Dream Welsh trip: Following in Gerrard’s footsteps

The Welsh International Super Cup has been graced in the past by footballers who went on to be superstars such as Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Andriy Shevchenko. Now a team from Dubai will be the first from this region to take part in one of Europe's most prestigious youth tournaments. Rohan Alvares joined their preparations.

It was one of fate's unexpected offerings. E-Sports Dubai Football Academy head coach Terry Kidd decided to make a casual enquiry to the organisers of a renowned youth tournament in Wales.

And it led to a surprise invitation to be the first team from the Middle East to compete in the Welsh International Super Cup, one of the most coveted youth football tournaments in Europe.

Formerly known as the Ian Rush Tournament in honour of the Liverpool legend, this year's edition run by event company Team Tours Direct opens on Sunday at Aberystwyth. The tournament has formed the platform for the rise to stardom of names such as Steven Gerrard, Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Owen, Tomas Rosicky and several others. That it attracts a host of Premiership football scouts is also a measure of its pedigree.

Dubai Football Academy have chosen select under-11 and under-12 sides for the trip and they will be accompanied by a third team comprising the best players from various GEMS education institutions.

And clearly, the budding talents are finding it hard to not indulge in a touch of "fantasy football" as they dream of joining their idols on the big stage.

"It's a good feeling to be playing in a tournament in which people you look up to have played in," said Michael Foote, 11. "It's a good experience for us playing against teams from different countries, it gives us more visibility," he added.

Kidd has enjoyed the fortune of playing in the tournament in his own days as a 13-year-old and has repeatedly shared his experience with his wards. "I was simply ecstatic to be associated with the tournament again," he said. "When you see the names that have played in it like Owen, Gerrard, Shevchenko, they don't get any bigger than that. I've been explaining to the kids how big an event it is and how lucky they are to get this experience."

Most of the players are hardcore Liverpool fans. So in the possibility of interest from any rival club, will any of them turn against their beloved Reds? "I wouldn't mind. I'll show Liverpool how good I am," grinned Foote.

However, Kidd and the rest of the E-Sports management have different ideas. "We try to avoid stressing the subject of scouts being present as it's all about the kids going out there to do their best and enjoy themselves," said the 24-year-old coach.

Try telling that to the boys though. Under-12 midfielder Tom Whelan reckons his team are capable of more than just having a ball.

"We've got the players to win it. It's going to be hard but we're looking forward to it," he said.

Intense action beckons in battle for cup

Teams start off by competing in one big event with all group matches being played from Monday to Wednesday. Depending on group positions, teams advance to one of three tournaments. Teams who finish in the top section of their groups will contest for the Welsh International Super Cup. Teams who finish in the middle will contest for the Welsh Super Challenge Cup while the remaining compete for the Welsh Super Shield.

The Welsh International Super Cup