Tourney attracts three foreign teams

By Y.P. SIVAM

sivam@thestar.com.my 

THREE foreign teams, including two from Singapore, have confirmed participation in the Ulu Klang Recreation Club (UKRC)- Astro Soccer Nines at the UKRC ground this weekend. 

The two teams from Singapore are Singapore Recreation Club and Old Boys FC while the lone team from Thailand is Prince of Songkla University. 

The local teams are Penang Sports Club, Kulim Club, Taiping Chinese Recreation Club, the Malacca Club, Melodi Jaya, Korea@Malaysia FC, Royal Selangor Club, Malaysian Grasshopper FC and UKRC. 

UKRC president Andrew Gopal said the competition was started six years ago to bring together players from all over the country. 

Andrew (centre) holding up the challenge trophy as sponsors’ representatives look on.

“Then it was only limited to local teams.  

“However, we were encouraged to invite foreign teams to add more excitement.  

“The competition has grown into an eagerly awaited one as many former internationals are playing for their respective clubs,” said Andrew after receiving sponsorship pledges. 

Sponsors include Astro, Coca-Cola, Line-7, Ho Hup Construction, Mei Keng Fatt Seafood Restaurant and NUFA Advertising.  

“Without their support, it would not have been possible for us to organise the competition annually,” said Andrew. 

The 12 teams will be divided into three groups. After the preliminary rounds, the top two teams from each group will advance to the second round. The six teams will be divided into two groups with the top two from each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Teams that do not qualify for the second round will play in the Losers Pool. 

The champions will receive RM1,000 cash and a challenge trophy while the runners-up will get RM500. There will be individual prizes for the top scorer and the best goalkeeper will receive the Ong Yu Tiang Memorial trophy. 

Andrew also urged residents to come and watch the matches.

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