The Next Generation of Football Stars

The next generation of football stars have arrived in Qatar ahead of the eighth edition of the Alkass International Cup.
 
Back for the eighth consecutive year, the tournament brings together the world’s best Under-17 football teams, giving talented young players from 12 of the world’s best-known clubs an opportunity to showcase their abilities at Aspire Zone. Known for hosting exceptional moments in sports achievements, the Aspire Pitches are a place where future sporting stars are made. 
 
Representing Qatar, Aspire Academy is competing in this year’s edition of the tournament. The Academy’s football program is recognised as one of the strongest in the world in many aspects, including detection and selection of talents, in addition to training, competition and evaluation of players. In 2017, for the first time in the tournament’s history, Qatar’s own Aspire Academy made it through to the final, facing Real Madrid who went on to secure the title.  
 

Today, fans can look forward to two Group A clashes. Picking up where we left off, the first match of the competition will be between last year’s finalists - reigning champions Paris Saint Germain, and runners-up Kashiwa Reysol. Qatar’s own Aspire Academy will then face Moroccan side Raja Club Athletic. 
 
In this year’s tournament, VAR will be used for the first time, as well as welcoming the FIFA Women’s Referees to take part in the Alkass International Cup.
 
The Alkass International Cup games will be broadcasted live on Al Kass Sports Channels, with both English and Arabic commentary. In addition, live streaming of the matches will be available on Alkass TV website. The tournament will also be covered on Alkass International Cup’s Social Media platforms.
 
The world-class tournament will take place on Aspire pitches four and five, and will be open to the public to attend through the 12 day duration.