The Bangladeshi Football Association (BFAuk) was invited to an International tournament hosted by the Pro Touch Academy in North London.
The Sporting Bengal Academy U12s headed to North London with a spring in their step knowing that they were already having a good season. They were in second place in the East London & Essex Junior League, with 5 games left to play. Add the fact that a few of the lads are coming off the back of winning the Mayors Cup with their Club Side Osmani FC! It was a good feeling.
There were six teams involved including Protouch, Arsensl Acadamy and a visiting team from Croatia. The tournament was a league format, with five games at 15 Nuns each. The top two teams at the end would play in the final. Our boys were very impressive throughout and showed their ability. They won two & drew three – thereby coming top of the group.
The final was contested between the visiting side Croatia and Sporting Bengal. It was a very tight affair with Bengals having most of the possession and chances but, as they say, “it’s a funny old game!” The Croatians had one good chance and scored. They sat back and soaked up the pressure. Our boys just could not break them on this occasion and the game ended 1-0 to Croatia.
Manager and Coach Imrul Gazi of the Sporting Bengals side said, “We came here for the experience. Today was about the boys being taken out of their comfort zone. We know this bunch of boys are talented. Today they proved to us, themselves and to others outside East London that BFAuk and Sporting Bengal Academy are going in the right direction. It’s a proud day for us all. Everyone was commenting on our style if play and the talent on display. We don’t stop here. The work continues and the development goes on, but it’s an amazing achievement for the boys and I am very proud of them. We were very unlucky not to return home with the winners medal.”