Norwich City, Newcastle United, Melbourne City Triumph In 2024 Mina Cup
The 2024 Mina Cup, a prestigious youth football tournament, concluded with Norwich City FC, Newcastle United FC, and Melbourne City FC among the top winners. The event, held at the Jebel Ali Golf and Shooting Club and Resort, also saw local teams Forza FC and Barca Academy Dubai clinching titles in their respective age groups.
Norwich City FC emerged victorious in the U-12 category with a 2-0 win over Fursan Hispania. Newcastle United FC secured the U-13 title after a nail-biting 5-4 penalty shootout against Chicago Fire. Meanwhile, Melbourne City FC claimed the U-14 trophy with a 2-1 victory over Atlas FC. In the older age groups, Forza FC won the U-15 trophy by defeating Dubai City FC 2-1, and Barca Academy Dubai took home the U-16 crown after beating Dubai City FC.
The ceremony saw English football legend Teddy Sheringham, alongside Adel Al Bannai from Dubai Sports Council, Chris Brown, founder of the Mina Cup, and Stuart McMurdo of Jebel Ali Golf and Shooting Club and Resort, presenting the awards. Sheringham, celebrated for his memorable contributions to English football, including a pivotal role in Manchester United's 1999 UEFA Champions League victory, served as the tournament ambassador.
The success of this year's Mina Cup has inspired plans to expand the competition internationally, with future tournaments set to take place in England, Saudi Arabia, and the USA. Winners from these international competitions will gather in Dubai for the grand finals. The JA Sports Centre's state-of-the-art facilities played host to this year's event, featuring four fully floodlit international-size football pitches.
Teams from around the world traveled to Dubai to compete in the Mina Cup, alongside regional academies and clubs that qualified through UAE rounds held in November 2023. The tournament aims to foster a footballing legacy by supporting teams and players on their journey to professional football.
With inputs from WAM
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