Royal Institute, Colombo International School, Elizabeth Moir and Gateway International Colombo advanced to the semi-finals of the 10th Dialog Inter-International Schools Under-19 Football tournament which is in progress in at the Henry Pedris ground in Colombo.
Accordingly tomorrow unbeaten Royal Institute will take on Gateway Colombo in the first semi-final which is scheduled to kick off at 8.45 a.m. while the second semi-final between unbeaten Elizabeth Moir who are favourites for the title will meet Colombo International School at 10.00 a.m. Both matches will be held at Henry Pedris ground.
Royal Institute gained 13 points to lead the Group ‘A’ after four wins and draw in five games while Colombo International School playing in the same group collected 12 points with four wins and a loss. Elizabeth Moir and Gateway Colombo completed their first round matches to accumulate equal points of 13 with four wins and a draw each after five games. But Elizabeth Moir on better aggregate of goals remained as the Group ‘B’ leader.
A total of 12 teams are taking part in this energy-filled competition which is under the purview of Ministry of Education and Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL). According to Rukmal Perera, the media spokesman for FFSL and the FIFA Community Instructor, there are over 600 schools under this purview system.
“The Ministry of Education has included football as part of its Physical Education curriculum. With the scheme the schools boys and girls have the opportunity of playing in tournaments conducted by Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and play for the Sri Lanka Schools and Youth Teams,” he said.
“But unfortunately students of International schools don’t enjoy the privilege of representing teams at national level. In fact over 98 percent of these students are locals. With this Dialog Inter-International Football tournament they now get the opportunity to get into national stream. This tournament is a gateway for these footballers,” explained Perera.
The final of the tournament will be played on October 7 at the CR & FC ground in Longdon place with the kick off set at 3.45 p.m. - NA |
E-mail
