The Al Ain Club rejected a request submitted by the GCC Football Organising Committee, asking them to host the under 17 juniors championship for the second straight time.

The announcement was made following the meeting held by the executive committee on Monday. The meeting was presided over by Awad Tareif Al Kutbei, the Deputy Chairman.

Al Ain organised the juniors competition last year for the first time at Qattara stadium and finished runners-up.

Their success in organising last year's event encouraged the GCC Football Association to ask them to host the championship in August.

Meanwhile, the Al Ain U-17 juniors, who made the double after winning the league and the President's cup last season, commenced their warm-up sessions at the Al Ain indoor sports hall last week.

They are preparing for the competitions in the forthcoming season.

Hamad Harib, Assistant Coach currently supervises the training sessions in the absence of Hamdi Noh, the head trainer.

The Al Ain juniors will fly to France on August 1 for a 12-day warm-up camp.

They are likely to participate in a friendly international tournament in Holland.

The squad will miss a few of their key players during the camp. They will be away with the national teams.

Khalid Salim, manager of Al Ain U-17 juniors team commenting on the timing of the event said it was not appropriate due to the hot and humid weather. But despite this he assured his team would benefit much if they host the championship.

"Our players boost their standard and experience when they play against accomplished teams. We look forward to building a strong squad that will meet the aspirations of the club," he concluded.