NORTON-based Aspire Academy has been handed a lifetime opportunity to develop its project through an invitation to take part in the Gothia World Youth Cup in Sweden in July.
By our staff
According to the invite, bearing the signature of Gothia Cup tournament secretary Anna Holmberg, written on March 27 2014, the tournament will run from July 13 to 19 in Gothenburg.
Speaking to Standardsport, Aspire Academy director Vengai Tinarwo said this was a lifetime chance that junior players should not miss.
“We have waited for such opportunities for a long time as an academy. This is one opportunity that upcoming footballers must not miss,” Tinarwo said.
The organisers of the tournament has also pledged to provide visiting teams with accommodation during the period of the event.
Aspire Academy is expected to send their Under-18 team for the tournament.
“We have started running around so that we prepare fully for the event. We would be more than happy if we manage to win the Cup. This will definitely give the kids a chance to play at grand stages, as well as exposing them to other football environs around the globe.”
The Gothia World Youth Cup is one of the most prestigeous youth soccer tournaments in the world where 1 600 teams from more than 70 countries participate every year.
As part of their preparations for the July event, Tinarwo will leave for South Africa this week with eight players that have been invited to undergo trials at Mighty Warriors Soccer Academy.
Tinarwo said he will be travelling with Kelly Mafusire, Russell Chifura, Desmond Machiwana, Blessing Zvikomborero Mafunga, Simbarashe Musendami, Vitalis Mashumba, David Robert Chaleka and Tatenda Makotore.
“Those that are going to impress are going to be offered an opportunity to enroll for the 2014-15 schools soccer calendar as well as participating in the academies’ league and competitions.
In another development, Friendly Academy coaches Richard Solobala and Partridge Muskwe left the country yesterday with four players who are set to undergo a one-week trial stint at Espanyol.
Speaking to this publication, Solobala said they would have gone with a bigger number but money was the biggest challenge. The players that travelled include midfielders Munashe Kaseke (15), Taku Nyabadza (14), strikers Harley Matarutse (15) and Simbarashe Maravanyika (18).
