The Goal Academy - Bangkok Interantional Youth Football Festival

Bangkok International Youth Football Festival

The Goal Academy recently returned from Thailand, after competing in the Bangkok Youth International Football Festival. The two-day tournament was organised by Bangkok Youth Soccer and took place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th November. (check out tournament photos)

On the first day, our young U12s got off to an excellent start, coming from behind to win 2-1 against a Thai opposition. They went on to secure a Cup place with a tough 0-0 draw against the giant White Tigers and a mighty 2-0 win against BSL B. The U10s endured a faltering start but recovered well to win their third game through a fabulous hat-trick from the "Little Magician" Iman Alwani. Unfortunately, they were to narrowly miss out on a Cup place with a 1-0 loss to Hanoi in the final match of the day.

On Sunday morning, GA went up against Gold Star Hanoi in the Bowl throwing everything at them but the proverbial kitchen sink, sadly to no avail. Having drawn 0-0, GA took on ANZA Soccer in their final match needing 3pts to stand a chance of winning the Bowl. Once again, Iman Alwani popped up with the vital goal to secure a 1-0 victory. Gold Star Hanoi's 2-1 win in the last match meant a tie on points and goal difference, but their extra goal scored meant the Bowl was heading back to Vietnam this year. Nevertheless, a great performance by the GA U10s!!!

In the U12s division, two last-minute goals saw GA lose an incredible fight against Grp A winners in the Quarter-Finals of the Cup, only for the result to be overturned as the opposition were kicked out fielding over-age players. Sadly, in the Semi-Final, the young U12s couldn't repeat their spirited performance and were undone by a strong Thai team. Nevertheless, the GA boys entered the 3rd/4th Place Final determined to go out on a high. From the first whistle, GA were on the attack against a surprised BSL team. First Captain Sami rifled in a goal then midfield dynamo Anthony Chai popped up with another excellent goal to secure third place in the U12s division for The Goal Academy boys!!!

The Goal Academy would like to thank all of you who made the trip so enjoyable. The teams were once again supported brilliantly and responded well by putting in some really tough performances over the course of the competition. Well done GA boys!!!