Pro Touch Academy kids live the dream to conquer the world

Published: August 11, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

A TEAM of gifted young footballers played their part in helping achieve “a 15-year” goal when they struck gold at an international youth tournament in Denmark.

Players representing Pro Touch Soccer Academy beat some of the best teams in the world on their way to being crowned under-13s champions at the prestigious Dana Cup.

For academy director Ash Rahman their success fulfils a lifelong dream, and was the perfect reward for a “tremendous team effort”.

“As a player and now a manger I’ve been involved with the Dana Cup for 15 years,” he said. “To finally come back with a gold medal is fantastic. I’m proud of all the boys – it’s a fantastic achievement for them, and for the academy.

“Success doesn’t just happen overnight, it continually takes a lot of hard work and a tremendous team effort. We’re fortunate to have some of the best players from Camden and Islington, so we expect to be competing in finals and winning major tournaments.”

Pro Touch also took two of their under-11s teams to the competition, which was held in Hjorring, north of Aalbourg. Separated into ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ teams, the reds collected a bronze medal in their age group.

“At their age the most important thing is that the players continue to develop,” Ash added.

“All the players did extremely well and have continued to improve since joining the academy. There will be plenty of time for them to win trophies in the future.”