High hopes of success as Pro Touch Soccer Academy players prepare for Danish campaign

‘Stand up and deliver, boys’

Published: 16th June, 2011
by STEVE BARNETT

A SQUAD of more than 40 players from the Pro Touch Soccer Academy have been told “it’s time to deliver” as they prepare to go head-to-head against top youth teams from across the world. 

Some of the best players from across Camden and Islington will be on show when Pro Touch travel to Denmark to make their fourth appearance in the Dana Cup. 

Two under-11s teams, an under-13s side and 15 coaches from the academy will be jetting out to Hjorring on July 24 in a venture costing more than £40,000. 

With so much on the line, Pro Touch director Ash Rahman, who will be managing one of the under-11s teams, is adamant that his players need to start producing on the biggest stages. 

“There’s an enormous amount of expectation on the players because they want to be the best,” he said. “In order to do that they have to start winning major international competitions against the best teams. 

“They need to learn how to handle pressure and they need to deliver.”

The Dana Cup will prove the ultimate challenge for the boys as they join more than 850 teams from 45 countries across the globe.

In their previous three attempts Pro Touch have returned home with two bronze medals. 

This time Ash expects his players to bypass silver and go for gold. 

“We have the talent and skill to beat the best. Having been semi-finalists other clubs are more aware of Pro Touch so we’ll be among the favourites. 

“Not only do we want to win, but we want to win in the right way, playing the best football. 

“I’m confident that we will do just that.”