Hazza Bin Zayed Football Tournament held under the theme of “Year of Giving”
COMPETITION TO WIN THE TITLE OF THE 9TH EDITION KICKS OFF TONIGHT WITH TWO MATCHES
Both teams, Al Ain and Partizan of Serbia, will start the competition of the 9th edition of the Hazza Bin Zayed International U17 Football Tournament 2017 at 6:00 p.m. this evening at Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Stadium in Al Qattara. It signifies the opening match of Group A. Following this match and on the same pitch, the second match will kick off at 8:00 p.m. between Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco and Zamalek Club of Egypt. This match is looked at as a pure Arab derby between two strong teams in the first confrontation of Group B.
The City of Beauty is looking forward to witnessing new episodes of excitement expected to be revealed by the competing teams to win the title of this season. The heat of games will be high specially after the technical committee approved the new rule of cancelling the draw result in all the games of the tournament. This means that the team that manages to win the match within the specified original time will get three points, while the loser does not get any point. However, in the case of a draw, each team earn one point before they move to penalty shootouts. The winner in the penalties will be given additional point. Consequently, the winner will get two points and the loser will get one point only.
ARRIVAL OF TEAMS
All teams participating in the “International” Tournament have already arrived yesterday and early morning today through the international airports of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Group A teams include teams of: Al Ain, Partizan of Serbia and Valencia of Spain, Group B teams include: Atlantic Bilbao of Spain, Zamalek of Egypt and Wydad Athletic of Morocco.
ABU DHABI SPORTS
Abu Dhabi Sports has acquired the exclusive broadcasting rights for all the games of the “International” Tournament scheduled to be held during the period 9-14 April 2017 through its various channels. This signifies AD Sports remarkable excellence in winning the exclusive broadcasting of all the tournament matches since its inception in 2008 until the current 9th Tournament without interruption.
EXPRESSING MAJOR INTEREST
H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of Al Ain Football Club Company, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the staff in charge of all preparations for the launch of the Hazza Bin Zayed International U17 Football Tournament 2017 that will be launched on 9th April 2017. He stated that “We realized a remarkable interest and evident efforts paid by everyone. Indeed, there is substantial work and terrific coordination in line with the highest standards required to organize such tournaments and everyone’s keenness to present this tournament as a magnificent occasion and in the manner matches the reputation of Al Ain Club, in particular this tournament is so precious for everyone as it bears the name of “His Highness” Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Senior Vice-President of Al Ain Club, Senior Vice-President of the Honorary Council and Chairman of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club.” He added, “We are confident that the “International Tournament” will come out in the best shape. In this regard, we have to underscore the two sides: the administrative and technical aspects. This competition continues to discover talents as the age of 17 reflects a sensitive stage in the human’s life. We, in Al Ain Football Company, are always keen in to adopt best practices in dealing with our children. These players at this age always have high competition among them in order to prove their identity. We do hope that the results will be as required to achieve the desired objectives of the coming period.
Al Hajeri valued the role of Abu Dhabi Sports Council chaired by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in sponsoring and supporting all sporting events and activities that are always held in the beloved capital of Abu Dhabi. Specially, they are always associated with the remarkable successes at the continental and international levels.
He also expressed his sincere wishes for a joyful stay to all the delegations participating in the 9th International Tournament in Al Ain. He pointed out, “We hope that the Tournament will receive the excellent media coverage and the required public presence to enhance the successes that have been associated with the International Tournament.”
YEAR OF GOODNESS
Sultan Rashid, Head of the Organizing Committee of Hazza Bin Zayed U17 International Football Tournament 2017 and member of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Football Club Company, emphasized that the Board of Directors of Al Ain Football Club Company decided to hold the 9th edition of Hazza Bin Zayed Tournament under the theme of “Year of Goodness” consistent with the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates.” He stated that, ” The Tournament opening ceremony activities will commence at 5:30 p.m. at Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Stadium in Qattara which will involve simplified and varied activities.
TOURNAMENT BOOKLET
The Head of the Organizing Committee pointed out, “We have been keen to issue a special booklet on the tournament as used to do in this event. It consists of nearly 100 pages in both the Arabic and English languages. The Booklet includes a comprehensive historical background of the International Tournament in all its stages since its inception until the 8th edition, along with important information about the competing teams to win the title of the current edition of the tournament. The booklet highlights the main touristic and heritage features of the city of Al Ain and various details related to Al Ain Club, the organizer of the tournament … etc.
SUCCESS PARTNERS
Praising the efforts paid by all the committees, the Head of the Organizing Committee commended at the same time the efforts of the Director of the Tournament, Abdullah Ali, the Administrative Supervisor of Al Ain Football Academy, as well as the Technical Committee headed by Ali Khamis Al Junaibi, Technical Director of the Football Academy and the Marketing Committee headed by Abdullah Khoury. At the same time, he expressed his deep appreciation to the 20 sponsors and success partners from a public and private sectors, including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Strategic Partner, Hili Rayhaan Rotana Hotel, Mohammed Rasool Khoury, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the United Arab Emirates University, Al Foah Date Farming and Production in Al Ain, Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Pharmacy, Lotus for Holidays, History Restaurant, Hili Mall, Bawadi Mall, Al Jimi Mall, Golden Sheep Restaurant, Cool Astor, Sweets Palace, Hafeet Station, Al Wajaha Trading, Al Ain Poultry Farm and Al Yahar Recreation Center.
FINANCIAL AND IN KIND REWARDS
Sultan Rashid said that the Organizing Committee has already allocated financial rewards to be presented to the winner and the runner. The winner of the first place in the tournament will receive 55,000 dirhams along with the cup and gold medals, while the runner up will receive 35,000 dirhams in addition to the silver medals. The Organizing Committee will celebrate the winners of personal titles, including: the best player, the best goalkeeper and the ideal team and will offer them precious and valuable prizes. A valuable award will be presented to the best player in each game.
He added: “In order to underline the importance of the role of the fans in the success of the tournament, the Organizing Committee prearranged events accompanying the tournament, including prizes for the fans and cultural, heritage and tourism programs, workshops and humanitarian initiatives that coincide with the Year of Goodness. We hope that the fans will enjoy the Tournament matches and the accompanying programs.
HISTORY OF THE TOURNAMENT
The International Tournament was launched in 2008 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi Emirate, Senior Vice-President of Al Ain Club, Senior Vice-President of the Honorary Council and Chairman of Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club.
The winner of the first edition was the Senegal Football Academy. The second title was for Valencia, then the third title was won by Manchester City. Al Ain Club won the fourth title and then Manchester City repeated the scenario and won the fifth title to become the only club who won the trophy twice so far.
Dynamo Zagreb of Croatia won the Sixth Title, and in 2014 our National Junior Team won the seventh title, before Al Jazeera won the title of the eighth edition.
