Colombo Athletic has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first academy team from Sri Lanka to receive an invitation to participate in the renowned IBER Cup, a leading global youth football tournament. This annual event attracts around 120 teams from nearly 40 countries and has been a crucial platform for aspiring professional players, including notable figures such as Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Nuno Mendes, Rafa Leão, and Vitinha, who have all highlighted their experiences there as pivotal in their careers.
In their inaugural participation, Colombo Athletic managed to secure two victories out of four matches in the group stage, successfully advancing to the knockout rounds. Despite facing formidable opponents, they ultimately did not progress further. The group stage was particularly competitive, comprised of three teams from Portugal and one from Spain, as well as teams from the UAE. Their performance has established Colombo Athletic as a ranked team in the IBER Cup, currently holding the sixth position in their group.
The academy views this experience as a vital educational opportunity and a promising beginning. Their accomplishments are further enhanced by a partnership with AC Milan, where players receive training at AC Milan camps located in both Colombo and Milan, allowing them to develop skills aligned with the Milan training philosophy.
Commenting on the achievement, Ajai Vir Singh, the President of Colombo Athletic Football Academy, stated, “This is a moment of great pride for us. We honestly did not anticipate advancing beyond the group stages. Competing against three Portuguese teams and one Spanish team was daunting, and we did not expect to progress. The fact that we did is a testament to the quality of our players and the footballing education we are providing. We are excited about what lies ahead as we continue to strive toward our development goals.”
This first foray into European competition marks a significant step in the academy’s strategy to foster a new football culture in Sri Lanka for the younger generation. The Colombo Athletic Football Academy offers weekly training sessions and is open for enrollment to boys and girls aged 5 to 17, focusing on their unique training methodology.
The primary sponsors supporting the Colombo Athletic team include Prima, Mastercard, Cinnamon Grand, Sorrell, Health-scan, and Hradtalk, along with various individual patrons.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
