Around 60 young footballers (14-15 years) showcased their talent on the Bahrain Football Training pitches in front of the Manchester United Soccer School coaches. The second day of the try-outs was as power-packed and full of energy as the players themselves, who knew their performance on the ground would seal whether they got to live their dream of flying to the UK to train like their football heroes or not.
The Manchester United Soccer School coaches – Kevin O’ Connell and Andy Robinson, were extremely impressed by how well the players knew their game and how open they were to advice on how to improve further.
“Every single player we saw here today deserved this opportunity. We were thrilled with their attitude and inspired by their enthusiasm. Not only did they play well, they were having fun out there. You would expect them to be nervous, but all we saw was confidence and a shared love for the game.”
As for those who have not made the cut for the final 18, the coaches have some solid advice. “Practice makes perfect- that’s not just a saying- it’s a mantra. Hold on to your passion, keep training, and keep aspiring for greater things. There’s always next year.”
Yusif Alshammasi, one of the young hopefuls vying for a place in the final 18, said, “I want to go to Manchester and train with the best coaches. It would be amazing to play amongst the seniors and make my mark.”
Choosing the final 18 was not an easy task for the Manchester United Soccer School coaches, with 120 bright, determined youngsters to pick from over the two days of the final try-out sessions. They were evaluated on three main skill criteria – passing, keeping possession and close ball control. At the end of each session, the two Manchester United Soccer School coaches discussed the overall performance of all participants in order to choose those who will make it to the final 18 and get the chance of their lifetime – to live, play and train at the Manchester United Soccer School in the UK from the 8th to the 14th of July, 2012.