Evolution Soccer Academy: Oman International Youth Cup
Last week saw three of Evolution Soccer’s Academy teams begin their Oman International Youth Cup journey, with the U9, U11 & U13 players participating in what was one of the most eagerly awaited youth tournaments in the middle east. Highly regarded professional academies such as Arsenal (England), Man City (England), Inter Milan (Italy) and Torino (Italy) would be attending, and it would turn into an experience of a lifetime for our players and coaches.
The U9 Academy team excelled from the start and remained unbeaten in their group fixtures with results over Muscat Football Academy (Oman), Barcelona Academy (Dubai) and ESG (Oman). Simao Antunes struck up a deadly partnership with Owen Costongs, with one providing the assists and the other scoring the goals. The boys were outstanding and although they didn’t get the result they wanted in the final, losing 4-3 to Barcelona Academy (Dubai), they did all the coaches and parents proud with their hard work and skill on the ball.
The U11 team took confidence from the younger players and managed to finish third in their group, however the highlight of the tour was fixtures against Manchester City (England) and Torino (Italy), something that nobody can ever take away from them. Stand out performers Anas Zweiri and Kwame Atuah were exceptional out of possession and Karim Elnemr carried a constant threat on the counter attack throughout the tournament. The team entered into the final against a familiar face in Barcelona Academy (Dubai), however unfortunately finished in familiar circumstances as the UAE based team won 1-0.
The U13 team had a tough start to the competition by facing Inter Milan (Italy) and Hellas Verona (Italy) on the first day. Although heavy score lines were recorded, players got invaluable experience against some of the country’s hottest prospects and will no doubt learn from these amazing experiences. After the group games had finished the team were entered into the bronze quarter final and finally got their first win. Their first win was quickly followed by their second win, with player such as Otto Gundestrup and Rohan Martin starting to show their potential and turn on the style. Unfortunately, Evolution Soccer made it a hattrick of final defeats and the players lost 4-0 to Al Fohood Academy (Oman).
An experience of a lifetime for all our players that will no doubt make them better footballers and people, we would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents who supported us, as well as the league organizers for inviting us. We look to learn as a club through this experience and come back stronger next year.
Head over to our YouTube channel for match highlights and top goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Peo01x-HSSA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p12S4MRUjd8
