Aspire Academy football teams recently concluded their season with a series of games both at home and abroad. One squad traveled to Dalian, China to participate in the ISF Football World Cup 2024. The ISF, established in 1972, is an international non-profit sports organization that oversees school sports globally. Aspire Academy represented Qatar in the tournament, where they faced tough competition from teams across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America.
During the tournament, Aspire Academy secured victories against Chile and England, drew with Thailand, and lost to Turkey, finishing as runners-up in their group. They went on to defeat Kenya and Germany before ultimately finishing 10th overall after a loss to Ukraine. Juan Pablo Morales, the Technical Coordinator for the trip, emphasized the importance of such tournaments in providing players with valuable experience and high-pressure situations to evaluate their performance.
Furthermore, Aspire Academy hosted friendly matches against under-17 and under-15 teams from Qarabag, as well as an under-13 squad from Ettifaq. The matches showcased the talent and skills of the Academy’s young players, with the under-13 squad securing a 5-0 win in their first friendly against Ettifaq. The under-17s also had successful matches against Qarabag, highlighting the depth of talent within the Academy’s teams.
In addition to international tournaments and friendlies, the Aspire feeder team traveled to Turkey to compete in the Antalya Junior World Cup 2024. The tournament featured teams from various age groups, with Aspire Academy entering their feeder team in the under-12 event. The young players put on an impressive display, winning five out of their six matches and finishing third overall. Although they suffered a loss to Besiktas, who went on to win the category, the team’s performance highlighted their potential and skill.
Looking ahead, Aspire Academy has scheduled a training camp for all age groups in Bulgaria in August. The players will also travel to Azerbaijan for training and a series of friendly matches, continuing their development and preparation for future competitions. The Academy’s commitment to providing opportunities for young footballers to showcase their talent and grow as players is evident in their participation in various tournaments and friendly matches both locally and internationally.
In conclusion, Aspire Academy’s football teams have had a successful season, with strong performances in international tournaments, friendly matches, and the Antalya Junior World Cup. The players have demonstrated their talent, determination, and potential, showcasing the Academy’s commitment to nurturing young footballers and providing them with valuable opportunities to develop their skills. Aspire’s upcoming training camps and friendly matches in Bulgaria and Azerbaijan will further contribute to the growth and success of the Academy’s football program, ensuring that the players continue to excel both on and off the field.
