Inter-International schools soccer from Monday

Bernard PERERA

The ninth annual Inter-International schools under 17 soccer championship for Boys and open championship for Girls is scheduled to commence on March 14. This year's championship is organized by the British School in Colombo said Principal of the British School Andrew Fowler-Watt at a press briefing held at the British School on Monday.

The tournament has attracted twelve teams from the affiliated schools, while girls teams have consented to play in the Girls category. Last year only nine team sent in their entries but this year it has increased to twelve said the Fowler. This proves that the international schools in Sri Lanka have taken a great interest for the sport.

He also said that in the future tournaments has to be arranged for under 13 and 15 to give an opportunity for the younger ones to enter soccer arena at the young age. This is sure to improve the standard of the game at school level.

It was stated that the teams are grouped into four groups while the Girls teams play on a league basis and the two top teams are to battle the final.

The Boys will play the preliminary round on a league basis and the top two teams move to play the quarter finals. The matches are to be played at Campbell Park, Borella and at FFSL ground at Bedegana, Kotte. The final will take place at CR&FC ground.

Media Director FFSL Rukmal Perera speaking at the briefing said that though the International Schools in the island are not competing in the national school competitions most of the students participating are locals.

They too are to be considered for national tournaments. If they are to be selected for various age groups they have to improve the standard of the game which was not seen last year.

He too agreed with Fowler's comment that soccer should be introduced to other age groups.

If this is done the FFSL too can help mould them to be good soccerites while having a sharp eye on them for selections to national pools.

He thanked the British School for giving an opportunity to express this views for the benefit of the students keen on taking to the world renown game.

The tournament comes to close on March 28 with the Boys and Girls final at CR&FC ground.

The teams Participating

(Boys)

Group 'A: British School, Colombo. Lyceum International School, Nugegoda, Lyceum International School, Wattala, Group 'B': Asian International School, Alethea International School, Overseas School, Colombo Group 'C': Gateway International School, Lieghton Park International School, Colombo International School, Group 'D': Royal Institute, Bolvoir International School, Colombo International School, Kandy. Girls: British School, Overseas International School, Colombo International School, Gateway International School, Leighton Park International School.