Under 13 soccer gets 'Samaposha' boost

Bernard PERERA

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka with a view to uplifting the game of soccer has tied up with Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. to commence the under 13 soccer which is considered as stepping stone for the young soccerites. The development Department of FFSL headed by Dr. Manil Fernando along with the Schools Football Federation entered in to an agreement with CBL the producers of 'Samaposha' to conduct the under 13 all island schools soccer tournament for the year 2009 on a grand scale.

The Press conference to educate the media on this was held recently at the Football House last Monday. Addressing the Media Dr. Fernando emphasized the importance of the energy needed for a soccerite to be a perfect player through out the game. He said this is a vital component for a player. He said that soccer in Sri Lanka is highly patronized by the young generation. But the lack of nutrition has kept them from the game in the past.

He further added that this year the highlight will be the participation of nearly 100 girls teams from all soccer leagues affiliated to the federation. Previously the tournament was conducted by the Schools Association but it did not have an real effect to promote the game at this level.

This was the main reason why the FFSL thought it fitting to conduct the same with the intention of keeping the young players intact for future of the game. This is the correct age to find the best talent to continue with the game.

If this can be done perfectly we as a country will be able to produce a team to match the Asian region without much difficulty and go up the ladder to pose a threat to the region.

The tournament gets underway on Sept. 05 and will continue till September 30 in 27 centers in all parts of the country. The winners of each team will qualify for the final round to be staged in Colombo from October 9-11.

Over 350 boys teams and nearly 100 girls teams are expected to compete in this tourney. The winners of each category will be awarded the 'Samaposha Trophy' while there will be special awards for Best Player, Best Fair Play Team and the Best Goal Keeper.

Group Director CBL, Nandana Wickramage said that his company has been a partner for many sports in the country. This time too the company decided to come forward for the event as it is sure to benefit the sport immensely. The Football Federations Development division has come forward with great idea to commence the development of the game at the grassroot level which is the most vital point that is needed for the development of the sport.

Our Company thought it fitting to join hands with this program thinking better future for the game of soccer.

He also added that 'Samaposha' is a nutritious food specially for the young ones who requires lot of energy to become class players. This made with the local ingredients will not only help the players but also serve the nation at large. He thanked the Management for giving the opportunity to be a partner in the valuable program which the Company hoes to continue for long.