took place at Aspire Zone from December 13 to 17 and formed part of the Qatar-UK Year of Culture 2013.
The participating teams from Qatar were Evolution Soccer, the American School of Doha, and QUESS. The UK teams were represented by Manchester Grammar School, Shrewsbury School, and Oldham Hulme Grammar School.
The tournament was organized in partnership with Aspire Logistics and Evolution Sports Academy.
Cecille Elbeleidi, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy and a host of officials were presetn for the closing ceremony at the Aspire Dome.
The UK school team coach was delighted on the success of his boys in Qatar.
“Congratulations to all the participating teams. It has been a unique experience and a very well organized tournament with great facilities and one that Manchester Grammar School will never forget. Besides exchanging a shared passion between young people from around the world, the tournament allowed for a unique cultural exchange that I believe they will never forget,” Mark Facchini, coach of MGS said.
Martin Hope, Director of the British Council, said Football is a shared passion in Qatar and in the UK, creating leaders on and off the pitch, showcasing talent and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
“This tournament offered talented young athletes from both countries the opportunity to meet, compete and learn from each other – deepening athletic and cultural ties between the two nations for years to come,” Hope said.
“We are absolutely delighted to be able to support this schools football tournament at the Aspire Academy. International sporting events like this provide an ideal opportunity for young people from across the world to make new friendships, learn about different cultures and gives them positive life experiences we hope they never forget. The Qatar-UK Year of Culture has given us the kick-start required to make this important event happen and we hope that it becomes an annual event,” Christopher Earle, Director of Sport at Aspire Academy for Sporting Excellence, said.
The Qatar-UK Challenge Trophy follows the successful Premier Skills programme that took place earlier this year.
The Peninsula
