The inaugural Emirates Islamic National School League Football competition has picked up the baton from its sibling cricket and basketball events and kept the NSL concept moving at a brisk pace.
That is according to Sport360 publisher and deputy CEO, Didier Brun, who believes NSL Football has a “very bright future”.
A variety of nationalities brought together by the beautiful game has underpinned the tournament, from the goal-laden group stages to the drama, heartbreak and elation that engulfed the knockout stages, and Brun can’t wait to see what else is in store in the next season.
“The inaugural NSL Football has taken the baton on from our NSL Cricket and Basketball leagues and produced an amazing first season,” said Brun.
“It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm the schools, coaches and kids have for the league and it once again proved the huge potential for growth for the NSL concept.
“Our mission is to provide and develop a league incorporating great skill, teamwork and sportsmanship and we are thrilled to have achieved those with the opening NSL Football league.
“It has provided us with wonderful matches, goals and moments throughout and, together with our major partner, Emirates Islamic, we see a very bright future to further grow this league by getting more and more schools and children involved.”
Jamal Bin Ghalaita, CEO, Emirates Islamic, was similarly enthused by the first staging of the tournament, which lasted just shy of four months, talking excitedly about how much he had been “dazzled” by the stars of tomorrow that were on show.
“In its very first year, the Emirates Islamic National School League Football proved to be a great success and we are extremely pleased to be a part of this fantastic tournament,” he said.
“The quality of football that we witnessed during the tournament was absolutely dazzling and I am glad that the future stars of tomorrow got the opportunity to display their exceptional skills and talent.
“I would like to thank all the schools and children who participated and look forward to making the event an integral part of the nation’s sports calendar.”
